The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) has hailed Giving Tuesday a complete success after the volunteering charity smashed its target by 400%.
A secret benefactor matched, pound-for-pound, any donation made on that day to the SVP’s Covid-19 Recovery Programme up to a maximum of £5,000, which resulted in over £20,000 being raised in a mere 24 hours on December 1. Giving Tuesday has become a worldwide fundraising phenomenon since its launch in 2012, and currently holds the world record for the most money raised online for charity in 24 hours.
The campaign, which is supported by Sir Patrick Stewart, Sir Ian McKellen, Michelle Obama, Stephen Fry, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, among others, raised over £14.2 million for UK causes last year. It is widely seen as a compassionate counterpoint to the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
The SVP’s first foray into the international 24-hour fundraising campaign saw £20,970 donated, with the total due to rise further as contributions to the day’s funds are revealed. The finds will support the SVP’s work, which encompasses befriending the lonely, feeding the hungry and relieving poverty.
“The success of the SVP’s Giving Tuesday campaign demonstrates in the most striking way that people want to help. It also highlights the inherent goodness of people across the UK. I want to thank everyone involved in our Giving Tuesday campaign; our staff who worked to create a palpable buzz around the day, our members and volunteers who work tirelessly to improve people’s lives, and, not least, to anyone who donated to the cause – your generosity is crucial to our work, and makes a real difference to the most vulnerable people in our communities.”
Helen O'Shea, National President
Covid-19 has changed our way of life, and for some of the most vulnerable people it has been devastating. Increased financial pressures, a growing sense of isolation and the constant fear of infection have contributed to a decline in the mental health of the nation. Giving Tuesday offered an opportunity to redress the balance and to give something positive back to our communities.
Helen O’Shea concludes: “This has been one of the most challenging 12 months on record, but Giving Tuesday has ended the year on a positive note. As we look to 2021 with renewed optimism, we should remember those who have been severely affected by the pandemic. They will require our support, love and kindness more now than ever, which is why Giving Tuesday and similar campaigns to raise awareness and funds are so vital to the charitable sector. Together we can make our communities stronger. Thank you.”
If you want to put your positivity into action, please donate to the SVP’s Rise to the Challenge campaign: