WITH consumers expected to spend money on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Nanaimo non-profits are hoping people will also keep in mind Giving Tuesday.
The Nanaimo Foundation, along with other Nanaimo area non-profit organizations, are teaming to encourage people to take part in the Mid Island Gives initiative and give to charity on Nov. 29, a day dubbed Giving Tuesday across North America.
Laurie Bienert, foundation development officer, said the organizers wanted to launch a Giving Tuesday-related civic movement on central Vancouver Island. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great for the economy, but Giving Tuesday is a day to give back to the community.
“It’s an international initiative and this year we want to show that mid-Islanders give more and we want to showcase many of the great organizations across central Vancouver Island and encourage everybody to find a way to support their favourite cause,” said Bienert.
There will be a Giving Luncheon event at the Port Theatre on Nov. 29 at noon as part of Giving Tuesday.
“All of the partner organizations will have an opportunity to showcase what it is that they do and it’s an opportunity for guests to see what’s in our community and learn where they can have impact whether it’s through donations, or donating an item, volunteering time and ... to learn more about the many great causes,” said Bienert.
Along with Nanaimo Foundation, founding partners for the initiative are PacificSport Vancouver Island, the Vancouver Island Mental Health Society, Nanaimo Community Gardens, Volunteer Nanaimo, the Port Theatre and Ladysmith Resources Centre Association.
“It’s just a platform for organizations to showcase their work,” said Bienert. “Mid Island Gives is not looking to raise money directly, it’s just a platform for the causes.”
Please go to www.midislandgives.ca.