Celebrate Giving Tuesday with us to show your love for people, path and planet
You better watch out… Christmas is just around us, which means it’s time to get thinking about those New Years resolutions! And with all the fun of the most wonderful time of the year, there inevitably comes the last minute rush to plan your festive celebrations with loved ones, to check off that Christmas card list, and everything else that makes sure that your day will be truly merry and bright. But it’s also a time to be thankful, and to show our appreciation for what we have around us, be it good friends, that special watch you got for your big birthday, or even just being grateful for where we live.
Giving Tuesday is a global movement which encourages people from all walks of life to give back to the things that are important to them. After the rush and splendour of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s easy to forget that there are things which we may sometimes take for granted. Maybe there’s a friend who’s supported you through a hard time, you have colleagues who sometimes don’t get recognition for picking up the slack and making everyone’s day that little bit easier, or, of course, if you’ve felt the benefits of a coastal walk to replenish body and soul, there’s lots of things that go by in the day which we’re grateful for, even if we don’t always show it.
From tiny acts of kindness that make a bigger impact that you might imagine, to giving up your time to support others, there are lots of ways that we can all give back that don’t have to cost the earth. Here are a few ways that we can all do our bit to show a little love this Giving Tuesday:
Spend Time with Loved Ones
Sometimes, something as simple as dedicating a bit of time to someone special can go a long way. Why not give back to them for that time you were having a bad day and needed a shoulder to cry on, by getting outdoors and seeing the sights together. The well-being power of connecting with the natural world has proven its weight in gold, frankincense and myrrh. There are lots of walking guides on our website too, from gentle strolls to climbs for far-reaching views, meaning you’ll find something for everyone.
The weather outside may be frightful, but when you’re wrapped up warm and in good company, there’s no better way to show someone you care than some quality time together.
Small Gestures, Big Impact
It’s easy to forget the minor details when we’re always focussed on the bigger picture. Take the Coast Path for example – it costs around £1,500 for each of the 630 miles of the Path each year, just to maintain it and keep it in order. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that it’s a mammoth task, and that’s before we start to look at improving accessibility, community outreach projects and more. But there are lots of ways that a small gesture can make a big impact.
The South West Coast Path Association’s Step Up Appeal is a great example of this, where for the price of a couple of cups of coffee at just £10, we can use our persuasive powers to give this £25 worth of impact. You donate the cost of the materials to make the step board, and we work with our partners across the Path to get this manufactured and installed. The Path is used by around 9 million people each year, and so your £10 could make a difference to millions of people’s experiences. Not bad for a tenner.
Or why not consider making a small, regular donation to charity – consistent income is vital, to ensure that we can be prepared for when our support is needed most. Whether it’s monthly or even yearly, knowing that your support is there can make a huge difference to the work that we’re able to do.
Give local businesses that warm, fuzzy feeling
Everyone’s seen that picture online, or heard someone say it, but when you make a purchase from a local business or retailer, you’re making the person who took a risk and started up that business jump with joy, whether they show it or not. You’ve chosen them. You’ve invested your money in supporting them, and you’re helping individuals support their families and the local community.
The South West Coast Path website proudly shouts about our Way Maker businesses, supporters of the Path and our work to protect it, and many of whom are local, independent places to sleep, eat, drink and take part in great activities. If you don’t feel donating to the Association is right for you, why not consider supporting a business in this way. After all, those creamy hot chocolate moustaches have to come from somewhere…
Time is Precious
It’s true what they say – you cannot put a price on time. Those extra few hours on an evening, or a Saturday at home on the sofa with that box set you’ve been trying to watch for ages, it all matters. Time is also precious to the causes that make a difference to your life, and those causes are always looking for people who can give their time, energy and enthusiasm to support them, so if you feel strongly about a cause and believe you’ve got something to give, why not make that the way you give this year!
The South West Coast Path Association are always keen to hear from volunteers who have spare time, and perhaps even a particular skill that they can offer. From local heroes with their eyes, ears and walking boots on the ground, to people who support our fundraising efforts, there are lots of opportunities available, whatever your interest. Our Coast Path Connectors project is a great example of where giving a little time can have a huge impact, and we’ve supported groups from many walks of life to engage with the Path. It might seem simple to you, to take a few people along with you on one of your favourite walks, but a few hours of your time could leave a lasting impression on someone who didn’t have the confidence to get out and do it themselves.
Make your #GivingPledge today!
Let’s get back to those New Years resolutions… why not make your pledge today to do something new and support the South West Coast Path Association by making a Giving Pledge for 2024!
No matter how you choose to give, pledging your support is the first step on an incredible journey. Whether you make a cash donation, volunteer your time, or support local businesses when out on the Path, we’re proud that you’re part of our community, and we want to say thank you!
Help us share the positive impact of Giving Tuesday this year by pledging to do something, no matter how little. You can use the hashtag #GivingTuesday on Facebook, Instagram or X (formerly twitter), or contact us by emailing hello@southwestcoastpath.org.uk and one of the team will be in touch.
Listen to our latest podcast episode on ‘Making A Difference’, in our podcast series ‘630 Miles – An Audio Journey’ available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
In this episode, we invite the inspiring Jo Earlam to talk about her love of the coast path, and her enduring passion for fundraising. We also chat with SWCPA Impact Fundraiser, Will Keen, who gives a great insight into the ways you can help support the South West Coast Path and the work we do.
The South West Coast Path 