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Our favourite things: It's better — and more important — to give than to receive

We all have something to give and have the power to do good, whether it be with money, time or other resources.

Volunteers Bruce Dawe, left and Leila Ben Ammar pack food boxes at Moisson Montréal in 2020.
Volunteers Bruce Dawe, left and Leila Ben Ammar pack food boxes at Moisson Montréal in 2020. Photo by Allen McInnis /Montreal Gazette

We asked Montreal Gazette reporters, editors and photographers to each suggest one local thing — be it an object or an experience — that you can offer this holiday season. See a new pick for every day of December here.

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Black Friday followed by Cyber Monday felt like the Olympics of retail. A sort of competition for shoppers in which we won things we mostly didn’t need. And often, debt.

Every year, the advertisements start sooner and seem more aggressive. Evidently the method works, though online sales were down eight per cent this year, surely due to inflation-related prudence from shoppers. I understand this period is of primordial importance for retailers and as one who loves a good deal, I don’t mind these Olympics being held every year.

Part of the competition is Giving Tuesday, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Described as a movement of generosity, the day is a reminder that we all have something to give and have the power to do good, whether it be with money, time or other resources. This year, Canadians donated more than $43 million on Giving Tuesday.

Many charitable organizations have shared that the COVID-19 pandemic melted their coffers like snow under the sun because of exploding demand and diminished resources. Groups like Fondation Marie-Vincent — whose mission is to provide access to services for children who are victims of sexual violence — are doing essential work, as are such food banks as Sun Youth and Moisson Montréal.

Safe children and fed families should be a collective objective all year. Beyond Giving Tuesday. Let’s start with the holidays. Instead of giving to someone who really doesn’t need anything, make a donation to an organization that will appreciate it. That’s what I’ll do.