Annual Giving Tuesday tradition returns to UVic on November 29

After the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is a day to focus on philanthropy. The University of Victoria’s Giving Tuesday initiative brings together community members, alumni, employees and students to donate to their chosen causes, participate in events (online and in-person) and unlock dollars from sponsors. The goal is to collectively raise money for a variety of programs and projects across the entire university. Many of these programs benefit the wider community.

After last year’s successful Giving Tuesday, we reached the milestone of $500,000 raised since 2016. And while we like to count the dollars, we’re also proud to see the number of people participating in Giving Tuesday increasing every year. More than 500 people took part last year, including students playing Giving Tuesday games, employees sending Giving Grams and alumni from all over the world making gifts online.

How to take part in 2022

If you’re on campus on November 29 this year, look out for a giant Philanthropoly game in the quad, coffees by donation at all food services locations and the Bubble Bus serving hot chocolate and cupcakes by donation, with sprinkles of course! Students can play trivia-style games online and via Instagram to learn about philanthropy at UVic, with each play unlocking sponsor-contributed dollars.

Giving Grams offer another popular way to support Giving Tuesday. With a $5 minimum donation, anyone can send a message of positivity to another person in their life. Along with the message, the recipient gets to direct the sender’s donation to the Giving Tuesday priority fund of their choosing.

What does Giving Tuesday fund?

Funds raised on Giving Tuesday support student initiatives, research that strengthens communities, and programs that change lives. There are 24 priority funds this year, supporting diverse goals such as climate action, student need, hands-on learning, EDI and student-led activities and initiatives. Can’t decide which fund to support? A gift to the general Giving Tuesday fund will also count towards the goal to raise $150,000 in 2022.

What about the sprinkles?

Yes, you can find sprinkles everywhere during Giving Tuesday—in real-life, virtually and metaphorically! The sprinkles show how all donations of any size, along with all other actions to take part will combine to make a big difference at UVic. Giving Tuesday is a chance to see how much we can achieve in 24 hours when we come together for the causes we care about.

Learn more at uvic.ca/givingtuesday