The St Vincent de Paul Society in England and Wales (SVP) exceeded its Giving Tuesday target by 400%, thanks to generous support from many quarters, including a secret benefactor, who matched – pound-for-pound – any donation made to the SVP on December 1 up to £5,000.
The result: more than £20,000 raised for the SVP’s Covid-19 Recovery Programme over a single 24-hour period.
The SVP’s first Giving Tuesday campaign raised no less than £20,970. SVP say they expect the total to rise as further contributions come in and are tallied.
The campaign’s goal was to generate wherewithal to push back against the increasingly difficult challenges the Covid-19 pandemic continues to pose for people in all walks of life, beginning with the weakest and most vulnerable, for whom the pandemic has already been devastating. Increased financial pressure and distress, isolation, and constant concern about falling ill with the potentially deadly disease, have all taken a toll on mental health.
“Giving Tuesday,” SVP said in a press release announcing the campaign’s success, “offered an opportunity to redress the balance and to give something positive back to our communities.”
SVP President Helen O’Shea said, “The success of the SVP’s Giving Tuesday campaign demonstrates in the most striking way that people want to help.” O’Shea also said the success of their campaign highlighted the “inherent goodness of people across the UK” and will continue to be a cause of gratitude.
“I want to thank everyone involved in our Giving Tuesday campaign,” O’Shea said, especially SVP staff, who spread the word and created “a palpable buzz around the day,” members and volunteers – whose work on the ground is tireless and effective – and donors themselves. “Your generosity,” O’Shea stressed, “is crucial to our work, and makes a real difference to the most vulnerable people in our communities.”
“This has been one of the most challenging 12 months on record, O’Shea went on to say, “but Giving Tuesday has ended the year on a positive note. As we look to 2021 with renewed optimism, we should remember those who have been severely affected by the pandemic. They will require our support, love and kindness more now than ever, which is why Giving Tuesday and similar campaigns to raise awareness and funds are so vital to the charitable sector. Together we can make our communities stronger. Thank you.”
SVP reports their Rise to the Challenge campaign is ongoing. Find out more at www.svp.org.uk/rise
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