Many of us are familiar with the big crowds and countless deals associated with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but how many of you have heard about Giving Tuesday? Now in its second year in Canada, Giving Tuesday is a global day dedicated to giving back. Today, charities, businesses, and people in the community will come together to celebrate generosity and think of others.
There are many ways to get involved on Giving Tuesday, such as volunteering, donating to a charity, or simply doing a good deed for someone. The MS Society of Canada depends on volunteers, fundraisers, and the overall support of the community in order to carry out its mission to support people living with MS. MS Researchers also share in this commitment, not only by doing the inspiring work they do in the lab, but by taking part in the community.
Just recently, Dr. Jacqueline Quandt from the University of British Columbia and her lab joined others in wrapping Holiday gifts, with donations going to the MS Society, and Dr. Mark Freedman from the Ottawa Hospital Research Insitute has been an avid participant in one of the MS Society’s biggest fundraising events – the MS Bike – for over 20 years, helping raise critical funds for research and services. These are only a few of the many examples of people who contribute in enormous ways to the MS community, and who display real passion for what they do and believe in. My own journey to the MS Society of Canada began with volunteering, where I met many people with MS who inspired me and changed my perspective on what MS is.
I think I speak on behalf of many others when I say that life is busy, and at times we lose sight of important causes and people in need. Today, on Giving Tuesday, let’s reflect on how we can give back to the community and rally for a great cause that’s important to us.
Check out the Giving Tuesday website for more information on how to be part of the movement!
If you would like to make a donation to the MS Society to help those with MS who are in need of support and to fund vital research, you can do so here.