'Tis the season to give

With Christmas Day just over a month away many of us are busy collecting Christmas wish lists and out hitting the stores in search of the perfect gift. After all, the holiday season is about giving. But what can make the holiday season even more special is not just giving to our loved ones but also to others in our community that may be in need.

Aiding those in need is core to the fabric of our culture, playing an integral role in strengthening our community by ensuring people are provided with necessities and the opportunities needed to succeed and live meaningful lives. Bringing up those living on the margins in our society brings up our entire community. It even provides the giver with a profound sense of satisfaction in knowing they’ve made a positive change in people’s lives.

The “Giving Tuesday” movement started in Canada in 2013 and has evolved into an annual movement taking place on the Tuesday after Cyber Monday, encouraging individuals and organizations to collaborate to find ways to give back to charities and causes throughout the holiday season.
Giving can be in monetary ways and by volunteering and is not just limited to the time and money given by individuals. Business can, should, and does play a key role in assisting local charitable activities.

This year, the Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Volunteer Central to host a luncheon on November 21^st with a panel discussion on how local businesses can cultivate outstanding corporate social responsibility. At our November 28^th Business After Hours we will be collecting money and/or food donations for the Red Deer Food Bank as well.

This year’s “Giving Tuesday” is on November 28, 2017 – how will you give back to you community?