PEI

Tweet Up hopes to raise donations, social awareness

Two P.E.I. business partners are hosting a Tweet Up tonight. It is the first Tweet Up in three years. Donations will help the organization Random Acts of Kindness with its work in the community.

First Tweet Up in 3 years will raise money for Random Acts of Kindness organization

Islanders will have the opportunity to participate in a Tweet Up on Friday and help raise donations for Random Acts of Kindness. (Soeren Stache/DPA/Associated Press)

Two P.E.I. business partners are hosting their first Tweet Up tonight to raise awareness about world events as well as raise money for the Island organization Random Acts of Kindness.

Tonight's Tweet Up at the Old Triangle Pub is the first one in the city in three years, said Christine Gordon Manley, one of the event's organizers. 

'Do some good'

Tweet Ups are a great way to meet a diverse group of Islanders and interact socially, said Manley. But the events can also help raise awareness about a social cause and possibly "do some good." 

The idea of doing some good motivated the partnership with Anna Howard, president and founder of Random Acts of Kindness, for the Tweet Up.

Donations from Friday's Tweet Up will help Anna Howard, founder of Random Act of Kindness P.E.I., with her work in the community. (CBC)

"We've been inundated lately with just bad news. Like, very sad things happening across the world and in P.E.I. as well, and you can't help but to feel helpless," said Manley.

"Most of us don't have the funds to make a huge difference, it can be quite overwhelming. But I've been following Anna and quite amazed by everything that she's been doing and great to see how just these little acts of kindness can actually make a difference in somebody's life."

Pay it forward

Manley said Random Acts of Kindness has helped people in need buy groceries or high school students buy graduation dresses.

"What happens is if you are the recipient of these random acts of kindness, you are inspired to pay it forward," Manley said.

A Tweet Up six years ago also had an important impact on Manley's life.  At that event, she met Jaime Lee Mann. They had been interacting online, but the face-to-face meeting led the pair to go into business together, forming Manley Mann Media.

"If it wasn't for Twitter, our business wouldn't exist," said Manley.

Tonight's Tweet Up at the Old Triangle Pub is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. Participants are asked to bring money or gift cards to donate to Random Acts of Kindness.