By the time you read this, another Black Friday will be in the books and Cyber Monday will be just around corner. Recent imports from our friends to the south, the mega-shopping days that follow U.S. Thanksgiving are annual indications that the holiday season has begun.
While these events are often beneficial to consumers and retailers alike, there’s another important day coming up immediately following the buying frenzy that looks to benefit the broader community: Giving Tuesday.
The perfect antidote to a time of year often overwhelmingly focussed on consumption, Giving Tuesday celebrates and encourages donations and volunteerism to support non-profit organizations and charities. The goal is to bolster the health and well-being of our community, while giving people a chance to take a break from the focus on consumerism.
With thousands of Canadian partner companies and organizations already involved, Dec. 2 should provide options for just about anyone looking to give back amidst the flurry of spending.
Organizations up and down the island are among those participating, including many community foundations. Locally, the Victoria Foundation is conducting a contest for people to share photos of their giving moments on our Facebook page or via email. All participants are entered into a draw for one of two prizes of $500 to be donated to the charity of the winner’s choice. Win, win.
To get involved, visit givingtuesday.ca or the Victoria Foundation’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ thevictoriafoundation.
Of course, giving back is something you should consider doing throughout the year, in whatever form that suits you: time, talent or treasure. Why not use this Dec. 2 to jumpstart your commitment to giving back to the community you live in?
Take this opportunity to do something special for someone in need. Volunteer your time to help. Offer your expertise to those that need it. Donate to a cause you care about. Find something that moves you, and take that first step.
I promise you’ll be thankful that you did.
Sandra Richardson is the CEO of the Victoria Foundation.
