What is Giving Tuesday?

21 Nov What is Giving Tuesday?

Every year, the individuals from across the globe come together for Giving Tuesday, a day of philanthropy that helps restore hope and possibility to the lives of people everywhere. In 2018, millions of Canadians came together to raise more than $15 million for more than 6,500 Canadian charities and non-profits.

Established in 2012, Giving Tuesday happens on the Tuesday following Black Friday and Cyber Monday. What began as a day to celebrate the holiday season and give back to our communities as since spread across the world to more than 150 countries.

But why do we need Giving Tuesday? More than 60,000 residents of Simcoe Muskoka have their potential limited every day by poverty. This means that they are struggling to pay rent, debt or utility bills. It means they are working multiple jobs and still not making ends meet or having to choose between healthy food and keeping the lights on. It means that thousands of children are growing up in poverty, already trapped in its tragic cycle before they have a chance to escape.

This Giving Tuesday, the generosity of millions of Canadians will be embracing the force of collective giving and volunteering. Their gifts will come together to drive unforgettable change throughout our communities, making local issues #UNIGNORABLE and improving lives.

With every dollar donated on Giving Tuesday, we know we can do more. Just last year, United Way Simcoe Muskoka helped more than 5,600 youth access critical resources to help lift them out of poverty. Our goal is to meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable in our community, giving every person the opportunity to realize a better future.

By donating on Giving Tuesday, you are supporting initiatives like United Way Simcoe Muskoka’s Urgent Needs Fund. This fund was created in response to service gaps in all our communities. By addressing the most pressing needs, we can help move people out of poverty or prevent them from being trapped by it in the first place.

The Urgent Needs Fund has helped families put food on their tables, provided individuals with transportation to community supports and job interviews, and has helped pay for vaccinations and medical tests not fully covered by OHIP.

If you’ve never joined in Giving Tuesday, mark your calendar to be part of a movement that isn’t just having a global impact, but changing lives right here in Simcoe Muskoka. By joining us on Tuesday, December 3, you are supporting more possibilities for more people, which is the greatest gift you can give this holiday season.

Check out #GivingTuesday on social media on December 3 to see the incredible work happening in our communities and around the world. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date on our work in Simcoe Muskoka.