#Giving Tuesday

Hi Everyone,

Those of you avid users of social media websites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram may have noticed that the hashtag #GivingTuesdayCA is trending.

What is Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday is a global day, designed to raise awareness about your local non-profit businesses, charities and other organizations. It is a day designed to remind everyone to give back.

I recently made a blog post that featured ten of my favourite small businesses/independent consultants. Today, in honour of Giving Tuesday, I'd like to feature some awesome charities/organizations to keep in mind throughout the holidays.

I enjoy finding organizations or ways that I can help my community that do not specifically involve making a monetary donation. ALL organizations seems to constantly be asking for monetary donations, but its important to remember to share what we have already been blessed with.


1. Angel Hair for Kids (A Children's Voice Foundation)
http://www.acvf.ca/index.php/our-programs/angel-hair-for-kids/

Angel Hair for Kids is an organization that means a lot to me. I have donated my hair three times in the past few years to this amazing cause and each time it brings a smile to my face. The hair donations are used to make wigs for children. Giving a child the gift of confidence is incredible.
Here's a photo of my most recent cut, which happened just last night! So this Giving Tuesday, is actually my Transformation Tuesday, and boy does it feel good!

I also purchased my T-shirt from the organization as well. Even if you are uninterested or unable to donate your hair, you can rock one of these awesome T-shirts and raise awareness! Its a great way to inspire others to help out!

Check out their website to view the hair donation requirements and read more about this awesome organization!

2. Canadian Blood Services
https://www.blood.ca/

Visit their website to see how you can participate on December 2nd, as part of their Giving Tuesday campaign.
Donating blood is a great thing to do during the holiday season, you could even make it an outing with a group of co-workers, family members or friends!

3. Your Local Animal Shelter
http://www.cuddlycatsrescue.com/
http://www.hsdr.org/

There are an abundant ways that you can help your local furry friends in need this winter!
-If you are searching for a new family pet, PLEASE adopt before making a purchase

-Animal shelters are often looking for volunteers, or temporary homes if the shelters become full

-Gather your local sewing or knitting group and make blankets to be donated to a shelter of your choice. Two weekends ago I had a group of students make fleece patchwork blankets for an organization local to me, called Cuddly Cats Rescue and Sanctuary. In just two hours we made nine blankets! (remember to use good quality materials so your blankets can be loved and used long-term)

-Donate supplies, food and other goodies!

-One of my local shelters are having pet photos with Santa, with the proceeds from the photos going to the shelter. Take your fur-babies in for this fun festive activity and help a great cause at the same time!

4. World Wildlife Fund
http://shop.wwf.ca/collections/adoptions#individual

While we're on the topic of saving our furry friends, don't forget about WWF!
If you visit their website they have a variety of awesome products and clothing that you can purchase that would make great Christmas gifts.

My favourite thing on their website is their adoption program. You can choose from a wide variety of plush animals to "adopt", with proceeds from your purchase going towards the organization and animals in need. Your purchase even includes an adoption certificate! This would be an awesome gift idea for any age group.

5. Give what you have, where it is needed most
 I already touched on the fact that many organizations are in dire need of monetary donations.
Many people constantly feel overwhelmed, no one has enough spare money during the holidays to help out to each organization who requests a donation. So here's an idea for you

-Clean out your closets: Take a look at all the used clothing, shoes, mittens, etc, that are either outgrown or are no longer worn. Find a local women's shelter, teenage refuge organization or homeless shelter to donate your items to. They will help keep someone warm this winter, and that thought just warms my heart.

-Sort through the play room/toy bins: If your children are no longer playing with certain toys, or if your children have just out grown an abundance of toys and books, there are many things you can do to eliminate the clutter from your home. You can drop toys off at local day care or take the used books to libraries or elementary schools. Those books and toys will be loved once again.

-De-clutter your house: Old blankets and sheets can be used at animal shelters. Unwanted non-perishable food in your pantry can be given to food drives or food kitchens. Unwanted items can be dropped off at a local Salvation Army or Bibles for Mission shops (where the items are then sold in the stores and the money reaches various organizations). If you happen upon yarn or fabrics that you no longer have a use for, there are definitely groups in your neighbourhood who knit or sew items for charities. Refrain as much as possible from throwing items to the curb.

Giving what you have is an awesome way to simplify your life and give back to your community.

I hope my list sparks some ideas of ways you can give back to your community this holiday season.

If you use Instagram, please follow me! @quilters.workshop

Happy Giving Tuesday!

-Tiffany