#GivingTuesday: A New Addition to the Holiday Calendar

November 25, 2014
Russ Williams, Director of Annual Giving, Conquer Cancer Foundation

Following Thanksgiving, there are two days for shoppers to get deals—Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But seeing as this is meant to be the season of giving, what about a day dedicated to recognizing generosity?

#GivingTuesday is just that.

It started in 2012 when New York City’s 92nd Street Y partnered with the United Nations Foundation to launch a global movement that has engaged thousands of organizations. Now each year on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday challenges the public to think beyond gifts and sales, and give back to their favorite charity.  

Over the past three years, the #GivingTuesday movement has continued to grow and inspire more and more people to make a donation on this designated day—and maybe even consider giving throughout the year. The stats are truly impressive. In 2012, #GivingTuesday donations totaled $10 million, and in 2013, these numbers nearly doubled to $19 million. Likely, the 320,000 tweets and 7,000 photos posted to Instagram in 2013 helped spread awareness and generate this incredible growth.

This year, #GivingTuesday is December 2. I sincerely hope participation continues to grow as more people learn about this movement and make #GivingTuesday part of their own holiday traditions. I also hope each of us will choose causes that are meaningful, with real connections for our families and ourselves because that is what will stick long after this one day of giving is over. 

For me, as a cancer survivor, that’s cancer research. And chances are if you are reading this blog, the thought of contributing to a world free from the fear of cancer is a profound—and profoundly personal—action.

There are a number of great cancer charities to consider donating to this #GivingTuesday, including the Conquer Cancer Foundation, which helps fund Cancer.Net and other patient education programs from ASCO.  When it comes to cancer, knowledge is power, and these resources provide valuable, credible information for all people affected by cancer.

However you decide to recognize #GivingTuesday, you will be joining with thousands of others from around the world in celebrating a new tradition of generosity.

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