What if, after all the focus on buying and getting, we took a moment to focus on giving? On Tuesday, December 1, 2026, people worldwide will come together for GivingTuesday, an inspiring global movement celebrating generosity in all its forms. Giving isn't simply about donating money; it can mean giving our time, talents, kindness, compassion, encouragement, or support. At its heart, GivingTuesday reminds us that generosity has the power to create community and meaningful change.
The Power of Giving: Why GivingTuesday Matters
“Remember, when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received; only what you have given: a heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.” — St. Francis of Assisi
These words capture something deeply meaningful about giving. The things we accumulate may provide temporary satisfaction, but the difference we make in others' lives can become part of a lasting legacy. Giving connects us, strengthens relationships, builds communities, and can bring greater meaning to our lives.
Research supports this connection. Studies have found that prosocial behaviour —helping and contributing to others—is associated with greater well-being, particularly a deeper sense of meaning, purpose, and connection. Giving can benefit the receiver, and it can also benefit the giver.
What is GivingTuesday?
GivingTuesday began in the United States in 2012 and was embraced in Canada soon afterward. Today, it is a global movement that encourages people to make generosity part of their lives. GivingTuesday is a welcome shift after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Rather than focusing on what we can buy or receive, it asks us to consider: What can I give? And giving doesn't have to cost anything.
We can give:
- Our time by volunteering or helping someone in need.
- Our talents by sharing our skills and experience.
- Our voice by supporting a cause we believe in.
- Our resources by donating money or needed items.
- Our kindness through a simple gesture or encouraging word.
- Our attention by truly listening to someone who needs us.
GivingTuesday's recent research reinforces this broader understanding of generosity. Giving happens in many ways—not just through financial donations—including volunteering, donating items, and advocating for causes people care about.
The Personal Impact of Giving Back
Giving has always been a personal value of mine. In 2015, I explored this theme in my book, "Giving Back, How to Find Your Personal Joy and Make a Difference to Others." Writing the book allowed me to reflect on the immense joy that can come from giving freely of ourselves—not just financially, but through our time, compassion, empathy, and relationships.
As I wrote:
"A heart full of gratitude is a heart that gives."
When we are grateful for what we have, we often feel a natural desire to give back. While material things may fade, relationships, experiences, and acts of love and kindness can leave a lasting impression. Giving lifts the receiver—but it can lift the giver, too.
Giving and Emotional Intelligence
Generosity is also meaningfully connected to emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence helps us become more aware of ourselves and more attentive to the needs and feelings of others. Empathy allows us to see beyond our own experiences and consider what someone else may be going through. When we combine self-awareness, empathy, compassion, and intentional action, giving becomes more than something we do occasionally; it becomes part of who we are.
How Can You Make a Difference?
This GivingTuesday, consider being a role model for generosity and compassion.
- Make giving personal. Share a story about someone who has inspired you through their generosity.
- Give your time. Volunteer with a community organization or help someone who could use your support.
- Create a giving challenge. Invite colleagues, friends, or family to perform one meaningful act of generosity.
- Practice everyday kindness. A phone call, a sincere compliment, a helping hand, or simply listening can make a difference.
A Legacy of Giving
At Marshall Connects, giving back is more than a seasonal message. It is a value we strive to live. We are proud to support organizations that strengthen our communities and make a meaningful difference in people's lives. This year, we're continuing our commitment to giving back by supporting the Wayne Perkins Leadership Centre at YMCA Wanakita. This sustainable facility provides an immersive learning environment where young leaders develop essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and social responsibility.
Make Giving a Way of Life
While December 1st is a special day to celebrate generosity, we don't have to limit giving to one day a year. Give encouragement. Give patience. Give your time. Give your talents. Give gratitude. Give kindness. Give hope.
We all have something to give. This GivingTuesday, I encourage you to ask yourself: “What can I give that could make someone else’s life better?” One act of generosity can create an inspiring ripple effect that reaches far beyond what we can see. Together, those ripples can strengthen our community, deepen our relationships and create a kinder world. Let’s make giving contagious. Through giving, we don’t simply change someone else’s life. We can change ourselves, too.
This article was originally published on November 20, 2016, and has been updated (September 2026).
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