By Ainsley Harris.
You’ve probably heard of Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, but have you heard of GivingTuesday?
GivingTuesday was created in 2012 for one simple purpose: a day that encourages people to DO GOOD, and we’re here for it! Seven years later, the idea has transformed into a global generosity movement, inspiring millions of people globally to give, be kind, and celebrate generosity.
Generosity comes in many forms — small acts of kindness, donations, volunteering and more. Giving Tuesday’s mission is to build a more just and generous world. To date, the organisation has raised more than $400 million online, given 3.6 million gifts, worked with more than110 community coalitions and all in over 150 different countries.
To put these numbers into perspective with mass consumerism, in 2018 Kiwis spent $442 million over the Black Friday weekend, and in the U.S Black Friday day pulled in $6.22 billion in online sales alone.
In an era of climate crisis, mass consumerism and disconnection, we need generosity and positive social impact to connect us and do better.
We think one of the best ways you can get involved this GivingTuesday, 3 December, is in your own community. We’ve created a small list below on how you can get involved and give!
Give Time.
Volunteering your time means you give back to your community, and make a difference to the people and organisations around you! Volunteering also helps you meet new people, develop new skills and get in touch with your community.
— Volunteer Wellington and connects you with loads of volunteering opportunities, or look for a local volunteering organisation in your community
— Seek has a dedicated volunteer section of their website too
Give Voice
Consider lending your voice to advocate for causes and issues you’re passionate about. Whether it’s on social media, starting an online petition or speaking for an event, we all have the power of our voice!
— Change.org is a great place to raise awareness and create change.
Give Dollars
NZ has so many wonderful non-for-profit organisations that do so much good in our communities. If you have a spare dollar or two, consider donating directly to organisations you’re passionate about. Or donate through The Good Registry: Surprise a loved one with a Good Gift Card, and they can choose to donate to any of our 65 charities!
Give Goods
Make a donation to your local food bank, or op-shop! Rally together your friends, family, co-workers around a cause you all care about.
— Join up with our charity partners at Good Bitches Baking and share a little home-baking and kindness with people who are struggling
— Wellington City Mission accepts food and toiletries
— Op-shops like Vinnies are a great place to donate books and clothing.
Give Talent
Many not-for-profit organisations operate on a small budget and can’t afford the marketing, technology or planning resources that their missions need.
— HelpTank is an organisation that connects skilled professionals to community organisations so they can donate their skills, or check out the Collaborate App.
Give Kindness.
Even the smallest act of kindness can make someone’s day and inspire generosity. Buy someone’s lunch, text a friend to tell them you’re grateful to have them, or compliment a stranger. Pay it forward!
GivingTuesday is all about giving back and doing good. When we share generosity, we inspire others to give it back too.
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