GivingTuesday Kicks Off Giving Season
You may have recently been caught up in Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales promotions and then you heard about GivingTuesday, but weren’t sure what it is all about. GivingTuesday is “the world’s largest generosity movement. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a stranger, or giving to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.” It is the time that we start thinking about how we make impact in the community in a positive way.
The end of the year often leads to reflection and to wanting to make a difference. Recognizing that the “Holiday Season” may not be so merry for everyone, you may want to do something about that. In fact, during the holidays, for many, it is a very hard time as they struggle amongst the merry-making just to survive, let along thrive. Here are a few ways that you can show up for people in the community and share your holiday spirit.
KCR’s Family Fund
This year we hope people share their giving spirit and make the Season Bright again for so many people by giving to the new Family Fund. This Fund has been established to meet the most urgent and unique needs of the diverse populations we serve. At this time, we are seeing increased need for life essentials throughout the year, with families and individuals needing to stretch their dollars further and having to decide between food and personal care items. Some families are fighting to stay warm, needing winter boots and coats. You can make a difference now, as well as throughout the year, by donating to the Family Fund, as the funding is there to help when it is most needed.
As an added bonus, thanks to the Morningside Rotary Club, all donations to the Family Fund from now to the end of the year (up to $5,000) will be matched, doubling your impact!
You can also give back by doing something positive for yourself: Pranify Yoga is hosting Friday Drop-In Yoga in December through to February for just $10 and all the money raised will go to the Family Fund, providing that safety net throughout the year, and Sponsor a Family program that supports families during the holidays.
How You Can Donate to the Family Fund:
- Donate online: https://kcr.ca/about-us/donate-now-to-kcr/
- E-transfer: finance@kcr.ca
- Deliver a cheque to our office at 618 Bernard Ave. Kelowna (9 am – 4 pm, closed for lunch 12–1)
- Or contact wendycg@kcr.ca or call 250-763-8008 x 256
Your kindness brings transformation. Through the Family Fund, your support builds stories of hope and resilience.
Giving the gift of time is always an amazing way to give back and the need for human connection at this time of year is more important than ever.
Contact a shelter and offer to volunteer to help those fighting off the cold and more. There are also gifts and supplies you can share. Maybe as you plan a social gathering, ask your guests to bring necessary items or stocking stuffer gifts that can be share with those who are often forgotten. Supplies that shelters often need include personal hygiene items like toothbrush/toothpaste, shaving cream and razors, deodorant (mini size) and feminine hygiene products. New and used outerwear, blankets and sleeping bags will literally help ward off the cold and gift cards offer the person some personal choice in which supplies they need. You know the joy of a small gift found in your stocking and you can share that opportunity with gifts such as chocolate and candy, mini flashlights, cough drops, make-up, creams and lip balm. You can find organizations and shelters on KCR’s Community Database at https://kelowna.cioc.ca/.
Share your Time
Give back to an organization that needs extra hands or directly connect with people that are isolated. Senior-serving organizations like Seniors Outreach, Westside Health Network Society and Lake Country Health, have programs that support the universal need for connection to lonely seniors. These programs include virtual options also, where a simple phone or virtual calls can make all the difference.
However you share your holiday spirit, you will make a positive impact in someone’s life.
