Local volunteers will be out promoting volunteerism and philanthropy next week on Giving Tuesday, a day recognized globally for giving.
A “cheer squad” from Volunteer Central — the organization that promotes volunteering in Central Alberta — will visit local businesses on Nov. 29, this year’s designated day to kick off the giving season.
Volunteer Central staff will visit more than 10 local businesses throughout the day, snapping and posting on online the unique ‘unselfies’ made popular by previous Giving Tuesday campaigns.
Staff from the businesses will be encouraged to re-post their selfies with special #givingtuesday hashtags and messages promoting volunteerism and philanthropy. The team includes students from Red Deer College and from SAIT who have volunteered their time and energy for the day.
More than 5,400 Canadian charities, businesses and community groups have used Giving Tuesday to rally generosity, and this year people from 71 countries are participating. The social media hashtag for the event in Canada is #GivingTuesdayCA
The day is an opportunity to do things like raise money for local charities and non-profits, run food and clothing drives, give blood, encourage kindness, help a neighbour and celebrate generosity. Red Deer mayor Tara Veer has joined other mayors across to proclaim Giving Tuesday.
The movement was launched in Canada in 2013 by GIV3 and CanadaHelps.org
To learn more about how to get involved or view a full list of GivingTuesday partners in Central Alberta, visit www.givingtuesday.ca and https://givingtuesday.ca/partners/central-alberta-gives