Giving Tuesday!
I hope you were able to reflect last week on things you’re thankful for. An attitude of gratitude (as cheesy as that sounds) is the best way to enjoy the every day-ness of life.
We enjoyed a busy weekend with Black Friday, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a meet and greet with musher Erin Altemus and one of her sled dogs, and finally the Oh Ole Night parade that culminates with the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Harbor Park. Small town celebrations at their best! Then came Small Business Saturday where we reflect on the impact each of our customers has on our team, our families, and our community. With a small business, the impact of each purchase is BIG. Yesterday was Cyber Monday where sales continued to our online store.
Today is known as Giving Tuesday. In keeping with the ideas of thankfulness and gift buying, it’s a great day to donate to organizations who are doing good work in our world. We’ve compiled this list of causes that we think are worth giving to. In fact, we believe so strongly in their importance, we are regular supporters of almost all of them. If you’re looking for a way to put some of your money to work, here are some ideas.
Outdoor Conservation, Stewardship, and Education
NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school and is a leading source and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership that serve people and the environment. Donate here.
The Superior Hiking Trail Association is made up of trail users, volunteers, and supporters who have worked to make the SHT a great outdoor adventure for individuals, families, and groups. Donate here.
The North Superior Ski and Run Club created and maintains the Pincushion Mountain Trail System in conjunction with the US Forest Service and Cook County. They promote outdoor, silent sports for the lifetime enjoyment of all, especially young people. Donate here.
The Banadad Trail Association is dedicated to having fun while preserving, maintaining, protecting, and enjoying the Banadad Trail and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Find out more about supporting their mission here.
The Border Route Trail Association coordinates the maintenance of the BRT and other public trails in norther Minnesota. Learn more or donate here.
The Northwoods Volunteer Connection is dedicated to recruiting, training, and delivering volunteers to work on projects within or near the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. Donate here.
Grand Marais
WTIP, North Shore Community Radio. Donate here.
The Grand Marais Art Colony fosters the exploratory growth and experimental power of contemporary artist. Donate here.
The Grand Marais Playhouse is a non-profit community theater dedicated to providing high quality theater and educational opportunities with and for Cook County residents and visitors. Donate here.
North House Folk School, where you can learn traditional northern craft on the shore of Lake Superior. Donate here.
North Point, bringing hope to our teens. Donate here.
The Violence Prevention Center offers free and confidential advocacy services 24 hours a day. Donate here.
Hamilton Habitat is a donation driven community project providing affordable living one house at a time. Donate here.
Cook County Higher Education provides education, training, access, and support right here in our community. Donate, volunteer, or find a fundraising event here.
The North Shore Health Care Foundation works to address health care gaps and needs in Cook County. Donate here.
Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department. Need we say more? Donate here.
Coldwater Foundation on Mink Lake serves people with outdoor experiences that promote life change and maturity. Donate here.
Random Others
One Spirit, standing strong with the Lakota people of Pine Ridge Reservation. Donate here.
New Ulm Area Catholic Schools are committed to forming students in faith, knowledge, and service to become vibrant members of their Church and world. Donate here.
The Fighting Calculators, a high school robotics team consisting of students grades 9-12 from the Math and Science Academy in Woodbury, Minnesota
Cheryl’s Ferals and Fosters is a non-profit in the Charlotte, NC area taking in only the most vulnerable cats and kittens, helping them get healthy and socialized, and then connecting them with loving homes. Donate here.
Manes and Tails provides Equine Assisted Services for all of Aroostook County, Maine. They help horses help people improve their balance in life. Donate here.