Giving Tuesday is a day for helping, not shopping

On the heels of Black Friday and Cyber Monday two days that are supposed to be good for the economy Giving Tuesday is a day that's good for the community.

It's a global day of giving back where people donate, raise fundsor volunteer fora cause they care about.

It was started in the U.S. in 2012 as an antidote to the holiday shopping frenzy.

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Paul Nazareth, who works with Canada Helps, one of the co-founders of the Canadian Giving Tuesday campaign, says it's all about helping others.

"People are looking for meaning," he said. "When they see something they're connected to, be it a health charity that's touched their family, an animal charity that they care about, a community organization doing something powerful, whenever people are connected to meaning, they give."

People can donate to more than 5,000 charities listed on the Giving Tuesdaywebsite. Last year, millions of Canadians joined and Canada Helps says it saw a threefoldincrease in donations and other forms of giving since 2012.

"It is responsible, truly, for hundreds of millions of extra dollars given at this time of year," Nazareth said.

But it's not just about charitable donations. Many people give their time.

"The whole concept as well is getting people outside of the traditional, 'Let's give in the last week' to connect, during the holiday season, to what matters and give everybody a chance to celebrate different types of giving and volunteering," Nazareth said.

Helping the homeless

Engage andChange, a charity that builds survival kits for homeless people in the GTA, is taking part for the first time.

"I think it's a fantastic vehicle for merging awareness, empathy and sympathy with technology," said founder Jody Steinhauer, who estimates there are more than 500 people living on the streets onany given dayin the GTA.

"We're doing a great thing, but hopefully, with the generosity of Giving Tuesday, we'll be able to do even more."

The money raised will go to help buy items for winter kits including backpacks, sleeping bags and hygiene products. It's all part of Engage and Change'sProject Winter Survival.

Steinhauerexplained there's an outpouringof generosity at this time of year, but after the holidaysthe outreach workers, homeless shelters and social service agencies are left with nothing.

"In January, we all get our Visa bills in and, as a charity, when we're doing our outcry in January, saying, 'Help! It's freezing. These people have nothing,' people generally say, 'Wow I'd love to but I gave in November and December and I don't have any money left to give.'"

She hopes Giving Tuesday will provide a needed boost to help the homeless get through the harsh winter that's expected in the GTA.

Spreading the love online

People are posting pictures of the causes they're giving back to using the hashtag #UNselfie.

Where to help in Toronto

In keeping with the spirit of giving, the City of Toronto has released its Holiday Wish List, a guide for Torontonians looking to help vulnerable and homeless people this holiday season.

More than 60 agencies asked to be on the list, which details specific items that clients need, along with contacts and information about volunteer opportunities, holiday events and when to drop off donations.

The 2016 Holiday Wish List is now available here on the city of Torontowebsite.

Sounds of the Season is CBC Toronto's annual charity drive. Please visitour websitefor details on theDec. 2event and how you can support local food banks.