Winnipeg’s growing need for help highlighted by Giving Tuesday

After Black Friday and Cyber Monday comes Giving Tuesday. Started in 2012 GivingTuesday has become the worlds largest generosity movement with hundreds of millions of people in over 80 countries supporting those in need.

Giving Tuesday reported record-breaking levels of giving in 2021. But the United Way of Winnipeg has seen a change in 2022. The number of people in need is growing, while the number of people donating is decreasing.

“What we’re seeing is the perfect storm, we have so many more needs in our community as a result of the pandemic and high inflation which is tipping more people into crisis,” explained Connie Walker, president and CEO of United Way of Winnipeg. “At the same time, people who might like to give are also feeling those inflationary pressures and are no longer able to give the way they would like.”

Walker says the United Way receives around 400 calls a week to their 211 helpline from people in Winnipeg seeking assistance with basic needs like food, shelter, and family support.

On days like Giving Tuesday Walker says giving isn’t always about dollars and wants to remind people they can donate their time or skills if they are not in a place to give financially at this time.

“And that’s really what today is all about, is heightening that awareness of generosity in all the forms.”

On Giving Tuesday Oydens eye tattoo & piercing in downtown Winnipeg has launched tats for toys. The shop’s co-owner Kerry Adams says after successful food and clothing drives earlier this year they wanted to continue giving by collecting toys for kids in need over the holidays.

For any new toy donation at the shop, customers receive a discount on their next tattoo or piercing. The toys are being distributed by the Christmas cheer board. Adams says all types of toys are accepted and appreciated.

“We have a lot of people stopping by just to donate, they aren’t even looking for a tattoo or a piercing, they just want to help,” said Adams. “Anything for any age, any gender, whatever you can afford.”

Tattoo artist Jesse Watsons thinks tats for toys is a great idea. Watson says lots of his clients are eager to support the community in this way adding the experience of giving and helping others also enhances the unique story behind a new tattoo

“It’s a win for everybody,” said Watsons. “People come in and they don’t really care about the discount, they care about the kids, and I love that.”

As for Walker, she hopes Giving Tuesday will inspire generosity in all forms.

“This is really a time when we are asking anyone with a capacity to give, to dig a little deeper, and give what they can.”