Following on the heels of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which highlight the consumerist aspects of the holiday season, Giving Tuesday is meant to inspire individuals and communities to embrace charitable action — whether volunteerism or financial support.

The University of Windsor is introducing the concept to campus this year as a joint project of the campaign office, Alumni Affairs and Donor Communications, and the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance.

The targeted beneficiary is the UWindsor Good Food Hub, which addresses food insecurity by supporting:

• the Campus Community Garden Project;
• the Student Community Kitchen;
• the Campus Farmers’ Market;
• a student food bank; and
• advocating for universal access to safe, ethically and sustainably produced, and culturally appropriate food.

Volunteers will collect donations of money or non-perishable goods at a booth in the CAW Student Centre Commons from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, November 29. Contributors may share in a pasta luncheon starting at noon.

“Giving Tuesday provides an opportunity for us to celebrate the tremendous impact of philanthropy, volunteerism and community service,” says Patti Lauzon, director of Alumni and Donor Communications. “It’s all about developing our culture of philanthropy.”