-May 5, 2020 being celebrated as global day of giving and unity-

Confederation Centre of the Arts is responding to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 and joining forces with the #GivingTuesdayNow campaign to muster support for organizations across the province.

#GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving and unity, set to take place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. The day is designed to drive an influx of generosity, citizen engagement, philanthropy, and support for communities and non-profits around the world.

At a time when so many are experiencing the pandemic at once, generosity is what brings people of all races, faiths, and political views together across the globe. Generosity gives everyone power to make a positive change in the lives of others and is a fundamental value anyone can act on.

Confederation Centre of the Arts is a non-profit charity dedicated to celebrating Canada through the arts. The Centre depends on the generosity of Canadians in order to deliver world-class programming and to fulfill its mission as a hub for performing and visual arts, arts education, and heritage. Any support received now will help the charity manage the unprecedented impact of COVID-19.

The Centre and most other Island charities and non-profits have been hard hit by the fallout from COVID-19. The Centre’s live programming, visual arts exhibitions, numerous education platforms, and even The Charlottetown Festival, have all been suspended until further notice. This has left the organization with no earned revenue streams for the foreseeable future.

“Confederation Centre is deeply grateful for the incredible support we have received from our community and our different levels of government since we first opened our doors,” shares CEO Steve Bellamy. “These unprecedented times have left the Centre and many Island non-profit and charitable organizations in a deep state of uncertainty about the future. Together we can help overcome these extraordinary challenges by choosing to be benevolent in whatever ways we can and expressing our community spirit.”

People can show their generosity in a variety of ways during #GivingTuesdayNow; whether by helping a neighbour, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to causes—every act counts. The May 5 global movement emphasizes opportunities to give back to communities and causes in safe ways that allow for social connection even while practicing social and physical distancing.

“As a global community, we can mourn this moment of extreme crisis while also finding the opportunity to support one another,” offers Asha Curran, CEO of GivingTuesday. “This effort offers us a chance to stand united. Even as many face financial uncertainty, generosity is not about size. From calling an elderly neighbour to chat, to offering translation help; from showing gratitude to our healthcare workers, to donating to your local food bank; every act of kindness is a beacon of hope in this crisis. We all have something to give, and every act of human consideration and kindness matters right now.”

Those interested in joining Confederation Centre’s efforts can learn more online and follow @GivingTuesdayNow and #GivingTuesdayNow on social media on Tuesday, May 5. For more visit givingtuesday.ca

About GivingTuesday:

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past eight years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

#GivingTuesdayNow is organized by GivingTuesday, in partnership with its global network of leaders, partners, communities and generous individuals. GivingTuesday is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.