SYDNEY, N.S. — After shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, United Way executive director Lynne McCarron is hopeful there will be some money left for people to give to others during this year’s Giving Tuesday.
Giving Tuesday will take place this year on Dec. 1. It’s a day devoted to giving and volunteering that occurs after the busy shopping days — Black Friday and Cyber Monday. While those days are great for the economy, Giving Tuesday is all about helping those who may need a little extra assistance.
“When you’ve done your shopping, if you have some people who are difficult to buy for or if you have extra money, look to charitable giving because there are so many, especially during this time of COVID, that are struggling,” said McCarron, adding it doesn’t even have to be a monetary donation. “Giving isn’t always just about money or things — it can be about giving your time.”
This will be the eighth year for Giving Tuesday and it’s been recognized in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality since 2018. The day will be proclaimed with a flag raising on Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. at Sydney’s civic centre and McCarron and her co-workers will be visiting local businesses and companies to encourage giving endeavours, such as food drives.
“What we’ve been doing is going around and taking selfies but we call them un-selfies because they’re unselfish,” said McCarron. “Giving Tuesday is global. It’s not just national — people all around the world are doing this. It’s a cool thing and should be celebrated."
McCarron expects charities could be adversely affected this year by COVID-19 restrictions which may prevent traditional Christmas fundraising efforts or not allow them to take place at previous levels, such as toy drives at events, which are now smaller than they were in the past to avoid crowds.
COVID-19 has also led to widespread layoffs in some areas. While many are back to work now, deferred bills may be coming due and along with higher heating bills, many are left with less money than expected during an expensive time of year.
“When you go paycheck to paycheck it’s one thing to make ends meet — it’s another thing to then have to step up and be Santa and try to do what you’ve done in the past that you still want to do,” said McCarron.
At the same time, McCarron doesn’t want to come down hard on consumer spending and businesses since businesses contribute to charity and need to be successful if they are to continue to contribute.
“I’m not saying don’t buy, I’m just saying be aware of how we’re giving and making sure that we’re doing things to help our local community,” she said.
“We have to recognize that businesses have to do well if they’re going to donate back to charity so it all comes full circle for me. If businesses don’t do well then (charities) don’t get money either.
“We want a good even distribution of the wealth.”
Online, you can follow #GivingTuesday, #GivingTuesdayCa and #Unselfie on Twitter for more information on what people are doing elsewhere.
Elizabeth Patterson is the culture reporter at the Cape Breton Post.
