As Thanksgiving approaches, we think of all the things we are thankful for; our health and surviving an ongoing pandemic, being among family and friends, having food on our plates, and air in our lungs. We gather with the ones we love the most, around a table we were once deprived from because of a virus we just got to know. We sit down to share a meal, a few laughs, and stories we haven’t heard before. 

When Thanksgiving dinner is over, and the cups of tea are empty we all know what comes next—Black Friday. We pull our lists of things we need and some we want. We scratch items off of our Christmas list. 

This Thanksgiving we can do things differently, better. Let’s think of those who have lost their families whether to war, the pandemic, or any other reason. Let’s think of those who are miles and miles away from their families and unable to share a meal with them. Think of those who are searching for their mother or father on an unfamiliar border, during the cruelty of winter. 

There are so many ways of giving, whether on an individual level or through your favorite nonprofit organization. And there’s no better day to give than onGiving Tuesday. 

What is Giving Tuesday? 

Giving Tuesday is “a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world.” The idea began with Henry Timms, the Executive Director of the 92nd Street Y in New York, in 2012. The idea was simple “a day that encourages people to do good.”  He wanted to think of ways to give back to communities around the world. 

Radical generosity is the main idea behind #GivingTuesday. As the team behind Giving Tuesday defines it, radical generosity is “The concept that the suffering of others should be as intolerable to us as our own suffering.” When we think of our lives and the things we go through, we should remember that there are other people in the world who have similar suffering or even worse. They have their own stories to tell. Therefore, when we are able to give, no matter how little, we should. One small act of kindness can put a smile on someone’s face, save a family, or educate a child. 

Where does Giving Tuesday take place?

80 different countries around the world host Giving Tuesday. And while it’s technically celebrated every Tuesday, it is more widely-recognized as the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, which is November 30th this year. 

The clock is ticking, there are 8 days left until Giving Tuesday. And there are so many ways to give. You can join us for our end-of-year campaign, Paving the Way With Karam, to empower young Syrian Refugees on their way to becoming future leaders. Let’s help them pave their own ways with a push forward. 

How can I participate in Giving Tuesday? 

This year, thanks to a generous group of supporters, all donations up to $50,000 will be MATCHED. Be part of this journey. 

This Giving Tuesday you can do your own individual giving by spreading kindness, volunteering, and fundraising for your favorite cause. You can also talk about giving and generosity on social media by using the hashtag #GivingTuesday.