Giving Tuesday (or #GivingTuesday as you’ll see it tagged on social media) was originally conceived as a counterpoint to the big shopping weekend of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Instead of buying things, the day is all about donating to charities and supporting good causes.

Giving Tuesday has been going strong for seven years, and as their official website states, “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.”

How can you get involved?

On Giving Tuesday itself (plus the days leading up to it) you’ll definitely see numerous nonprofits and charities on social media making appeals for support. Think of it as being like the old days of TV telethons, but modernized. A lot of nonprofits will have a set goal to reach, so they’ll be pulling out all the stops to get you to donate!

If you already have a cause you support (or one that you’ve been meaning to help), then be sure to bookmark them for December 3rd, as your dollars could go even further that day. Also, if your workplace offers donation matching, you can double your donation to the charity of your choice.

Can you offer support other than money?

Of course! Giving Tuesday is also about giving your time, so if you have the day free, you can commit to volunteering to help out a cause you believe in. Whether it’s sorting canned goods for a food bank, cleaning up a local park, or cuddling pets at an animal shelter, support comes in all shapes and sizes.

As “a global movement for giving and volunteering,” Giving Tuesday encourages good work of any scope, even if it’s simple acts of kindness. Check out their website to see the different ways you can get involved.

So if the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday have you feeling worn out, mark Giving Tuesday on your schedule – you can definitely do your part to help spread goodwill throughout Canada in both big and small ways!