Big Brothers Big Sisters celebrates ‘#GivingTuesday’ with Give-a-Thon

Daniel Kittredge
Posted 12/4/14

As part of a broader effort meant to provide a community-based alternative to the consumerism that frequently surrounds the season, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State (BBBSOS) hosted a …

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Big Brothers Big Sisters celebrates ‘#GivingTuesday’ with Give-a-Thon

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As part of a broader effort meant to provide a community-based alternative to the consumerism that frequently surrounds the season, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State (BBBSOS) hosted a Give-a-Thon as part of the #GivingTuesday social media campaign.

“It’s an opportunity for the community to give back,” said George Evans Marley, marketing/community outreach coordinator for BBBSOS.

The #GivingTuesday campaign is held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, designed to bring various segments of the community together in support of non-profit organizations and causes amid shopping frenzies such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

“#GivingTuesday is a counter-narrative to Black Friday and Cyber Monday because it reminds us that the spirit of the holiday giving season should be about community and not just consumerism,” said Kathy Calvin, CEO of the United Nations Foundation, in a statement regarding the campaign. “The most meaningful gift we can give our children, loved ones, friends and neighbors is the commitment to work together to help build a better world.”

The campaign was recognized Tuesday through a range of proclamations from local, state and federal leaders. Cranston Mayor Allan Fung and state Reps. Mia Ackerman (D-45, Cumberland) and Mary Messier (D-62, Pawtucket) were among those on hand for the Give-a-Thon at the BBBSOS headquarters on Pontiac Avenue.

“I’m proud to be here to support this wonderful organization,” Fung said, calling the initiative “an opportunity to encourage citizens to serve others.”

“My husband and I constantly go over and donate [to BBBSOS],” Ackerman said, adding that the mentoring program at the heart of the group’s mission is “very near and dear to me.”

“Keep up the great stuff that you do,” she told staffers.

The goal of the Give-a-Thon was to raise $10,000 in support of BBBSOS’ mission, and Katje Afonseca, the organization’s director of development, said $4,445 had been raised as of Tuesday afternoon. Of that total, $2,000 was received through a grant from CVS Health Foundation, which has awarded $100,000 to 50 non-profit groups across the country in honor of the #GivingTuesday campaign. BBBSOS was nominated by CVS Health’s Kerri Schiff.

On Wednesday, BBBSOS announced the event raised more than $5,600, which was matched by an anonymous donor for a total of $11,200.

Afonseca urged members of the community to donate, either monetarily or through clothing and household items that are then sold through BBBSOS’ partnership with Savers.

“We are always accepting gifts of household items and clothing,” she said, adding that the sales provide “critical funding” for the organization.

Marley also pointed to the ongoing need for volunteer mentors to work with approximately 200 boys and girls across the Ocean State currently on the group’s waiting list.

“The need is so great, and it’s still growing,” he said.

For additional information about #GivingTuesday, the Give-a-Thon and BBBSOS visit www.bbbsos.org.

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