Non-profit organizations in Windsor-Essex say the need for targeted support is growing this Giving Tuesday — and new national data suggests residents are still stepping up, even as many feel financially stretched. New data from BMO shows 65 per cent of Canadians still plan to give back this holiday season despite rising costs, with 51 per cent saying they’re giving to support causes they care about. However, 65 per cent also say they wish they could give more — and 31 per cent expect to donate less this year. Even so, BMO leaders say the willingness to give, even in tough times, speaks to the generosity of Canadians. “I think it’s really amazing, when you think about the challenges Canadians are feeling right now, that people still want to give. It really speaks to the generosity and the spirit of the season,” Tony Tintinalli, BMO’s head of specialized sales, said. “People understand others are struggling, and this time of year is a reminder that communities need support.” While many Giving Tuesday campaigns focus on general operating dollars — often with the benefit of donations being matched — several non-profits in Windsor-Essex are highlighting very targeted projects this year. One of the most unique examples comes from the Downtown Windsor Community Collaborative, which is renovating a newly purchased building to operate as a community centre in the city’s core. According to executive director Bob Cameron, one of the biggest upgrades planned for the space on 630 Church Street is a neighbourhood laundromat — something they describe as badly needed in what they call a “laundry desert” downtown. The DWCC’s Giving Tuesday fundraising goal is $100,000 to cover the retrofit costs. “This will provide another opportunity for neighbors to gather in a safe space. Every good neighborhood needs a great park, a good elementary school and a community center,” said Cameron. The need isn’t limited to community programming. Hospice of Windsor-Essex is asking residents to “Give Your Night,” with a $150 donation covering one night of care and comfort for a patient and their family. At the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society, donations are helping make life cozier for the cats in their care — with the shelter raising funds for new resting shelves, improved lighting and even TVs in their cat rooms to keep animals relaxed while they wait for adoption.
