High five to those who bravely went bare-skinned for #nomakeupselfies, or had ice water dumped on your head for #icebucketchallenge. Missed the boat on these viral charity campaigns? Well, take part in #GivingTuesdays on 2 December 2014, and you only need to do what you already do best: eat, shop and social network.
First initiated in New York by cultural institution and community centre 92Y, #GivingTuesdays is timed to directly follow Cyber Monday and Black Friday to encourage more giving than consuming around the world. Singapore is the first Asian country to be part of this movement with an inauguration last year, which raised $4 million in donations for more than 15,000 beneficiaries.
It’s the same formula this year: whether you’re on your own or a part of a group, come up with creative ways to give back or pay it forward. It can be something as simple as spending a week volunteering for different charities, buying strangers coffee, or organising a neighbourhood carwash. No act is too big, too small or too quirky. But if you’re running a little dry on ideas, check out their Facebook page for some inspiration. To sign up as a partner, just fill out a form on their website.
Clockwise from top left: Save Our Singapore Dogs; Care for Cambodia; Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund
Can’t afford to create a campaign on your own? Do your part by contributing to the many partners’ campaigns. If you’re spring-cleaning your closet, donate your pre-loved outfits to Chic Stash’s clothing drive for Star Shelter, then refill that wardrobe with their ‘Shop-for-a-Cause’ collection, where 10% of all proceeds go to Caring For Cambodia.
Foodies, head to restaurants like Kith Café, Artistry Café and 26 Tapas Bar, who have joined the Food-4-Good campaign, for some tasty grub, then burn off those calories at COMO Shambhala’s Hatha Yoga or Pilates class on 3 December, as they donate their earnings to Beautiful People, in support of at-risk teenage girls.
It’s a social media-driven campaign, so don’t forget to take an #unselfie and hashtagging your good deeds with #GivingTuesdaysSG on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to help boost awareness for the cause.
Image: Como Shambhala
