Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren’t the only days linked to the beginning of the season of gifting.
GivingTuesday, a day dedicated to generosity and kind-heartedness, originated in 2012 in the United States.
It now includes more than 6,000 partners worldwide. The goal is to kickstart the giving season, where charities, companies and individuals join together and rally for causes that are important to them.
This year that day falls on Tuesday, Nov. 30, and Memorial has something special planned.
Between Sunday, Nov. 28, and Tuesday, Nov. 30, every donation in support of students at Memorial will be matched up to $10,000, thanks to support from generous donors.
“This ultimately translates into a stronger, brighter future for Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Lisa Browne, Memorial’s vice-president of advancement and external relations, says she is excited about the matching donations on GivingTuesday.
“I’m really delighted that donations made on GivingTuesday will be matched this year. That’s a great investment in our students, and our province,” she said.
“For example, a $50 donation will have the impact of $100. Whatever amount you decide to give, it means that you will be helping our students learn, evolve and fully achieve their potential. This ultimately translates into a stronger, brighter future for Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Student generosity
Bridget Tait, who is originally from Alberta, works in Memorial’s student calling centre.
“GivingTuesday matters to me, not only because it demonstrates the generosity of our donors, but because it also makes a difference to students like me,” said Ms. Tait.
She says she is thrilled with the sense of community she has found at Memorial.
“There’s a reason why people in Canada think Newfoundland and Labrador have the friendliest people in the country,” she said with a smile, mentioning that she wells up with warmth every time someone calls her “my treasure” or “my love.”
Ms. Tait also says working in the on-campus calling centre has been “an amazing experience.”
“Not only have I improved my people skills, but I’ve been told the best advice from people who were in my shoes not too long ago.”
Inspiring work
One of those people is Jonathan Lake, who heads the student calling program. He began his Memorial career as a student in the calling program.
“Through the calling program, the students get to hear incredible stories about life on campus throughout the years, get advice from alumni and are inspired to be the best community members they can be,” said Mr. Lake.
#Unselfie
Whether it’s volunteering time, money or a gesture of kindness, every contribution goes a long way.
As part of the national GivingTuesday campaign, students, faculty and staff are invited to take photos of themselves and their messages of compassion to share on social media throughout the day on Nov. 30.
To post your photos, please tag @MemorialUAlumni and @MemorialU on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and use the hashtag #Unselfie, #GivingTuesdayCA and #MUNgiving.
To donate, visit online, call 1-877-700-4081 or email giving@mun.ca.
