GivingTuesdayNow

A push for generosity during the pandemic

GivingTuesday, an organization founded on the transformative power of generosity, has designated May 5 as a global day of giving and unity. The emergency event, called GivingTuesdayNow, is intended to spark a worldwide movement of support, philanthropy and civic engagement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A global movement

In 2012, GivingTuesday was created to celebrate and encourage acts of generosity and kindness at the grassroots level. Held on the first Tuesday after Black Friday, the organization’s annual event is intended to promote the ability of individuals to affect positive change in their community. Whether you choose to give your time, money or voice, the ultimate goal of GivingTuesday is to inspire collaboration toward an equitable world.

How you can help

To facilitate community involvement during the pandemic, GivingTuesday has created a directory of non-profits, small businesses, schools, faith-based organizations and other local groups that could use your support. During this unprecedented time of need, you could:

• Show your gratitude for health-care workers by staying home and donating supplies

• Assist small businesses by purchasing gift cards to use online or at a later date

• Reach out to relatives and neighbours to remind them that they’re not alone

• Donate what you can to a non-profit organization you care about

• Volunteer for a local group providing aid to at-risk individuals in your area

The organization also encourages participants to print out or create their own GivingTuesdayNow rainbow heart poster to display in the window as a sign of support.

For more information about GivingTuesdayNow and how you can help your community, visit givingtuesday.ca.