Giving Tuesday, which is Nov. 27 this year, refers to the Tuesday after the U.S. Thankgiving in the United States.
It is a movement to create an international day of giving at the beginning of the Christmas and holiday season. It was started in 2012 as a response to the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Huntington University and the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce (GSCC) are partnering once again and encouraging Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce member businesses and the community at large to give the gift of time.
The #Time4Community Giving Tuesday Campaign will feature an informative event for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations, as well as a volunteer campaign the whole community is invited to support.
On Nov. 27, (Giving Tuesday), the university and Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce will host a breakfast featuring an interactive panel discussion to explore innovative strategies that will inspire fundraising and community giving initiatives.
“The Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce has approximately 900 members, many of whom are small business owners and not-for-profit organizations,” said Debbi Nicholson, president and CEO of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce.
“For those members, this Breakfast of Champions event and panel discussion will showcase that there is more to civic leadership and engagement than simply writing a cheque.
“The session will offer ideas and innovative ways to give back to the community while developing strategic partnerships and creative projects that will raise community profile, engage employees, and much more.”
The breakfast event will also mark the mid-point of the #Time4Community Giving Tuesday Campaign, an initiative conceived by Huntington University and Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce to encourage the community and chamber member businesses to volunteer their time in support of 10 local recipient organizations: Blue Saints Drum and Bugle Corps, Canadian Cancer Society, Easter Seals, Health Sciences North Foundation, Human League Association, March of Dimes, Northern Initiative for Social Action (NISA), Northern Lights Festival Boréal, Sudbury Food Bank and the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra.
“Many small groups, which achieve amazing results in support of various initiatives in our community, regularly struggle to find volunteers to assist with vital fundraising,” said Kevin McCormick, Huntington University president.
“In some cases, a donation of time and talent can be equally as valuable, and in turn could produce positive effects for the individual/business making the donation.
“I am proud that this year we are expanding our reach through this initiative, and can invite people to volunteer their time in support of one or more of the 10 local recipient organizations on our list.”
In keeping with a commitment made in 2017, the Huntington University Residence Student Council – a group of students that lead fundraising and community outreach initiatives at the university’s residence – are once again pledging hours in support of this campaign.
“Our council and residence team are proud to be part of the #Time4Community Giving Tuesday Campaign again this year, and are ready and willing to commit 55 volunteer hours,” said Justin Philips, HURSC president.
“It’s exciting to see this initiative grow and make a larger impact in only its second year. As Huntington students, we are eager to put our civic leadership into action and lend our support, time and talent to benefit the Greater Sudbury community. I hope others will join us!”
