Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, there are a million and one sales and deals being advertised for this American Thanksgiving holiday weekend. A few years back, I guess Canadians were feeling left out of the excitement, so they came up with “Cyber Monday” to offer deals on another day. Now, many Canadian sites and companies also have Black Friday deals available, so I’m certain there will be millions of dollars spent nationwide this coming weekend.
Everyone has their Christmas shopping to complete. MILLIONS of dollars will be spent on Black Friday – but how much of it will change lives? What if you knew that the purchases you were making were not only going to make someone you know smile, simply because they were a gift from you, but that it was also going to greatly impact the life of someone else you don’t know?
That is the purpose and heart behind Fair Tuesday and Giving Tuesday.
#FairTuesday is an alternative to Black Friday featuring fair trade, ethical and eco-friendly brands.
This holiday weekend, check out the many deals available through FairTuesday. You can browse by the categories listed here on FairTuesday.com – I bet you’ll find more than what you’re looking for! Let’s seize the opportunity to make a long-lasting impact and difference just in changing the way we shop.
Instead of shopping popular store brands, consider taking a look at these businesses who are working with local artisans, farmers, co-ops, individuals and communities to bring education, progress, clean water, food, freedom, initiative and so much more. Shopping ethically doesn’t just result in good quality products, but quality of life, and worldwide impact.
#GivingTuesday is a similar idea – it is a day dedicated to celebrating those who are giving back, not just in making purchases that make a difference, but also in choosing to do things differently than before. Whether it’s volunteering time, helping out a neighbour, supporting ministries or charitable organizations with donations, or just spreading the word, there’s something for everyone to give.
Find out more about Fair Tuesday and Giving Tuesday!
These companies are ones that I love and know are participating in offering deals in a #giveback for #FairTuesday and #GivingTuesday.
Fair Tuesday Deals
The Root Collective – The Root Collective partners with small-scale artisan businesses in marginalized communities to promote change through dignified jobs. (Check out my post about TRC) You’ll love their accessories! (especially #Ottomademyshoes :D) Watch TRC’s site on December 2nd for their Fair Tuesday deals.
Work of Worth – WoW supports and promotes entrepreneurs dedicated to treating their employees with dignity, paying a fair wage, and transforming lives. (Check out my post about WoW)
WoW is offering 15% off and some stats and info on how you/consumers are making an impact and difference through Work of Worth.
Elegantees – We’re a team of friends in New York City giving our time and talent: to help restore women that have been rescued from sex trafficking. In providing sewing work, we give a positive source of income that reinforces independence and confidence.
Use these codes for discounts and make purchases that make a difference at Elegantees on Fair Tuesday:
- RESTORE: Get 15% off purchase + profits from sale benefit Restore
- NEPAL: Get 15% off purchase + profits from sale benefit the Nepali Rescue Project
- THANKS: Get 15% off purchase + profits from sale will be equally shared between Restore and NRP
Jacobs Scarves – We are advocates for education as a basic human right, a crucial catalyst for the growth of communities and individual lives. We aim to sell quality scarves that are responsibly sourced, supporting small communities and businesses whenever possible. Keep watching Facebook and Instagram for sale details!
Noonday Collection -Noonday Collection’s mission is to create economic opportunity for the vulnerable. We partner with artisans in the developing world, empowering them to grow sustainable businesses. By creating a marketplace for their goods, we create dignified jobs at living wages. This allows our artisans to earn more in order to support their families. Surprise sale! Watch the site for details.
Eternal Threads – Eternal Threads is dedicated to improving the lives of women and children most at risk of extreme poverty, trafficking and other forms of exploitation by providing sustainable livelihoods through income generating projects. (Check out my post for more info about Eternal Threads, and FairTuesday.com on December 2nd for updated deals!)
Sseko Designs – Sseko Designs uses fashion to provide employment and scholarship opportunities to women pursuing their dreams and overcoming poverty.
Give & Get” promotion. Give us a letter to our team in Uganda (via email), and in return get a 20% off coupon code to be used that day only (you’ll LOVE their footwear!).
Purse & Clutch – Purse & Clutch is a Fair Trade Handbag Boutique that partners with artisans around the world who create their products with an emphasis on craft & quality. These artisans are treated with respect and are paid a living wage for their region.
$10 Gift Card with any purchase. (They make great stocking stuffers!)
Stone + Cloth – investing in students for the future.
Giving Tuesday Opportunities
Dressember Foundation – Through working with the International Justice Mission, men, women and children are relieved from oppression, freed from slavery, rescued from sex trafficking, safe from aggressors, have had their property restored, received citizenship, and freed from prison when they were innocent. And it doesn’t just end there – IJM also gives after-care support and training to change current corrupt justice systems and prevent these situations from recurring.
Help us meet our goal and create real change. Every dollar counts!
Arzu – ARZU, meaning “hope”, transforms lives by empowering Afghan women to lift themselves and their families out of poverty through ethical, artisan-based employment, education, and access to healthcare, thereby changing the way they see the world and their place in it. ARZU is an innovative model of social entrepreneurship with a mission to create economic stability for communities in need.
They are participating in the Skoll Foundation Entrepreneurs Challenge and for anyone who would like to donate, they can do so through their Crowdrise campaign here: https://www.crowdrise.
Purpose Jewelry – Purpose jewelry is handcrafted by survivors of modern-day slavery. 100% of the proceeds benefit International Sanctuary, a non profit that provides holistic care for young women rescued from sex trafficking.
For Giving Tuesday, International Sanctuary is putting a focus on their donations and grants. Their programs need additional funding, including education and supplies, medical and dental care, counselling and mentoring and more. Check out iSanctuary.org for more details!
How can you participate in Giving Tuesday?
This Giving Tuesday, my kids and I are going to be hitting the road with our RACK bags, to bring some early Christmas cheer to complete strangers. We’ll also be dropping off some homemade goodies to our local fire station and gifts for their Christmas gift drive.
What can you do to give back today? Share your ideas in the comments and enter to win a $10 gift card and pair of earrings!
Don’t forget to check out FairTuesday.com, GivingTuesday.org , GivingTuesday.ca (for my fellow Canadians!), and all their social media channels for many more opportunities to make purchases that make a difference.
