The Power of Giving: How You Can Make a Difference on #GivingTuesday

As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season approaches, Canadians are gearing up again for the global movement of Giving Tuesday. In 2023, Giving Tuesday is not just a day, it’s a movement; a catalyst for positive change that extends far beyond monetary donations. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a stranger, or giving to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give. 

The Giving Report 2023 provides some hard-hitting facts about the state of charities and charitable giving in Canada as of late.

• Inflation is forcing more Canadians to cut back on basic necessities. 82% expect their finances to be negatively impacted by inflation and 15% of respondents reported that if inflation continued, they would be unable to afford basic necessities like food, gas, and medicine at all. (CanadaHelps Giving Report 2023, pg 5)
• The rising cost of living and prolonged pandemic impact mean there are more Canadians in need of charitable services. Towards the end of 2022, 22% of Canadians said they plan to access charitable services to meet essential needs in the next six months. This is an increase from 14% in January of the same year. (CanadaHelps Giving Report 2023, pg 5)
• At the same time, fewer Canadians are making charitable donations. The same report noted above reports that 20% of Canadians planned to reduce their giving in 2022. 

Additionally, 40.3% of charities have experienced a lasting increase in demand since the pandemic and 57.3% of charities cannot meet current levels of demand. (CanadaHelps Giving Report 2023, pg 5)

GivingTuesday has inspired the generosity of Canadians. This day empowers individuals to contribute time, resources and skills to create a better world. It encourages people to think beyond their immediate needs and consider the needs of others. 

 In 2022, 5% of all donors donated on GivingTuesday and 32% of GivingTuesday donors made additional gifts prior to the holiday period (November through December). More than one-quarter of all 2022 GivingTuesday donors were returning donors who gave on GivingTuesday in 2021 and/or 2020. And, ⅓ of returning Giving Tuesday donors gave an additional gift in December (and also tend to have a higher number of gifts throughout the year)! The spirit of giving truly makes a difference, and can grow for many individuals. As donors, we are contributing to a ripple effect of generosity that can extend, both around us and within our own homes. 

CanadaHelps analysis reveals that charities that actively participate in GivingTuesday raise 256x more on the day of GivingTuesday and 5.7x more from GivingTuesday through to December 31st than charities that do not participate. (CanadaHelps Giving Report 2023, pg 11). And, by participating and spreading the word, we can amplify the voices of organizations and campaigns working to address pressing issues in our communities, such as healthcare, education, sustainability and more. 

Ways to get involved:

• Look for organizations that are participating in #GivingTuesday and consider donating to their cause. Research and ensure the organization is reputable and aligns with your values.
• Amplify the message of the day, or of an organization’s mission who is participating on your social media or within your network. 
• Encourage friends and family to participate in GivingTuesday activities.
• Consider ways your employer or business can get involved for the next year. Create a campaign that will help your message travel and encourage people to participate.

Giving Tuesday promotes generosity and raises needed funds and resources for nonprofits. It increases awareness of important causes, and encourages community philanthropy. 
Learn more about The World’s Largest Generosity Movement here. 

While financial contributions are undoubtedly crucial, Giving Tuesday in 2023 emphasizes that giving goes beyond dollars. There is massive value in giving our time and talents to causes that resonate with us. Volunteering is a great opportunity to give back and to make a hands-on difference in your community.

Giving Tuesday 2023

Vovia works with several organizations in Calgary that provide important services to our city and province. Here are a few options to consider for your giving this year:

• Calgary Health Foundation is matching donations up to $150,000 until the end of Giving Tuesday. Calgary Health Foundation advances care, wellness and research where it’s needed most and where it’s needed next for Calgary’s four adult acute care hospitals, 14 Carewest facilities and a broad range of community health programs.
• The Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre will be one of the largest comprehensive cancer centres in North America. When it opens its doors in 2024, the Arthur Child will shelter 1.3 million square feet of world-leading cancer care, research and education.
• United Way Calgary invests in programs and services that support Calgarians, giving them access and the ability to meet their basic needs and move towards self-sufficiency.
• STARS is an organization that provides rapid and specialized emergency care and transportation for critically ill and injured patients in Western Canada. STARS provides life-saving critical care, anywhere: on the ground, in the air, and virtually.