Party leaders challenged to support Giving Tuesday
29 November 2019
The Charities Aid Foundation is challenging the UK’s busy political leaders to hit the pause button on their campaigns just long enough to lend support to Giving Tuesday on December 3rd.
The global day of giving was born as a ‘give something back’ response to the Christmas shopping rush of Black Friday and Cyber Monday and it’s a chance for people of every political persuasion to agree on the inherent value of charities in the UK.
Political leaders who get involved with Giving Tuesday will be in great company as #GivingTuesday is an international and UK trend on social media and celebrities including Ricky Gervais, Emma Watson and Michelle Obama use Giving Tuesday to shout about their favourite causes.
Last year, more than £7.8 million was raised in online donations in the UK on the day and when polled by YouGov, 1.5 million said they were likely to do something for charity thanks to Giving Tuesday.
With more than 100 countries now taking part, Giving Tuesday has been run in the UK by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) since 2014.
It’s easy to get involved, whether you pledge to volunteer, fundraise or share the story of Giving Tuesday on social media.
Gráinne Mathews, who leads Giving Tuesday in the UK for the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), said the spotlight of the campaign trail is the perfect time for politicians to get involved.
“The one thing that we know everyone agrees on – no matter what their politics – and that is the incredible benefit that charities bring to communities across the UK. This is a chance for our political leaders to send a strong message of support for charity.
“With Christmas fast approaching, there is no better time of the year for politicians to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in to Giving Tuesday.”
Notes to Editors
- Charities taking part in the 2019 campaign include the Jo Cox Foundation, Islamic Relief, Sightsavers and Cancer Research UK.
- Household names involved include RBS, PayPal, Samsung, BT and SalesForce.
- Further information: https://www.givingtuesday.org.uk/