Five Langley charities are hoping that residents who’ve adopted Black Friday and Cyber Monday will also be open to Giving Tuesday.
The Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation, Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS), Langley Hospice Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley and the Langley School District 35 Foundation have partnered to encourage people to think about the true meaning of the Christmas season.
“It’s been neat to see it grow,” Shannon Todd Booth, with the hospice society, said of Giving Tuesday.
Black Friday falls right after American Thanksgiving and in the high tech age was followed by Cyber Monday.
Then came Giving Tuesday and the three concepts expanded beyond U.S. borders to become an international effort.
“We hope over time that it will be a day that we recognize throughout the whole community,” she said.
In addition to the five local charities, several businesses and others have come forward to support Giving Tuesday around Langley.
Langley Township firefighters are at the Willoughby Save On Foods doing a barbecue.
CD Logistics has a food drive for the Salvation Army. Forever Yours Lingerie has teamed up with Shoppers Drug Mart on an initiative.
The Save On in Aldergrove, Brookswood Buy Low Foods and Otter Coop have hot drinks by donation. There will be Giving Tuesday volunteers at the Langley Superstore and Willowbrook Shopping Centre, the Fort Pub and JD Farms.
Todd Booth suggested that anyone wanting to find out more can go to givingtuesday.ca where there are resources for Canada.
People are being asked to tweet with the hashtag #LangleyGives to help spread the message of Giving Tuesday – a civic movement to celebrate and promote volunteerism and philanthropy.
How to take part:
1) Make a pledge - Pledge to volunteer at an upcoming event.
2) Become a partner - On Dec. 1, help build awareness in Langley. Host a small event or agree to let us “Pass the Bucket” for donations. Street teams will have participation from local sports teams, the Langley Rams and the Langley Rivermen.
3) Make a donation - Show corporate support by encouraging staff to give and make a corporate matching gift.
Learn more at www.givingtuesday.ca.