In a previous article, we listed the different environmental and social problems related to Black Friday. This "Black Friday" where consumers are encouraged to overconsume by buying in a compulsive and massive way.
But did you know that there is an event in response to this commercial phenomenon?
It is Giving Tuesday. And unlike Black Friday, which is celebrated the day after Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday takes place on the Tuesday following the famous American holiday.
A day of worldwide mutual aid
Giving Tuesday is a worldwide day of solidarity that encourages generosity based on different donation systems: money, time savings, food or item donations... This year, it takes place on Tuesday, November 29 all over the world.
Created in the United States in 2012, this movement was launched by the New York cultural and community center 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation (UNF) in response to the post-Thanksgiving shopping events: Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Over the years, Giving Tuesday has spread to more than 150 countries, including France, where it first established itself in 2018 thanks to a collective of organizations bringing together associations, foundations, businesses, institutions, and many committed individuals. A global phenomenon, Giving Tuesday is also known by several names: “Un dia para dara” among Spanish speakers, “Mardi je donne” for Quebecers, or “Dia de Doar” in Brazil.
Everyone can participate in this free solidarity action, whether individuals or associations, foundations, schools, public institutions, or businesses.
Giving Tuesday celebrates altruism and philanthropy so that everyone can become aware of the importance of giving and helping their neighbor. Associations and businesses also have the opportunity to promote their projects and causes to the public, who can then get involved and support them for the rest of the year.
10 examples of solidarity actions
Giving in your own way: that is the principle of Giving Tuesday. Helping your neighbor carry their groceries, guiding an elderly person across the street, talking about the movement using #GivingTuesdayFR or #GivingTuesday on social media... Solidarity and generosity are first and foremost simple gestures, that we can also do every day.
On this day dedicated to mutual aid, we offer you 10 actions to bring out the generosity within you:
#1 - Make a donation to an association
Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to support an association that is close to your heart.
Every six months, Meanwhile Boutique helps an association with a high social and/or environmental impact. From August to December 2020, we raised funds for the Impact Lebanon association. In 2021 and 2022, we invited you to make a donation to the Maison des Femmes in Saint-Denis with every purchase on the platform.
Continuing our actions, in 2023/2024, we are establishing a new association partnership with La Fondation vaincre Alzheimer: an organization dedicated to research, awareness, and support for people suffering from Alzheimer's disease and their loved ones.
#2 - Donate blood
One hour of your time is enough to save 3 lives.
Every year in France, blood donation saves the lives of one million patients. The need for blood is daily: it can help a person involved in a road accident, a pregnant woman give birth, a person suffering from a serious illness...
To find out about the blood drives closest to you, visit dondesang.efs.sante.
#3 - Sort through your belongings and donate your clothes
In addition to making a gesture in favor of the planet, donating clothes you no longer use allows you to help many families in need. You can drop them off in collection containers that you can easily find in your city or at various charitable organizations such as Emmaüs or Secours Populaire.
#4 - Visit an elderly person
Elderly people often suffer from loneliness or even isolation. However, social life is the best way to maintain morale, joy of living, and health.
Courtesy visits allow seniors to create and maintain a connection with the outside world.
Whether grandparents or neighbors, like the volunteers of the Petits Frères des Pauvres association, take a few hours to brighten the day of an elderly person suffering from isolation by visiting them at their home.
#5 - Support young creators
At Meanwhile Boutique, we know how difficult it can be to promote your art without a helping hand. That is precisely why we created our platform and the collective of committed creators.
For Giving Tuesday, support your favorite artist, creator, or small business owner by sharing their art or their website with those around you and on your social media.
#6 - Smile at a stranger
A smile has the magical power to make people happier. Whether it is a stranger on the street or someone you often see at the bakery, smiling or saying hello to someone you don't know can brighten their day. Especially if they are going through a difficult time in their life!
An action that costs nothing but makes a lot of difference.
#7 - Get involved and sign a petition
Signing a petition allows associations and/or organizations to advance the cause they are committed to. The online platform change.org or mesopinions.com hosts thousands of petitions and gives you the opportunity to support different actions.
Talking about an association or a movement on social media is also a donation of your voice.
#8 - Share your knowledge and skills
Why not use your knowledge and expertise to help others? For example, you can offer tutoring to children struggling in school.
There are many associations offering homework help in France, here are a few: Entraide Scolaire Amicale, Association Réussite, JeVeuxAider.gouv
#9 - Participate in or organize a collection
Become a volunteer and help an organization such as Les Restos du Coeur or La Cravate Solidaire collect items to fight poverty.
You can also reach out to your loved ones and organize your own collection of items or funds through social media.
#10 - Get together to clean up the streets
Young and old, get together to pick up litter in the streets. On the JeVeuxAider website, Clean Walk operations are planned all year round across France. In fact, we organized our very first cleanup mission in Rueil-Malmaison on October 26!
In addition to lending a hand to your city's maintenance team, you are working to preserve the environment. A simple, committed gesture accessible to everyone.
Although helping your neighbor is an action to take throughout the year, Giving Tuesday reminds us how important it is to help each other. Through simple gestures, let's be supportive every day!
