The days following the Thanksgiving holiday have become inextricably associated with commerce: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday – these are all days to bargain hunt and search for gifts. But over the past five years, a movement has been growing to change the conversation on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, now known as #GivingTuesday.
Created by the Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact and the 92nd Street Y, #GivingTuesday invites people, businesses, families, and communities to be of service and give back. Since its creation, it has become the unofficial kickoff date for the charitable season. Like Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday focuses on the flexibility and global reach of the internet and social media to spread a message and receive feedback. Organizations are inviting people to give money, donate time, encourage acts of kindness, and celebrate generosity in all forms. Last year, over 700,000 people participated to raise approximately $117 million online, with more offline in local communities.
Alabama Chanin has continued our partnership with Nest, the non-profit organization that assists artisans across the world in establishing and growing businesses that have social and economic impact. Nest has helped us develop practices in our machine facility, which continues to expand upon its goal of employing more women in our community. For this #GivingTuesday, QVC has chosen Nest as one of their featured charities, offering special merchandise and opportunities to contribute to Nest. You can also donate to Nest directly through the Nest website.
We also hope you will consider giving to the Southern Foodways Alliance, with whom we have worked extensively to raise funds for their various charitable efforts via our Friends of the Café Dinner Series. Proceeds from our most recent event, featuring Chef Sean Brock, went toward hurricane recovery efforts for those affected by Hurricane Matthew. We strongly support their values and mission to set a welcome table for all to join, in the spirit of respect and reconciliation.
We encourage you to reach out to local organizations to find out how you can get involved in community events or make online donations to charities that mean the most to you. If you are interested in finding ways to get involved or organizations in need of assistance, visit the #GivingTuesday website. And don’t forget to post, tweet, photograph, or share videos of giving efforts that inspire you, and tag your posts with #GivingTuesday to share with people across the globe.