Giving Tuesday – what’s it all about?
Giving Tuesday is a movement that began in America in 2012 and spread rapidly across the globe via social media platforms. It follows immediately after Black Friday and Cyber Monday – as an antidote to the mass consumerism of these shopping frenzies. This year, Giving Tuesday falls on 30 November.
So what exactly is it all about? And is it something you should be getting involved in?
Yes! If you feel it’s important to give back to your community, to uplift your less fortunate neighbours, and support charitable organisations that work tirelessly throughout the year to provide services and support for those in need.
While acts of generosity and kindness take place throughout the year, Giving Tuesday channels our need to help others into something bigger. It has become a day of hope, a day of optimism, a day of feeling that one is participating in something that has the power to transform communities across race, religion, and political views.
On 30 November 2021, we have the opportunity to come together to help, give, show kindness, and share what we have with those in need.
Tough two years
Over the past two years, it’s really been brought home to us that a little kindness goes a long way. Since the arrival of the pandemic and, more recently, the madness of looting and burning in our province, we’ve realised that the only thing that gets people through the tough times is the helping hand offered by other people – both those we know, and total strangers.
Simple things like picking up the phone to check on an elderly family member … handing a cooked meal or bag of groceries to a neighbour who is going short … helping the owner of a ruined business clean up the mess … and hundreds of other small acts of kindness all added up to a new wave of hope and gratitude.
It’s almost as if society is moving towards a time when generosity and giving are becoming more ingrained, as we discover the rewards – psychological, emotional and practical – that come from helping others in any way we can.
How can you be part of Giving Tuesday?
Participating in Giving Tuesday can be as simple as waking up in the morning and asking yourself, “What good can I do today? How can I help make the world a better place?”
You might decide to give a car guard a larger than usual ‘tip’ or buy him a chocolate or cool drink. You could give your time or talents by volunteering to help out at your favourite charity. Or hand out a loaf of bread or ready made sandwiches to a homeless person in your area.
You can give your voice – sign a petition or speak up for a cause, especially if you are a social media influencer. Flood your Instagram or Twitter feed with ideas to encourage others to get involved in GivingTuesday. If you’ve bought new appliances or clothes on Black Friday, give away the old ones to someone in need, or to a charity shop.
By far the easiest and most popular option is to make a cash donation to your favourite charity. Imagine the joy you could give simply by sponsoring a Christmas lunch for an elderly person at Tafta?
Our elders have borne the brunt of prolonged lockdowns . Being the most vulnerable population group means that they have spent more time in social isolation than most, and haven’t had many opportunities to get together and enjoy a good chat or giggle together. So our planned festive lunches really will make a huge difference.
Regardless of how you plan to make this day count, please remember: Giving Tuesday happens on 30 November 2021. It’s your chance to be part of the biggest global giving movement and celebrate all acts of giving. Everyone has something to give and every act of generosity counts.
