Key Takeaways
- Giving Tuesday 2013 saw unprecedented global giving, proving the power of collective generosity.
- Social media played a crucial role in amplifying the message and driving donations, with millions of tweets and Google Hangout events.
- Online giving surged significantly, highlighting the growing popularity of digital donations and the convenience of online platforms.
On a chilly Tuesday in December 2013, the digital world witnessed an unprecedented surge of giving as people from all walks of life came together to celebrate Giving Tuesday, a global day dedicated to charitable donations. The second annual Giving Tuesday was a resounding success, proving that the spirit of generosity knows no bounds.
Social Media: A Powerful Catalyst for Giving
Social media played a pivotal role in amplifying the message of Giving Tuesday. The hashtag #GivingTuesday trended with over 269,000 tweets, reaching millions of people worldwide. Google+ and Mashable hosted a 12-hour Google Hangout featuring celebrities and nonprofit leaders, further spreading the word and inspiring donations.
Fundraising Success: Millions Raised for a Worthy Cause
The fundraising success of Giving Tuesday 2013 was truly remarkable. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida reached its $10,000 goal by 9 am, demonstrating the power of early engagement. The United Methodist Church raised an astounding $6.5 million from 24 countries, showcasing the global reach of the movement. “BMore Gives More” in Baltimore raised $5.4 million for nearly 500 nonprofits, proving that local initiatives can make a significant impact.
The “Unselfie” Campaign: A Humorous Twist on Giving
Giving Tuesday 2013 witnessed a unique and humorous trend: the “unselfie” campaign. Over 7,000 “unselfie” images were posted on Instagram and Twitter, featuring celebrities and individuals holding signs indicating their charitable donations. This playful twist on the popular selfie trend brought a smile to many faces while promoting the spirit of giving.
Online Giving: A Surge in Digital Donations
Online giving saw a significant increase during Giving Tuesday 2013. Blackbaud reported a 90% increase in online giving compared to 2012, indicating the growing popularity of digital donations. PayPal saw a 99.9% increase in US donations and an 858% increase in mobile donations, highlighting the convenience and accessibility of online giving platforms.
Corporate Support: Businesses Join the Giving Movement
Corporations also played a significant role in supporting Giving Tuesday 2013. QVC launched a campaign with matching donations up to $150,000 for four beneficiaries, demonstrating the power of corporate social responsibility. Many other businesses offered matching donations, discounts, and promotions to encourage giving.
Humorous Engagement: BuzzFeed’s Hilarious Take on Giving
BuzzFeed, known for its humorous content, published a satirical article featuring memes of characters not likely to give on Giving Tuesday. This tongue-in-cheek approach brought a touch of levity to the day while still encouraging people to donate to worthy causes.
Times Square Presence: Giving Tuesday Takes Center Stage
Giving Tuesday 2013 reached new heights with a presence in the iconic Times Square. The digital day of giving was featured on billboards and screens, reminding passersby of the importance of charitable donations and inspiring them to join the movement.
Conclusion: A Resounding Success for Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday 2013 was an extraordinary day of generosity and giving. The widespread participation, social media engagement, and significant fundraising success demonstrated the power of collective giving. The day raised awareness for charitable causes and inspired individuals and organizations to support those in need. Giving Tuesday continues to be an annual tradition, reminding us of the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on our communities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the US and Canada. It encourages people to donate to charitable causes and support nonprofits.
How can I participate in Giving Tuesday?
You can participate in Giving Tuesday by donating to a charity of your choice, volunteering your time, or spreading the word on social media.
What impact has Giving Tuesday had?
Giving Tuesday has raised billions of dollars for charitable causes worldwide and inspired countless acts of kindness and generosity.
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