Photo: Giving Tuesday Facebook Page.

By Shane Clausing

Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday hopes to raise funds for charities and non-profit organizations in Grande Prairie

Apr 26, 2020 | 5:00 AM

For those familiar with the day Giving Tuesday, they know that it usually happens annually the Tuesday after Black Friday.

The day falls just before the holiday season begins and reminds people around the world to donate to a charity or non-profit organization that could use some extra support during the holiday season as many see an increase in demand.

However, because of COVID-19, the date is coming earlier this year and it is taking place on Tuesday, May 5.

Keith Curtis, the Executive Director of the Grande Prairie Hospital Foundation, says a campaign like this is important for local charities and non-profit organizations in the community.

“There are 7000 organizations in Canada that subscribe to the Giving Tuesday campaign. It help’s everything from community foundations, food banks and supporting hospital and health foundations. This is a way to help look after the greater community,” said Curtis.

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With the hospital foundation, Curtis and his team collect donations year round, but have seen donations go up in the month of March. The foundation wants to help support health care workers and seniors who live at long term care homes.

The foundation is currently collecting gift cards and cash donations for health care workers, which will help front-line workers purchase meals and groceries. Donations are also going towards purchasing iPads for seniors that are self-isolated in long term care homes, so they can connect with their families using FaceTime.

Curtis said that since March, the foundation has received 20 donated iPads and have raised over $8000 in donations.

Those who want to show support and cannot afford to donate to a charity can help out too. Giving Tuesday is also launching a new online campaign called a thank-a-thon and is encouraging people to use the hashtag #GivingTuesdayNow.

People are encouraged to send a video, photos or written thank you messages to the charities and non-profits organizations on social media.

There will also be a custom Facebook profile photo frame with the hashtag. You are also encouraged to share or retweet any posts about Giving Tuesday.

An online map will also become available where you can drop a pin to show where in the world you are saying ‘thank you’ from.

“It’s a way to give thanks to those people that are helping keep our society operating,” said Curtis.

Giving Tuesday will also return on December 1.

Those interested in donating to the hospital foundation can do so here.