What is it about this time of year that makes us all want to give back?
Is it because we feel that we want to ensure that one good deed before the year is out, or maybe it’s because we are suddenly aware of all that we have and how lucky we are to be here. Whatever the reason, Christmas is one of the most popular times of year for people to donate to charities and give back to causes we know and love. Here at SurfGirl we are big fans of charity and have featured and worked alongside many charities and with Christmas very much upon us, we thought what better time to share the ways you to can give back this festive season and generally all the time!
Gift to charities
One of the easiest ways to give back is via a direct donation to the charity of your choice. Whether your make the payment via their Facebook page, website or even in a collection bucket. You money will directly go towards helping their cause. If you cannot free time to physically make a difference your financial donation will help do just that.
Sponsorship
If you want to individually see your charitable donation make a difference then why not opt for sponsorship. Whether you decide to sponsor a person or animal you monthly contributions will go towards helping better their quality of life. This ultimately the gift that keeps on giving to all involved.
Volunteer your time
If a financial donation isn’t possible or you wish to personally help make a difference donating your time can also make big impact, especially over the festive period. Take a look at what is going on in your area and get involved. Whether it’s volunteering at your local charity shop, volunteering at a homeless shelter or care home. What ever you choose to do, you will personally see first hand how giving back can help better someones life, even if only for one day.
Donate
Clear out your old clothes, presents, food and other essentials. Sometimes the gift of a warm coat can be better than a handful of change. So before we get inundated with new clothes and gifts why not clear out and give those unwanted items to those who need them the most. Find your local food bank and make a donation.
Give the gift of giving to charity
Not sure what to buy the person who seems to have everything, then why not make a donation to charity on their behalf, because if you really think about it do we really need anymore ‘things’? The answer the that is probably no and with this in mind get creative with your gifts, send a gift to child in need, sponsor a donkey on their behalf or make a one off charitable donation. This gift will sure beat a pack of socks or that box of chocolates they really don’t need.
CHANGING TIDES, USA
Founded on O‘ahu in 2016, Changing Tides uses the ocean as a catalyst for empowerment, helping women and girls build confidence, community, and purpose through surfing and mentorship. Since launching its Women’s Outreach Mentorship Program in San Diego in 2018, the organization has brought more than 100 teen girls into the water, pairing surf instruction with mentorship that encourages self-trust, leadership, and connection.
Beyond its home base, Changing Tides has partnered with local communities across El Salvador, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Panama, supporting surf and education initiatives that create opportunities for girls to grow into confident, capable changemakers. Together, they’re building a global network of ocean women using action sports as a force for empowerment.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Changing Tides is expanding its surf programs across San Diego County and launching a new skateboarding initiative to reach more girls inland, proving that the same lessons of courage, balance, and belonging apply on both water and concrete.
At its heart, Changing Tides is about what happens when women lift each other up: in the lineup, on land, and across continents.
Join us in rising together—support Changing Tides Foundation through our MightyCause page
THE WAVE PROJECT, UK
The Wave Project is a UK-based charity that uses surf therapy to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. Working with trained volunteer surf mentors, the charity provides a safe, encouraging environment where participants can build confidence, resilience and build a sense of achievement and belonging, all through learning to surf. Their Adaptive Surfing programme also helps those with physical disabilities to access the water and learn to surf with the use of specialist beach wheelchairs and seated boards.
SHELTER, UK
Make a difference for homeless children living in Britain today. Shelter have made it easy for your to donate on their website to see that a family will receive the help they need this Christmas.
THE SALVATION ARMY, UK
Help where it is needed. The Salvation Army see that people in need are responded to and supported. From homelessness, modern day slavery, reuniting families, elderly on their own, people caught in domestic abuse and more, this charity has a big heart to help. You can find out more about what they do online.
FOOD BANK, UK
Help stop hunger across the UK. Thirteen million people live below the poverty line in the UK, with individuals going hungry every day for a range of reasons, from benefit delays to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. Beans on toast for a Christmas dinner is not acceptable!
OXFAM, GLOBAL
Help a family in poverty to earn a better living with buying them a goat, or supply them with clean water, whichever gift you choose from Oxfam your gift will make a huge difference for families across the globe. Find out what else you can do with Oxfam buy clicking the link below.
A21, GLOBAL
Human trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings and it is very common across the globe!
It’s the recruitment, control, and use of people for their bodies and for their labor. Through force, fraud, and coercion, people everywhere are being bought and sold against their will–right now in the 21st century.
Slavery is more stoppable than ever, and that’s why A21 are here, rallying around the world and doing the work together. You can find out more about them on the link.
RNLI, UK
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is a lifesaving charity in the UK and Ireland dedicated to saving lives at sea. Funded primarily by public donations, the RNLI operates a fleet of lifeboats, lifeguard services on many beaches and a network of highly trained volunteers who respond to emergencies in all weather conditions. The charity provides search-and-rescue services, delivers water-safety education to help prevent accidents before they happen and works with coastal communities to promote safer behaviour around the water.
BARNARDO’S, UK
Barnardo’s is a major UK children’s charity that supports vulnerable children, young people and families facing a wide range of challenges. Its work includes providing safeguarding and support services for children in care, offering practical and emotional help to those affected by poverty, abuse, exploitation or homelessness. The charity also works closely with schools, local authorities and communities to ensure children have safe, stable environments and opportunities to thrive.
