GivingTuesday: Everyone has something to give and every act of generosity counts

OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 30, 2020 /CNW/ - As a part of a global initiative, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) and CanadaHelps are asking all Canadians to show their generosity on Tuesday, December 1, during GivingTuesday, a global day of generosity and unity.

GivingTuesday is all about showing support for communities, charities and non-profits at home and around the world. This year, as we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, it's about finding opportunities to support our neighbours, the small businesses in our communities and those on the front lines continuing to keep us safe.  

"In the midst of a global pandemic, we are asking our fellow Canadians not to retreat, but rather to use this GivingTuesday as a way to connect with their communities, neighbours and the causes close to their hearts," said Teresa Marques, President and CEO of the Rideau Hall Foundation. "We encourage all Canadians to rally on this global day of giving and show ourselves as a generous, caring and sharing nation who comes together in times of difficulty to help and give hope to one another."

"Grassroots generosity and community action are powerful forces for good, especially in turbulent times." said Marina Glogovac, President & CEO of CanadaHelps. "People can show their generosity in so many ways during GivingTuesday⁠⁠—whether it's helping a neighbour, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to causes—everyone has something to give and every act of generosity counts.

Canadians can participate in GivingTuesday in a variety of ways:

• Supporting grassroots causes and community programs
• Donating to their favourite local, national or international charity
• Volunteering to help neighbours and community members, while practising safe physical distancing
• Sharing stories of giving to encourage others to do the same

Since the onset of COVID-19, many charities have struggled due to cancelled fundraisers and interrupted revenue streams, while demand for their services is higher than ever. Canadians have responded extremely generously to the overwhelming need in our communities. CanadaHelps has seen an increase of 139% in the number of donors and an increase of 92% in the dollars given since mid-March. Whether through donations or other kinds of support, people have found that giving is a way to take positive action during a time when they may otherwise feel powerless. GivingTuesday is a day when all Canadians can celebrate generosity and continue to give together in this time of unprecedented need.

About the Rideau Hall Foundation
The Rideau Hall Foundation is a registered national charity that brings together ideas, people and resources to enhance the impact of the Office of Governor General as a central institution of Canadian democracy. Working towards a better Canada, the RHF celebrates what is best about Canada while working with partners to meaningfully improve lives and foster the conditions for more Canadians to succeed and thrive.

Learn more about the RHF at www.rhf-frh.ca, and follow us on Twitter @RideauHallFdn.

About CanadaHelps.org

Founded in 2000, CanadaHelps is a registered charity dedicated to increasing charitable giving across Canada. CanadaHelps.org provides a safe and trusted one stop destination for making donations, fundraising, or learning about any charity in Canada. Over 2.6 million Canadians have donated over $1.5 billion to charities using CanadaHelps. The organization also develops affordable fundraising technology and provides free training and education for charities so that regardless of size, all charities have the capacity to increase their impact and succeed in the digital age. For additional information, visit CanadaHelps.org or connect with CanadaHelps on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About GivingTuesday (#GivingTuesdayCA) 
GivingTuesday unlocks generosity around the world to bring about real change in communities. It's about so much more than just fundraising: giving back in whatever ways we can including volunteering, donating blood, donating food or clothing, spreading the word, or giving a financial donation. Across Canada and in over 75 countries around the world, GivingTuesday unites communities by sharing our capacity to care for and empower one another. GivingTuesday Canada was co-founded in 2013 by CanadaHelps and GIV3, and is supported by the Rideau Hall Foundation.
Join the conversation:
Website: GivingTuesday.ca
Facebook: @givingtuesdaycanada
Twitter: @GivingTuesdayCA
Instagram: instagram.com/givingtuesdayca/

SOURCE Rideau Hall Foundation

For media inquiries: Jill Clark, Communications Manager, Rideau Hall Foundation, 613-809-1480, [email protected]