The Opposite of Black Friday, #GivingTuesday is the Heart of Thanksgiving

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Save the date: December 3

In the same way that retail stores take part in Black Friday, we want the giving community to come together for #GivingTuesday.

Boston, Ma (PRWEB) December 03, 2013

While we celebrate Thanksgiving day with family and food, now more than ever, the evening is being overshadowed by Black Friday promotions. The biggest savings day of the year is creeping ever closer to our holiday meal, surpassing midnight and boldly stating 8 PM DOORS OPEN. Retail corporations are capitalizing on the late evening as a time for “family shopping” with door-buster deals; but is that really what Thanksgiving has come to? Giving thanks for great savings? The United Nations Foundation and New York’s 92nd Street Y say otherwise, and would like to introduce you to #GivingTuesday (#GT).

#GivingTuesday is a movement to create a national day of giving on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. “In the same way that retail stores take part in Black Friday, we want the giving community to come together for #GivingTuesday,” explains 92nd Street Y. The non-profit organization was the catalyst for #GivingTuesday and is based in New York City. It serves as a community and cultural center that connects people through its programs in the arts, education, health and wellness.

The initiative was started by 92Y to celebrate and encourage charitable activities that support non-profit organizations. Shortly after its founding, the United Nations Foundation joined as a partner in the project, adding their strategic and communications clout. Since then, countless organizations and leaders have added their support and talents to #GivingTuesday, making each successive year more successful than the last.

In 2012, according to the #GivingTuesday website, they had more than 2,500 recognized #GivingTuesday partners from all 50 states of the United States. This year, #GivingTuesday already has more than 7,000 partners, as well as a growing number of partner countries, including Australia, Canada, Mexico, Chile, Singapore and an organized effort in Latin America.

“The collective efforts of partners, donors and advocates helped fuel a marked increase in charitable giving on GivingTuesday,” explained 92Y. And according to their statistics, more than 50 million people worldwide spread the word about GivingTuesday last year--resulting in a Twitter milestone--and increased donations from the previous year. This year, you can help set a new record.

Anyone can take part in #GivingTuesday. Families and individuals are encouraged to be generous in whatever way matters most to them, whether that means donating to a favorite charity or volunteering with an organization. Volunteering itself is a worthy cause, and by donating your time and effort, you can make a difference at home or abroad. Consider volunteering with an accredited organization such as United Planet which sends volunteers abroad to over 35+ countries, year-round.

And since Black Friday has passed, we can now slow down for a moment to consider what we truly are grateful for. Show support for your cause, whatever that may be, by including #GivingTuesday in your posts and tweets to help spread the word. Connect our global community of organizations and charities on this one day of the year to give thanks.

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