The Howe Sound Women’s Centre Society is joining hundreds of organization across Canada on Giving Tuesday to celebrate the spirit of generosity this holiday season and encourage people to donate to a worthy cause.
Giving Tuesday, which falls on Dec. 2, was created in 2012 by the UN Foundation as a way to convert the holiday consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday into philanthropy. The Howe Sound Women’s Centre is encouraging residents and businesses across the Sea to Sky to participate by donating in support of women and children who have experienced violence.
“#GivingTuesday is part of a global social movement that reflects a shift in the spirit of the holiday season, from one of consumerism to one of celebration, giving, and gratitude,” said Sheila Allen, executive director of Howe Sound Women’s Centre Society, in a release. “We hope that we can help ignite a new tradition of generosity right here in the Sea to Sky Corridor by encouraging people to take a stand against gender violence, advocate for gender equality, and provide support to survivors of abuse by donating to our society on Dec. 2.”
The centre will be seeking support from individual donours as well as placing donation jars at participating businesses throughout Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton. For merchants interested in taking part, contact Megan Reynolds at 604-892-5748 or by email at rdm@hswc.ca to receive a point of sale kit.
More than 1,900 organizations across the country will be participating in Giving Tuesday this year. The movement was credited with increasing online donations through www.canadahelps.org by 91 per cent in 2013.
For those wishing to donate, payments can be made at participating merchants, online at www.hswc.ca/donate, or in person at either Howe Sound Women’s Centre locations: 1519 Spring Creek Drive in Whistler and 38021 Third Avenue in Squamish.
