Watch above: Dubbed ‘Giving Tuesday,’ people were encouraged to put consumerism aside and do something for someone else today. Aaron Streck found out what some in Saskatoon did to pay it forward.
SASKATOON – Black Friday and Cyber Monday created a flurry of shopping activity, while Giving Tuesday was a reminder of what the holiday season is all about. A group from The Two Twenty volunteered at the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre, all in the spirit of giving.
“We really want to be part of the community and give back, so whenever we can have an opportunity to contribute to our community of Saskatoon but also specifically Riversdale and the people that really need our help is really nice,” said The Two Twenty publicist Susan Busse.
“I think it’s so wonderful to be able to step back and think about the holiday season and people who are perhaps less fortunate than you are and then be able to give back to an organization you truly care about,” said Laurie O’Connor, executive director of the Saskatoon Food Bank.
Giving Tuesday is the first Tuesday after American Thanksgiving and the shopping madness that follows. It started in the United States in 2012 and was adopted in Canada and other countries last year.
“We hear all this hype about consuming goods, buying stuff on Black Friday, buying stuff on Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday’s really about thinking about the community and saying you know what I saved a lot of money in these awesome sales now I’m going to give back to the community,” said Jarita Greyeyes, coordinator stakeholder engagement with the United Way of Saskatoon.
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While some people donate time, others are encouraged to give money. All funds raised by the United Way of Saskatoon and area will be matched by Interac.
“I think it’s a time of giving not only to family and friends but giving back to your community, I think it’s really important, that’s what the United Way is here for, is to help us build a stronger community,” said Troy Boyenko, a volunteer with the United Way.
Giving Tuesday is also an opportunity for businesses to launch holiday campaigns. Saskatoon company Aire Serv Heating & Air Conditioning is also looking to pay it forward with its first annual ‘Heat for the Holidays’campaign.
“We’re hoping that people, or friends and family will nominate individuals that have had some bad luck in their lives, misfortune at times and to contact us and tell us a bit about their story,” said Derek Zimmerman, the owner of Aire Serv.
In the coming weeks, one deserving Saskatoon family will get a new furnace installed, putting another spin on the evolution of Giving Tuesday.
To learn more about Aire Serv’s campaign, email them at heatfortheholidays@hotmail.com.
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