Education: The Key to the Development of Our Communities
January 27, 2021
STATE OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FIELD IN EUROPE 2020
February 8, 2021
Monterrey, Nuevo León, February 1, 2021.— The idea that “we can all give something to those who need it most” is more relevant than ever in the midst of a pandemic. And this isn’t just a cliché; we’re certain that the act of giving is highly valuable and also helps improve people’s living conditions, strengthen a community, or address a social issue.
In Mexico, in recent years, the culture of generosity has been gaining momentum through the #UnDíaParaDarMX movement, which has built a strong network that motivates and encourages acts of generosity through monetary donations, in-kind donations, or volunteer work.
The 2020 event in Mexico, held on December 1, brought together thousands of acts of generosity from people like you and me who are moved by the causes championed by civil society organizations, foundations, and collectives. This helped raise $4,397,985 pesos nationwide, nearly 50% more than in 2019, according to preliminary figures.
One effect of the pandemic on our communities is undoubtedly the economic and social impact of the crisis. Despite these circumstances, the results of the recent #UnDíaParaDarMX event represent a ray of hope—a message telling us that as long as we have the ability and the will to contribute, we can be the solution to the community problems we face.
At our Alliance of Community Foundations of Mexico, for the second consecutive year, we took part in the global movement also known as #GivingTuesday through the following initiatives implemented by the foundations:
- Comunidar Foundation in Nuevo León:
As part of the “Unir y Dar” movement, the Comunidar Foundation launched a campaign to collect monetary donations, which are being allocated to projects that support economic and social recovery following the impact of COVID-19 in Nuevo León.
- Northern Border Community Foundation in Chihuahua:
On December 1, the young people participating in the 19th edition of the “Desafío” program visited the Casa Hogar Rios de Misericordia and the Asilo de Ancianos Desamparados in Ciudad Juárez to spend some time with the residents and deliver food and other items to support their well-being.
- Merced Querétaro Foundation in Querétaro:
In the city of Querétaro, the Merced Querétaro Foundation organized the first Virtual Race of Hope. The proceeds from ticket sales were used to meet the needs of 16 children’s homes in the state, benefiting 818 girls and boys.
- Friends of San Cristóbal in Chiapas:
In line with the new circumstances, Amigos de San Cristóbal came up with a new initiative and organized a Virtual Workshop Fair covering topics related to the environment, health, and traditional Chiapas cuisine. The proceeds were used to support partner organizations and those affected by Hurricane ETA.
Social distancing restrictions and the lockdown did not prevent aid from reaching those in need; on the contrary, those of us who participated were committed to innovating to find new ways to tell stories, raise funds, and receive support from the public.
At least 620 organizations, companies, and universities participated in #UnDíaParaDarMX, which has earned the initiative a nomination for the 2021 Ganar Ganar Award in the Best Social Responsibility Case category, to be presented on March 18. This is undoubtedly a well-deserved recognition of Anita Gallagher’s commitment as the leader of this movement in Mexico.
A culture of generosity not only provides resources to drive development or social change, but through the act of giving to others, we also foster empathy and promote well-being in the person who gives. It is clear that when we give together, we build community: the task is to continue democratizing generosity.
Photo credit: Northern Border Community Foundation (FCFN)
