Local charities hope donations pour in on Giving Tuesday
The Tuesday after Black Friday and Cyber Monday has been designed to be a day of giving.
"I think it's a great idea. I think it should be promoted more. It's really the first time I've ever heard of it," said Barrie resident Brian McCracken.
The day is known as Giving Tuesday - people are encouraged to donate to the endless amount of local charities that don't always make their lists.
Many organizations depend significantly on the fundraiser that started a decade ago.
The OSPCA in Barrie is taking part in Giving Tuesday for the first time.
Financial donations can be made online. All donations adding up to $20,000 will be matched locally.
"We are a donor-based charity, we depend on donations, and so something like this gives us an opportunity to be able o reach a higher goal and to have the donations come in and be met by one of our previous donors is just great," said Erin Belsher, Barrie OSPCA.
Lakehead University in Orillia has participated in Giving Tuesday for seven years, collecting nearly half a million dollars. This year's goal is $108,000.
"It's just a great way to bring the community together around philanthropy, giving back and really kicking off the festive season," said Mike den Haan, vice president of external relations. "Giving Tuesday for us is about helping students, especially students who need a lot of help, so all of the money raised today will go to needy students who need help coming to Lakehead University."
This will mark the first year the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority will try out Giving Tuesday, with hopes of some financial support for necessary projects.
"We need funding for storm restoration, trail maintenance. There's a lot of things we can do here that just need extra touches, and we need money to do that," noted the conservation's Doug Hevenor.
Giving Tuesday is a day many say gives them a chance to focus on others as we head into a busy holiday season.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
U.S. downs Chinese balloon, a flashpoint in U.S.-China tensions
The U.S. military on Saturday shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the Carolina coast on orders from President Joe Biden, after it traversed sensitive military sites across North America, becoming the latest flashpoint in tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Defence minister says Canada supports U.S. downing of Chinese balloon
The federal defence Minister says Canada 'unequivocally supports' the United States government's decision to shoot down a high-altitude surveillance balloon that was suspected of spying for China, noting the balloon violated Canadian airspace.
Extreme cold can bring frostbite and hypothermia. Here are the symptoms to watch for
Canadians will continue to bundle up in the country's east this weekend as a recent bout of extreme cold persists in much of Quebec and the Atlantic provinces. CTVNews.ca looks at the signs and symptoms for frostbite and hypothermia to watch for if exposed to extreme cold.
China says it strongly opposes U.S. move to shoot down balloon
China's foreign ministry said on Sunday that it expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition towards the United States' use of force to attack its airship.
Poor oral health could affect the brain later in life: early study
An early study has shown keeping your gums and teeth healthy may have added benefits for your brain health.
Federal government asking RCMP to ban use of sponge rounds, CS gas for crowd control
The federal government says it wants the RCMP to ban the use of two crowd-control tools that forces across the country say they have in their arsenals: sponge rounds and CS gas.
Extremely cold temperatures prolong cold weather alerts for much of Eastern Canada
A cold snap that triggered Environment Canada alerts involving eight provinces and territories extended into a second day on Saturday, shattering several past temperature records and leaving thousands of customers in Atlantic Canada without power.
Toronto named as host city for 2024 NHL all-star game
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced Saturday the league's 2024 showcase will be played in Toronto for the ninth time.
China balloon: Many questions about suspected spy in the sky
The massive white orb drifting across U.S. airspace has triggered a diplomatic maelstrom and is blowing up on social media. A look at what's known about the balloon crossing the U.S. and what isn't.