Celebrating the contribution of philanthropy in Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia SPCA’s fun concept to fundraise this GivingTuesday asks donors to support Team Cat or Team Dog – for those who can’t decide, Team Both is the easy option. famveld via getty images

Settling the great debate – Team Cat or Team Dog

In Nova Scotia, about 8,800 charities and non-profits work to support the one million residents in Canada’s second smallest province. Through Nova Scotia Gives, GivingTuesday is an opportunity not only for fundraising but also to recognize and celebrate the contribution of philanthropy throughout the year.

In 2015, Sarah Lyon, who works in the social sector, created Halifax Gives – this later morphed into Nova Scotia Gives– a coalition of charities that shares GivingTuesday ideas and experiences and recognizes the difference year-round philanthropy makes in the province. An example of a previous initiative is the Ideas Incubator where four professional fundraisers give a whole day to meet with charities and help them incubate a fundraising idea.

“There’s a need here, and there are great people on the ground as staff, volunteers and donors who are working hard all year long. And I really wanted them to be celebrated and supported,” says Ms. Lyon.

This GivingTuesday, expect to see many campaigns ranging from giving out hot chocolate to a community brunch and support for community fridges and food banks, says Ms. Lyon.

Over at the Nova Scotia SPCA where Ms. Lyon is the chief communications and marketing officer, the memory of Pearl, a much-loved rescue dog, inspired a generous donor to match donations up to $100,000 for the week following GivingTuesday.

The SPCA is hoping its fun concept of asking people to represent Team Cat or Team Dog with their donation will settle the “great debate” and raise a record amount for the organization that is committed to giving animals a second chance.

“If you work at the SPCA you’re always asked: Are you Team Cat or Team Dog. We’re building on that competitive spirit to raise as much money as we can and take advantage of the matching donation,” says Ms. Lyon.

Staff are very involved.

“We pick Team Cat and Team Dog captains at each of our seven shelters to encourage donations for their team. Donors can also make a gift by texting the SPCA at 41010 with a cat or dog emoji or a paw print emoji for if you want to vote for Team Both,” says Ms. Lyon.

Learn more: novascotiaspca.ca

To view this report on The Globe's website, visit globeandmail.com

To view the full report as it appeared in The Globe's print edition GivingTuesday