The Giving Tree has become an annual tradition for many congregations. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the Gifts of Change catalogue is found in the hands of Presbyterians from coast to coast. This resource highlights local and international PWS&D and PCC projects that one can give to, such as supplying seeds for a family’s household garden, providing training for a mothers’ group to make menstrual products for primary school girls or buying a sewing machine for a marginalized young person. The Giving Tree also includes Christmas tree ornaments to hang up on a creative display within a church’s building.
Chedoke Presbyterian Church has done the Giving Tree together with other local initiatives over the past number of years. Last year, the Hamilton, Ont., church fundraised towards one common gift. “PWS&D Director Guy Smagghe had just come to speak about Nepal,” shares Christine Vizzari, one of the co-Champions at the church, “so we focused on a project there.”
Chedoke’s mission committee highlighted the initiative to the congregation during Sunday services, but most important to engaging their community was having someone in the lobby each week to answer questions. “The question we got asked the most was ‘what is this?’,” shares Lynda Pollock, another co-Champion at Chedoke.
A member of the congregation made a felt tree to hang in the narthex. When someone donated to the Nepal project, they got to place an ornament on it—something the congregation found both fun and inspiring, as the tree became filled with ornaments.
The Giving Tree is a great opportunity to share stories about the work of PWS&D with those in your congregation who have not heard about the difference the church is making for people in difficult situations around the world. “When people feel connected with those the gifts are supporting, it motivates them,” Christine reflects. She also emphasizes the importance of understanding what they are giving to: “Churches can also make use of the opportunity to bring people in from PWS&D to talk about the work.”
Christine wants other congregations to know, if they are considering doing the Giving Tree, that “anyone can give any amount.” For example, many children in their congregation enjoyed contributing a dollar and putting their name on an ornament for the tree. Further, it is an accessible way for volunteers to get involved. “It’s a fairly simple project for a church to take on and volunteers of any ability can help,” shares Lynda. Whether making and setting up the tree, sitting at a table to engage curious community members in conversation about the work of PWS&D, or giving to a project, it’s a great way to make a difference.
“If you can open up the opportunity to give for most people,” the pair summarizes, “that feels really good.”
To learn more about doing the Giving Tree, visit presbyterian.ca/givingtree.
This article was originally published in the 2025 winter issue of The Presbyterian Connection.
