REGINA – On Friday, it was about shopping. On Monday, it was about online shopping. Now, it’s all about giving.
Today is the first of what’s hoped to be the annual Giving Tuesday in Canada.
“I think this is one of the best export the U.S. has ever sent us,” said Lys Hugessen, president of Giv3.
She said that the campaign started last year to counter the intense consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
The idea is to give back any way you can.
“Volunteering, donating, giving blood, giving organs, collecting clothes,” said Hugessen.
Mother Theresa Middle School students decorated the lobby of Wascana Rehabilitation Centre in the afternoon to do their part.
“We’re kind of showing people that there’s always hope and care in the world and not just doubt,” said Grade 8 student Tameeka Severight in front of a mural of angels.
Meanwhile, the Hospitals of Regina Foundation also took part by photographing donors holding whiteboards explaining why they donated.
The Regina Humane Society wants the shopping sprees to continue, though.
“If you’re already doing your Cyber Monday stuff, and you can hang over and do it Tuesday, that’s wonderful,” said Don Simons, director of communications for the Regina Humane Society.
Simons is encouraging people to buy gifts for the shelter’s animals through a catalog, which includes gifts of toys and medical services.
“It helps out the animals, and it helps us out throughout the year,” he said.
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday both becoming more established in Canada every year, the hope of organizers and charities is that giving Tuesday will take root and become another new annual tradition.
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