For the fourth time, the Czech Republic joined the annual worldwide charitable event Giving Tuesday, in which people and companies donate money, food, clothing or offer volunteer work.
The Giving Tuesday initiative was launched seven years ago in opposition to the Christmas shopping period which features buying sprees and a focus on materialism. It is held annually on Tuesday after the U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving.
Last year, Czechia raised nearly 32 million korunas (€1.3 million) on donations during this event. However, this year’s Giving Tuesday surpassed this amount with more than 55 million korunas (€2.2 million).
“We already know that the number is record-breaking,” said the director of the Association of Social Responsibility, Lucie Mádlová.
However, the charity event exceeded the organizers’ expectations even before its launch. Already on Monday, they registered more than 300 donor calls.
“For example, there are calls from fathers and mothers in prison looking for a donation for their children,” Mádlová explained.
Mostly, people contribute financially during Giving Tuesday. The event is intended not only for individuals but for companies, non-profit organizations, schools, and cities as well.
There are many ways to get involved in the campaign. For example, companies can donate their products to people in need while individuals usually volunteer in a non-profit organization, donate to charity, or offer winter clothing and food to homeless people.
Contributors should then write down their actions and donations on a special website that tracks the success rate of the campaign.
