Celebrating the people of Barking & Dagenham on Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is an annual, global day of giving, where everyone, everywhere can do something to support the good causes that matter to them. This year, on 1st December, rather than asking for donations, Barking & Dagenham Giving is taking the chance to thank and celebrate local people for playing their part in keeping Barking & Dagenham strong.

In a year like no other, Barking & Dagenham Giving is flipping Giving Tuesday on its head and rewarding the people who have volunteered, campaigned and shared their stories of overcoming adversity.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic the local grant maker has worked with LBBD Council and You Press to tell local people’s stories. The social enterprise You Press handpicked young creative writers and graphic designers to document local stories and produce a series of illustrations representing community responses to the crisis.

Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, Cllr Saima Ashraf said:

“I hope that everyone in Barking and Dagenham will join us in celebrating local good causes on Giving Tuesday. This year has been challenging, but these stories show our residents have done some amazing things from volunteering to tackling racism. I am so pleased that these stories will be heard and celebrated.”

The stories of 17 local people are featured on the Barking & Dagenham Giving website at www.bdgiving.org.uk/stories. Ahead of Giving Tuesday, the same local people were asked to reflect on what they learned about ‘giving’ this year.

“I hope that everyone in Barking and Dagenham will join us in celebrating local good causes on Giving Tuesday. This year has been challenging, but these stories show our residents have done some amazing things from volunteering to tackling racism. I am so pleased that these stories will be heard and celebrated.”

— Cllr Saima Ashraf

“The benefits of giving to others show that when you give your generosity is often continued down the line to someone else. This strengthens the ties which makes communities and relationships stronger.”

— Derrick Esau Daniel

“The more we give, the more we learn and appreciate life. However, giving also requires some sort of sustainability.”

— Natalia Lema Osorio

“Caring for one another regardless of their housing status, age, gender, faith or culture creates a sense of belonging in the community”.

— Fatuma Nalule

“By providing for and supporting residents in my community during the pandemic, I have learned that when it comes to difficult moments in life, WE ARE ONE LOVE”.

— Jeorgina Soares

Each person will receive a small token of appreciation and Barking & Dagenham Giving will share their thoughts about giving back to the community via social media during Giving Tuesday.