NVFC Joins the National #GivingTuesday Movement to Encourage Spending With a Purpose

November 24, 2014

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has joined #GivingTuesday, a first of its kind effort that will harness the collective power of a unique blend of partners – charities, families, businesses, and individuals – to transform how people think about, talk about, and participate in the giving season. Coinciding with Thanksgiving and the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, #GivingTuesday will inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they support, and help create a better world.

Taking place December 2, 2014 – the Tuesday after Thanksgiving – #GivingTuesday will harness the power of social media to create a national moment around the holidays dedicated to giving, similar to how Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become days that are synonymous with holiday shopping.

The NVFC is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting our nation’s volunteer first responders in the fire, emergency medical, and rescue services. NVFC programs provide critical assistance to individuals and departments and focus on first responder health, safety, training, recruitment, advocacy, and more. Initiatives include the Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund, which provides financial assistance to first responders who have had their homes impacted by a large scale disaster such as a hurricane or tornado, and the Share the Load program, which provides supports to first responders and their families dealing with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction.

“#GivingTuesday provides a unique opportunity for individuals across the country to reflect on what is important to them and support the organizations and charities they believe in,” said NVFC CEO Heather Schafer. “Volunteer first responders give back to their communities in countless ways throughout the year. As we enter the holiday season, we hope those looking to do more in their communities consider a gift that will help support  volunteer firefighters, EMTs and rescue personnel.”

#GivingTuesday was founded in 2012 by New York’s 92nd Street Y in partnership with the United Nations Foundation to find ways to promote and celebrate the great American tradition of giving. Together, with a team of influencers and founding partners, they launched a global movement that has engaged over 10,000 organizations worldwide.

“#GivingTuesday is a counter narrative to Black Friday and Cyber Monday because it reminds us that the spirit of the holiday giving season should be about community and not just consumerism,” said Kathy Calvin, CEO of the UN Foundation. “The most meaningful gift we can give our children, loved ones, friends, and neighbors is the commitment to work together to help build a better world.”

Those who are interested in contributing to the NVFC’s initiatives during #GivingTuesday can pledge their support on December 2. For more details about the #GivingTuesday movement, visit the #GivingTuesday web site, Facebook page, or follow #GivingTuesday and the #GivingTuesday hashtag on Twitter.