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By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

december 2

Humanity and generosity: Red Deer organizations seeking extra help on Giving Tuesday 2025

Dec 1, 2025 | 4:41 PM

Oh, right, the Tuesday. The Tuesday for giving, the Tuesday chosen especially to give. Giving Tuesday — yes, that Tuesday is Dec. 2.

The yearly tradition, according to GivingTuesday.org, aims to reimagine a world built upon shared humanity and generosity.

“Every day, charitable organizations in our region do the work that keeps our community strong,” says Erin Peden, executive director of the Community Foundation of Central Alberta.

“They are the quiet infrastructure of care. They are the people and programs ensuring seniors have companionship, children have safe places to play, newcomers find support, and culture and creativity continue to flourish. And these organizations ensure that everyone has access to support when crisis strikes.”

Peden explains that on Giving Tuesday, 100 per cent of all gifts made through the CFCAB donation link will be forwarded directly to the charity (or charities) of the donor’s choice — meaning zero administrative fees.

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To make a donation through the foundation, click here.

It’s also important to contribute to other non-profits, many of which aren’t registered charities.

Dieulita Datus-Hall, executive director at Ubuntu-Mobilizing Central Alberta, for example, runs programming out of the Roots Cultural Centre in downtown Red Deer.

“Every contribution keeps programs running, including youth restorative justice, community court support, anti-racism training, and additional community-led initiatives,” she says.

For Giving Tuesday, the Mustard Seed is also issuing an urgent call for winter support.

Eligible donations made before midnight on Dec. 3 will be matched, with the support of the Arnie J. Charbonneau Foundation, Mustard Seed officials note.

Others running campaigns for Giving Tuesday include Dress For Success Central Alberta, Make-A-Wish, the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, The Lending Cupboard, and the Central Alberta Humane Society.

At the humane society (CA Humane), there are more than 100 animals in care daily, and 447 animals have been adopted out since Nov. 15. That’s not to mention the 550+ in-house surgeries completed this past fiscal year.

“These numbers reflect more than statistics — they’re second chances, reunions, and new beginnings,” says Kelly Richard, fund development coordinator at CA Humane. “But none of it is possible without our community. The Giving Tree helps fill the gaps in funding and ensures every animal receives the care they deserve.”

Elsewhere, CarStar Red Deer and Red Deer South are continuing a longstanding tradition by contributing $5,000 for Giving Tuesday to the Red Deer Christmas Bureau and Red Deer Food Bank.

With this year’s contribution, the franchisees have now surpassed $52,000 in total giving since the initiative began 22 years ago.