New Westminster residents are being invited to join a global movement of generosity today.
Today (May 5) has been declared Giving Tuesday, described as a “global day of unity” that’s arisen as a response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.
If you’re not in a position to make a financial donation, you can get involved in other ways – even the simple act of chalk drawings on the sidewalk can bring hope and cheer to your community.
The Giving Tuesday website encourages people to get involved in whatever way they can:
- giving to local non-profits and organizations responding to the pandemic;
- thanking essential workers through cheers, cards, social media posts and more;
- volunteering their efforts to help (yes, there are many ways to volunteer and still self-isolate – you can find some ideas here);
- supporting their local community by buying from small businesses and raising awareness of the organizations who are working hard to help;
- showing kindness in ways large and small, whether it’s walking a neighbour’s dog, calling a friend or buying groceries for someone who can’t get out of the house;
- helping with direct COVID-19 response efforts, whether that means sewing masks, donating blood or donating to emergency shelters.
In New Westminster, Giving Tuesday awareness campaigns have been launched by some organizations – including the Arts Council of New Westminster and the Massey Theatre on behalf of Royal City Musical Theatre.
IMPACT Parkinson’s is another organization that’s been seeking help in the face of COVID-19; see more here.
The Giving Tuesday website also points folks towards some ongoing campaigns through www.canadahelps.org (you can search by city at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/explore/campaigns/). You can find out more about campaigns by Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation and the Lookout Foundation, among others.
The City of New Westminster’s website also has a list of local social service agencies that are in need of help (in the form of volunteers and donations); you can find that list here.
Or pick another cause – any group or organization that’s doing work you believe in and want to support – and make today the day you offer your help.
Anyone who takes part in Giving Tuesday is encouraged to share their efforts on social media using the hashtags #GivingTuesdayNow and #GivingTuesdayCa.
See www.givingtuesday.org for more ideas and details, or follow @GivingTuesdayCa on Twitter.
