After Black Friday and Cyber Monday comes Giving Tuesday, a day where you’re encouraged to give back with your wallets or time.  

From coast to coast, people will be raising money for local charities and non-profits, running food and clothing drives, giving blood and even helping their neighbours.  

Volunteer Central is participating in the national day of giving by launching a social media campaign, encouraging business owners and staff to post selfies, called an ‘unselfie,’ with the hash tag Giving Tuesday.  

Executive Director of Volunteer Central, Pam Snowdon said there's a lot of need in the community right now.

“We know that we’re going through economic struggles in Alberta right now. In times like this, the non-profits really have to compete for their funding, for dollars and for resources to be able to carry out their missions.”

Snowdon added there are simple things that you can do, to help make a difference.

“You can check on your neighbour and see how they’re doing. If you’re out grocery shopping tomorrow you can pick up a couple of extra items and put them in the food donation box that is in many of the grocery stores. You can also call up a charity and volunteer for the day, or get yourself on the roster for the next big event”

Giving Tuesday began in Canada four years ago with 5,400 Canadian charities, businesses and community groups participating to date.

For more information regarding local charities and ways to donate, www.volunteercentral.ca.