Giving Tuesday

marks the start of the giving season

Givingtuesday is a global movement for giving and volunteering, taking place each year after Black Friday. The“opening day of the giving season,” it’s a time when charities, companies and individuals join together and rally for favourite causes. In the same way that retailers take part in Black Friday at the end of November, the giving community comes together for Givingtuesday being celebrated this year on December 1.

Givingtuesday harnesses the potential of social media and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change in their communities; it provides a platform for them to encourage the donation of time, resources and talents to address local challenges. It also brings together the collective power of a unique blend of partners - nonprofits, civic organizations, businesses and corporations, as well as families and individuals - to encourage and amplify small acts of kindness. Across Canada and around the world, Givingtuesday unites communities by sharing our capacity to care for and empower one another.

Givingtuesday partners are charities, social enterprises, companies, brands, community groups, schools – any organization that is committed to helping Canadian charities or nonprofits. Givingtuesday was started in Canada by a group of founding partners dedicated to helping Canadian charities and non-profits succeed.

This year’s event is the 8th annual and comes during a time when Canadians are relying on certain charities even more that usual in light of the pandemic. Charities are experiencing the financial challenge of cancelled fund-raising events that also serve to promote awareness of their cause.

Mental health and food support services are among those services experiencing increased demand.

COVID-19 has changed the way we give and could also influence where our donations go and how much we can give. The message of GivingTuesday is one that is meant to inspire charitable giving in the spirit of the holiday season.