Next Tuesday is a very special day for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) and for our charitable partners across the region – it’s GivingTuesday.

November 30, 2021, will be acknowledged in communities around the world as a day for global giving. Its purpose is as simple and uncomplicated as it gets: to encourage people to do good.

Taking place each year after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, GivingTuesday is known as the ‘opening day of the giving season.’ It is a time when businesses and individuals join together and rally for their favourite causes. In the same way that retailers take part in Black Friday, the giving community comes together for GivingTuesday.

When GivingTuesday was first launched, it had one goal: to make giving more central to daily life.

GivingTuesday harnesses the kindness of people around the world to bring about real change in their communities. It provides a platform to encourage the donation of time, resources and talent. It also brings together the collective power of partnerships – not-for-profits, businesses, corporations, families and individuals to encourage acts of benevolence and philanthropy.

This global day of giving is one way we can help one another transform our communities and the world through philanthropy. Again this year, the pandemic has reduced some opportunities for traditional in- person fundraising activities, which only reinforces the importance of this special day.

Whether it is making someone smile, helping a neighbour or stranger out, showing up for a cause or people we care about or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give.

When people think about philanthropy, they may think about individuals writing cheques to their favourite charities, or perhaps about foundations that grant substantial dollars to tackle problems or advance issues. Philanthropy, however, takes many forms.

Recently, I met Vernice McConnell of Milford. Vernice is someone who very quietly gives back and is a powerful example of someone who is making a positive difference in the world.

Vernice likes to sew and spends her spare time making dresses from donated fabric, or fabric she has found on sale, to send to Africa to be given to school-aged girls. Upon receipt of these dresses, the girls are able to attend school as they now have a suitable outfit to wear. It takes Vernice about a day to sew each dress. That one day spent has the potential to change someone’s life forever. Vernice isn’t just sewing a dress. She is giving the gift of education and opportunity to someone she may never meet.

This GivingTuesday, I encourage you to pick a cause and make a contribution that is meaningful to you. From fundraising to volunteering to pro bono service, find something that brings you joy and supports millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity.

Over the past nine years since its inception, GivingTuesday has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of Today, GivingTuesday supporters are an inclusive and diverse community, with activity happening around the world. It is a day to celebrate and uplift grassroots generosity and generosity as a universally held value.

your values. And don’t shy away from being imaginative in your giving. It doesn’t have to be about money. Anyone can give of their time and talents to help others in need, like Vernice.

You can be a part of this movement and join individuals from across the world who are making charitable contributions in support of causes that are important to them. If you are inspired to join this community of supporters, I hope you will consider participating in GivingTuesday by giving one of the greatest gifts of all, the gift of health, by supporting the PECMH Foundation.

Your donation to PECMHF this GivingTuesday and throughout the holiday season supports the purchase of essential equipment needed at our County hospital this year.

These are challenging financial times for many, but we can all make an effort to show generosity and share kindness with those around us.

Together, we can show what a difference a single day can make. To make a donation this GivingTuesday or any day, visit us online at www.pecmhf.ca or call 613-476-1008 ext. 4502.