GivingTuesday is just Around the Corner
GivingTuesday is just around the corner this month, and you might be wondering, "What exactly is it?" Well, we're glad you asked! GivingTuesday stands as the globe's most extensive initiative promoting generosity, and its core mission is to integrate giving into our daily lives. The Canadian version of this movement had its origins back in 2013 and has since evolved into a nationwide event, amassing an impressive grand total of:
- $50.5m online on Nov. 29th,
- 150 backpacks for the homeless,
- 500 meals to families living with cancer,
- 3,682 pounds of pet food, and
- And serving 47 local community movements across Canada.
Why participate in GivingTuesday, you might wonder?
Well, it all stems from the fact that American Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November, followed by the widespread customs of Black Friday and Cyber Monday—a time when consumerism often overshadows gratitude. In response to this shift towards greed, a group of forward-thinkers at the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact in New York City harnessed the power of social media to reignite charitable giving as a central focus. They aimed to redirect our attention from bargain-hunting to the true spirit of the season the Tuesday after the frenzy. Among this group was Henry Timms who is named the founder of GivingTuesday. In an interview on PBS, he states the question that started it all, “Could you add a day that reversed the trend, that, after all this consumerism, people would give back, that they would engage with the world?”.
Starting as a simple social media movement, it rapidly transformed into a global organization. While the impact was growing and people like Bill Gates were using their hashtags, Timms claims that “what was really changing was, people were sitting around with their kids and they were saying, what are the charities we care about? What are the causes our family stands for? Why is philanthropy important to us?”. Conversations began in everyday settings, with the family, sparking a transformation in approaching a mission-driven outlook. Imagine the impact!
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Canada's involvement with GivingTuesday!
For us at GiveWise, it's a top priority to infuse generosity into our daily lives. That's why we've chosen to align with the GivingTuesday community as a non-profit partner and actively support this altruistic movement. Additionally, each member of our team will be personally contributing to causes close to their hearts on GivingTuesday.
There are numerous ways to engage with the GivingTuesday movement. You can leverage our platform to donate to your preferred causes, join the UNselfie movement using the hashtags #unselfie and #GivingTuesdayCA by posting a photo on your social media and sharing your chosen support, or simply donate your time and perform acts of kindness within your community.
We invite you to join us, along with countless Canadians and people from 80 countries worldwide who have partnered with GivingTuesday to embrace the practice of generosity!
Here are some causes that are relevant this month!
In light of Men’s Cancer Awareness Month and Remembrance Day, we would like to highlight ways to be generous without leaving your couch:
- Movember - Grow a Mo, or give to the Mo
- Wounded Warrior - Changing the Lives of Veterans.
Simply Login and search for Movember Canada Or Wounded Warrior Canada!
For further reading:
Check out GivingTuesday’s official website!
Here is a link to a video on what Giving Tuesday is about!
Check out this blog on the beginnings of GivingTuesday!