The Canadian Mental Health Association South Cariboo Branch is once more encouraging the community to participate in Giving Tuesday.
Kristin Wells, the CMHA's community engagement coordinator, said Giving Tuesday is celebrated the first Tuesday after American Thanksgiving every year. It aims to encourage people to give back to one another by either supporting non-profits like the CMHA or by doing random acts of kindness.
"It's the world's largest generosity movement. It was started in 2012 by a group of people who just wanted to do some good," Wells remarked. "CMHA takes part in Giving Tuesday in hopes of getting some holiday donations."
This year Wells said that Western Financial has stepped up and agreed to give 10 grants of $10,000 each to non-profits and charities across Canada. These groups will be picked by people suggesting them on the company's Facebook page.
That's why Wells is asking the South Cariboo to nominate CMHA South Cariboo this year. She noted she has partnered with 100 Mile House's branch of Western Financial and she is hopeful together they'll be able to secure the funding.
"I would encourage people because I don't know if everybody in the community knows about the programs we offer and that they are completely free to everybody in the community," Wells said.
CMHA's programs include a homeless outreach program, a temporary housing program, a clubhouse program, a safehouse program for women fleeing violence, a domestic violence counsellor, a brain injury support program and a variety of other programs. Because they're a non-profit Wells said they rely heavily on grants and funding to help keep these programs running and give gifts to their clients during the holidays.
"$10,000 could go a long way and all the money that gets donated to CMHA stays at CMHA. It goes right back into the community and programs we offer," Wells explained. "I would say we could stretch 10 grand for probably at least a good year or so. We're pretty thrifty."
Wells said CMHA also welcomes the community to make any donations to them or other non-profits on Dec. 3 or throughout the years. Money can be dropped off directly at CMHA's office or online via Canada Helps' website online. That being said she noted Giving Tuesday is not about the monetary value.
"Giving Tuesday was just started to do good. Even if you can't support monetarily you can open the door for somebody, smile at somebody, help somebody with their groceries," Wells said. "It can be just making someone's day and doing something good."
