Charities urged to jump on the bandwagon as global day of giving grows in popularity in the UK
One in three people in Britain are likely to give to charity on Giving Tuesday, new research has said.
Following on from Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday (1 December) is an American tradition which has found its way across the pond recently – but, unlike its predecessors which encourage consumerism, the day urges people to do something for charity.
The simple idea behind the day is to encourage people, charities and businesses to donate time, money or their voice to help a good cause.
#GivingTuesday is an antidote to the seduction of Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Launched last year in the UK by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), 1 December 2014 attracted 270% more charitable donations than the same day in 2013 and this year is expected to be bigger still.
More than 1,100 partners have signed up to take part and a CAF poll found 35% of Britons are likely to donate on the day this year with one in seven willing to volunteer their time.
Nearly a third of people are likely to tell their friends and family about it and one in five plan to spread the word on social media.
John Low, chief executive of CAF, said: “#GivingTuesday is an antidote to the seduction of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It embodies the real spirit of the festive season – which is giving, not just shopping.
“It is clear from the evidence that the UK's wonderfully strong charitable tradition is thriving. Indeed, it is something to be incredibly proud about.
“Thousands of small acts of kindness can transform lives and #GivingTuesday is a time for people to rally around those precious local causes and help those who are in need.
“It is a chance to embrace the very generous culture that lies at the heart of the UK – and people are doing just that more than ever this year.”
Giving Tuesday has grown into a global movement covering countries like Australia, Singapore, Canada, much of Latin America and Israel.
In 2014 the campaign was launched in the UK by the CAF with support from fundraising software provider Blackbaud.
To get involved in Giving Tuesday charities are encouraged to tweet using the hashtag #GivingTuesday.
For more ideas visit givingtuesday.org.uk.
