If generosity had a holiday, it would be Giving Tuesday. After we shop our hearts out on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday encourages us to give from the heart as well.
But we know people in our own neighbourhoods are struggling with unignorable issues, every day. They simply cannot wait until Giving Tuesday for someone to lend a hand.
At United Way, we also know there are so many ways to give back.
That’s why this Giving Tuesday, we’re encouraging you to show your local love – however, and whenever you can.
What’s at stake
Too often the greatest problems in our community are the ones we sometimes don’t see. That’s why we’ve set out to make them #unignorable.
Did you know that 25,000+ local seniors say they have nobody to talk to? Or that almost 1 in 10 local kids say they don’t think a single adult cares about them?
Unfortunately, the risks are real: loneliness can be just as dangerous to a senior’s health as smoking. Growing up with low self-esteem can put a child at higher risk of bullying, and can be connected to childhood depression.
What unignorable issues do you see in your backyard? How can you take action – not just on Giving Tuesday, but any day?
Local love comes in all shapes and sizes
So you know you want to make your community better. Then what?
Are you the hands-on kind of helper? You can mobilize your community to address a local problem. If you know two (or ten!) heads are better than one, you might collaborate with a network of partners to build solutions to a long-term issue. And of course, you can always give to United Way to help create life-saving connections at local kids and seniors programs. We’re here to help, whatever gifts you have to offer.
Here are three inspiring examples of local love that are building strong, safe and empowered communities for everyone – today, tomorrow and for years to come.
Mobilize
Periods might be tough to talk about sometimes, but they are just a fact of life. If you’re vulnerable or living in poverty, access to menstrual products can be challenging.
This year United Way, in partnership with the local labour community, raised awareness of the barriers vulnerable people face in accessing menstrual products. Throughout the month of March, champions from across the labour movement encouraged people to donate hygiene products in their workplaces and communities, reducing isolation caused by period poverty.
Champions included the Canadian Labour Congress, the Labour District Councils, the BCGEU and the Health Sciences Association of BC (HSA). Many union locals and long-time United Way workplace supporters also participated, including BCAA, the City of Vancouver, Clark Wilson, HSBC and Cummins.
“As health care workers we see vulnerability every day,” said Val Avery, President of the HSA, speaking at the campaign wrap event.
“This campaign gave us an opportunity to be a part of the solution.”
The HSA alone raised over 75,000 individual menstrual products, an incredible contribution to the grand total, and a fantastic example of what can be accomplished with individuals mobilize for change.
How would you take action to make a difference in your community?
Here’s an easy way to take the first step, right now.
Collaborate
Sabrina Mehlhorn is a proud member of the Clayton Heights community, and the founder, organizer and market manager of the newly minted Clayton Community Famer’s Market.
“One day, people were talking about the ‘needs’ of the neighbourhood and many people were expressing their love for farmer’s markets.”
At that time, the closest market was in Langley.
Instead of getting demoralized, she thought to herself, ‘This is something that I want to take on.’
And take it on she did. In the fall of 2017, she launched the inaugural Clayton Community Farmer’s Market. Every Sunday from May to October, she and her team connect Clayton residents to nutritious, healthy and locally grown and sourced food.
It had an immediate and positive impact on local residents and families.
“All of a sudden, thousands of our neighbours had easy access to local fruits and vegetables, freshly baked goods and other delicious foods.”
Now, with more than 55 vendors at every market, there is always something to do – whether it is produce to be sold, neighbours to be met, or relationships to be built. It’s all because like-minded people came together to improve their community, together.
Who shares your values and passion to make a difference?
Could you work together to solve a local issue?
Take this pledge together, to kick-start your project!
Give
When it comes to a strong commitment to its community, McMillan is aiming for pitch perfect.
The international business law firm based in downtown Vancouver is a long-time champion of the United Way, and since 2015 has supported local youth through its Corners for Kids program with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
“For every ‘Caps corner kick at home, we donate $100 to United Way,” says Tom Theodorakis, Office Management Partner. “An additional $500 is donated for every goal scored off a corner kick.”
Talk about a winning bonus.
Giving back to the community is important to Tom and the McMillan team. The firm is involved in various charitable initiatives, including the Vancouver Sun Run and the Big Bike Challenge for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Every year it runs a week-long United Way campaign, which includes multiple activities and high-energy events.
“Last year we raised close to $20,000 in support of local programs, many of which provide safe, supportive spaces for youth,” says Tom.
Have you maximized your charity giving yet this year?
Donate now to make your community better.
Don’t wait to give back – pledge to take action today or donate to better your community.
Show your local love today!
Topics : Local love
