By Sheldon Spackman

Giving Back

Donation drive to highlight Giving Tuesday in Red Deer

Nov 28, 2020 | 10:30 AM

A global movement for giving and volunteering is upcoming and central Albertans have several options to consider getting involved.

Giving Tuesday is Dec. 1, and follows the shopping frenzy of ‘Black Friday’ each year.

Pam Snowdon, Executive Director for Volunteer Central in Red Deer, notes they’ve partnered with the Red Deer & District Community Foundation, Turning Point, and the Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce for a donation drive this year.

“We’re collecting personal hygiene and PPE items for our community members who are homeless or under-served, and for clients of agencies such as Turning Point and Youth HQ,” explains Snowdon. “We’re collecting small items that can be stowed in a backpack or pockets.”

Snowdon says examples of those items include:

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• Small packages of tissue
• Travel size toothpaste
• Tooth brushes
• Unused masks
• Hand and foot warmers
• warm socks
• mitts and gloves
• toques
• Gift cards of $5 to easily accessible food and coffee establishments
• Wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Large ziplock bags to put the supplies in

The donation drive will be at the Scott Block Theatre from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1.

“It’s different this year because we are seeing new partners come on board to help make Giving Tuesday an annual community event,” Snowdon remarks. “Everyone can get involved. It’s not simply a day for charities, rather, we hope to see the entire community come together to kick off the ‘giving season’.”

Snowdon says Giving Tuesday is important because it follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which are typically focused on retail sales.

“While it’s great to support our local retailers and businesses and to score some deals while buying presents or treating ourselves,” she explains. “Giving Tuesday celebrates the ‘other’ message of the season, which is to provide an opportunity for us to be connected around, and to celebrate, the good causes in the community.”

Anyone can be involved in Giving Tuesday. The website www.givingtuesday.ca has a large selection of “tool kits” to help individuals, families, faith groups, schools, civic governments, charities, Chambers of Commerce, even law firms get started.

“The tool kits are full of ideas,” exclaims Snowdon. “Or you can call your favourite organization and ask them what’s on their wish list or to volunteer for their Giving Tuesday initiative.”

The international movement, now in its 8th year in Canada, includes Red Deer as an official Giving Tuesday community, recognized by Mayor Tara Veer in her annual proclamation.

“Last year, 43 communities participated in Giving Tuesday, 7K charities and businesses were involved, and 21.9 million dollars was raised,” shares Snowdon. “We’re very excited to see Giving Tuesday growing. If ever there was a year we need to come together and support one another, this is it!”