GivingTuesday 2020 is More Important Than Ever

TMD takes a slightly different approach to clients. In fact, we prefer to consider and call those we work with “partners” because “us” and “them” are interwoven into a strong relationship, where together we can conquer anything.

And although it’s not your typical idea of a marriage, we take our vows in partnership very seriously – for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health. This commitment has been especially true during the last year as we have all navigated this pandemic together.

Our local and international not-for-profit partners have been particularly hit hard in 2020. Fundraising efforts cannot be executed as they once were, resulting in uncertainty, concern, and fear for what is (or isn’t) to come with significantly less funding than they could once rely on.

White GivingTuesday logo on a red background. The V in Giving is a white heart with a red maple leaf in the center.

For those familiar with the not-for-profit world, we know how important GivingTuesday is during any year, but this year it’s more important than ever. For those who are unfamiliar with GivingTuesday, it is a day of generosity and support of not-for-profit organizations. Celebrated each year on the Tuesday following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, GivingTuesday encourages people to shift their focus from shopping carts and discounts to supporting where it really counts.

In a year that has been so disrupted, where our cups have felt half-empty, there is still an opportunity to do some good, make a difference, and show resilience. As we enter a season of generosity, GivingTuesday serves as a reminder for businesses and individuals alike to do their part to make a difference. It’s not about how much you give; it’s about giving what you can because every donation matters. So, let’s get to work! Reflect on the things that are truly important and ask yourself what you can do to support a not-for-profit this year – perhaps it’s getting friends and colleagues to chip in and donate together, or in lieu of that annual holiday party consider giving to a charity or cause instead.

To celebrate GivingTuesday, we’re highlighting some of our partners and the inspiring work they do for those who need it most. You can help spread joy and kindness this year by supporting them, whether that be financially, by donating your time, or helping to spread awareness. To help you decide where to direct your giving, we encourage to consider one of our truly inspiring partners:

St. Baldrick’s Foundation

St. Baldrick's Foundation #GivingTuesday poster of a baby girl dressed as an eldery lady to represent a little girl having a lifetime to live.

Every two minutes around the world, a child is diagnosed with cancer. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is the world’s largest non-government funder of childhood cancer research grants. When you give to St. Baldrick’s you don’t just give to one institution – your donation supports the best research no matter where it is taking place. Help #GiveKidsALifetime today by donating to St. Baldrick’s and support them in their quest to Conquer Kids’ Cancers.

Learn more about how to give this GivingTuesday.

St. Joseph’s Health Care London

Bright pink text on a white background for St. Joseph Healthcare's Season of Celebration campaign. Text says "Your donation matters this Christmas. Give a Gift. Brighten a Life. It's the 30th Season of Celebration."

Christmas will be celebrated differently this year for residents and patients in hospital receiving care over the holidays, with many not able to go home due to the pandemic. For the past 30 years, St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation in London, Ontario has used the Season of Celebration to brighten the holidays. Your gift to St. Joseph’s Season of Celebration will bring care and comfort items to patients and residents, as well as ensure our community receives the best medical care by funding new technology.

Donate here.

TLC Foundation

TLC Foundation's Santa's House poster. White trees and falling snow on a blue background with information about date, cost, and how to book online.

Each year the TLC Foundation provides Christmas gifts to sick and underprivileged children in the London community, including one for every child who is in hospital during the holidays. This year, to deliver some Christmas magic to more than 800 children in need, they’ll need to raise $50,000. You can donate directly to the TLC Foundation online or book a visit at Santa’s House in London, Ontario’s Victoria Park where your donation will be directed toward Christmas giving.

Book a photo with Santa for your family, your team, or your own partners and consider adding an extra donation to support children in need this holiday season.

ChildFund International

ChildFund International's green and white #GivingTuesday poster. A young African boy in a striped shirt is eating from a spoon and holding a bowl while looking at the camera.

ChildFund is a nonprofit organization that works in 24 countries all over the world to help children grow up healthy and keep them learning and safe, no matter where they were born or what challenges they face. Your support helps provide the basic necessities to a child living in poverty, so they not only survive, but are free to live to their fullest potential. When you donate to ChildFund this #GivingTuesday, Simply Southern, an American clothing, accessory and gift wholesaler and partner of ChildFund, will match your donation, making double the impact for children and their families in need.

Give a gift today for a matching contribution.

We know our partners would appreciate your support.  And if you’re not able to give a monetary donation, that’s okay – there are other ways to help not-for-profits, like using your voice to bring awareness to their mission and cause. By sharing the needs of not-for-profits with your networks, you could be the reason why someone makes the decision to donate this GivingTuesday.

Article by Justine Pitt, Manager Strategy and Client Services at TMD