Giving Tuesday asks Manitobans to continue Black Friday spend trend for those in need

Following the maniacal shopping sprees of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, non-profits, charities and businesses are asking Canadians to dig a little deeper for a good cause on Giving Tuesday.

The annual campaign aims to piggyback on the commercial spending trend, but instead of snatching up cheap deals, consumers are encouraged to donate to organizations devoted to helping those in need.

Siloam Mission is trying to raise enough money to cover the cost of essential supplies for 3,000 in Winnipeg's homeless community.

Lighthouse Mission and the United Way are also asking Manitobans for financial donations to help them take care of people who are less fortunate ahead of the holidays.

The Health Sciences Centre Foundation is accepting donations that will go toward health-care improvements at the Health Sciences Centre.

The Lake Winnipeg Foundation is trying to raise money to send kids to the Manitoba Museum's Science Gallery to learn about the problems facing Lake Winnipeg and possible solutions.

The Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts is asking for donations to its Music Equals program, which gives Winnipeg youth a chance to take music classes.

The Winnipeg Humane Society says it has seen a 120 per cent increase in deadly diseases in dogs. The mounting costs of treatment for heartworm alone have the organization seizing on Giving Tuesday to seek help to pay for future treatments.

Winnipeg marketing and consulting agency Think Shift launched its third annual "Make Nice Happen" campaign in conjunction with Giving Tuesday.

To have that special moment with their loved ones, that's going to really brighten not only their day but probably their month and maybe even their year- Allyson Regier

The company has partnered with R.B. Russell Vocational High School in the North End. Instead of students receiving gifts, they will be given a chance to "shop" for free gifts for their loved ones at a pop-up store Dec. 15 at a holiday potluck at the school.

"This is our way to give back to our community and encourage others to do the same," Jay Holdnick, vice-president of Think Shift, said Tuesday morning. "We're looking for support from the public on this to give underprivileged youth the gift of giving this year."

Allyson Regier, a guidance counsellor at the school, said the collaboration is "a dream come true."

"We've been trying to get it done with our own teachers and kind of running out of resources, so to have a private company, with everything they can offer and their networking, is really going to amp this up to a scale we could've never imagined," Regier said.

"To have that special moment with their loved ones, that's going to really brighten not only their day but probably their month and maybe even their year."

More information on how to donate toys, winter wear, housewares, clothing, electronics and other gifts is available on the Make Nice Happen website.