On #GivingTuesday #GiveMoreLocally

We should give more locally, is the overwhelming response to #GivingTuesday from supporters of local charity Devon Community Foundation.

On December 1st people are taking a break from the Christmas consumer frenzy to donate their time, money or voice to support a good cause. Devon CF is among 1,300 charities and businesses across the UK backing #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving after Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

The campaign is supported by a wide range of celebrities and sports stars, including Miranda Hart, Casey Batchelor, Olympic gold medallist Hannah Cockcroft, current Strictly star Peter Andre, Downton Abbey’s Joanna Froggatt, former Dr Who David Tennant, and historian and presenter Dan Snow.

Across Devon, many people have been singing the praises of giving locally and are eager to share their thoughts on why it inspires them. From donors and funder holders to corporate supporters, all have reason to shout about giving with Devon CF.

Ongoing donor, Caroline Harlow said, “I give more locally because it gives my giving a purpose, I become involved, engaged, excited and humbled in equal measure. Giving to Devon, enables me to be part of Devon, which matters to me, and seeing communities help each other thrive is truly inspiring. Supporting Devon CF has given me more than I could ever give.”

While Will Vandersteen, who recently created a fund said, “I give more locally so I can see, touch and get involved in the projects I support. It's a much more fulfilling and rewarding experience than putting money in a tin and walking away.”

HSBC Devon, who channel their corporate giving through Devon CF said “We give more locally because we want to connect with the local community and show them we care. Giving locally means we can be sure anything we are able to give makes a real difference, and Devon CF enables us to do that.”

Martha Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Devon Community Foundation said, “This year has been difficult for charities in the light of some high profile misdemeanours and #GivingTuesday is a great opportunity to celebrate the very many brilliant charities close to home which bear no resemblance to the headlines. These givers have learned that, to get the best impact from giving, you need good quality advice helping you to find and support the very best groups. It’s so great to see our donors step up to champion local giving, they’re amazing people and the funds they have created with us helped 41,000 people in need across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay last year.”

If you'd like to support the Foundation and want to #GiveMoreLocally you can make a donation https://www.justgiving.com/devoncf. Or if you've been inspired to start your giving journey with Devon Community Foundation find out more here http://devoncf.com/give/.

Notes for Editors:

#GivingTuesday was launched in America in 2012 and has become a global movement, with campaigns happening in countries around the world, including Canada, Israel, Australia, Singapore, Germany, Kenya and Latin America. The UK took part for the first time last year, with over 800 organisations joining in. #GivingTuesday trended for over 11 hours across the UK and the campaign had the support of celebrities like Dame Helen Mirren, Tom Daley and David Cameron.

Devon Community Foundation is Devon’s local charity for local people, supporting hundreds of voluntary and community groups on the frontline helping local people in need and building thriving communities for everyone. As the leading route for philanthropic giving in Devon, DCF has distributed £10,381,025 in grants to 3,501 projects across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay. As one of 48 Community Foundations in the UK, Devon Community Foundation is a catalyst for change, funding projects which are making a big difference to the lives of vulnerable local people. The Foundation provides a flexible and personal way for individuals and organisations to invest in local projects, helping to ensure Devon’s communities thrive. For more information visit www.devoncf.com.

For media enquiries, interviews or any further information please contact Laura Hewitt, Marketing Manager, Devon Community Foundation.
W: www.devoncf.com T: 01884 235887 E: laura@devoncf.com