Giving Tuesday 2023: How to donate, volunteer, and help in Czechia

Nonprofits, companies, and citizens are coming together today for Giving Tuesday on Nov. 28, an international day of giving that encourages generosity through donations, volunteerism, and charitable acts.

Now in its eighth year locally, Giving Tuesday has grown into one of the largest generosity movements nationwide. Inspired by the global event, Czech organizations and individuals use the day to support causes important to them through fundraising, volunteering, and spreading awareness.

Last year in the Czech Republic, 301 registered appeals on the Giving Tuesday website garnered over CZK 62 million in donations, according to organizers. Hundreds of tons of food and clothing were also contributed.

"Giving Tuesday provides a positive alternative to consumerism by bringing people together to help their communities," said Lucie Mádlová, founder and director of the Association of Social Responsibility, which coordinates the event nationally.

Survey data from Ipsos shows Czechs are among the most generous globally. Eight in 10 report helping those in need, whether through one-time gifts, regular volunteering, or a combination of both. However, only 20-25 percent claim donations on their taxes each year.

Top causes supported include children, people with disabilities, animal welfare, and humanitarian relief – particularly within the Czech Republic. Last year, reported individual donations increased by nearly CZK 600 million year on year.

With today's emphasis on togetherness and compassion, organizers hope Giving Tuesday will continue to build a culture of service and philanthropy. People can get involved by participating in nonprofits or registering their own initiatives on the Giving Tuesday website.

The official Giving Tuesday campaign allows people to make donations to numerous causes, organizing opportunities for giving and volunteering on one platform. A number of non-profits have created campaigns on the platform, ranging from helping the homeless to people with disabilities, supporting children and seniors, or contributing to environmental or animal rights campaigns. You can also do your Christmas shopping through e-shops that support social organizations.

Help reopen a homeless-staffed bistro: The Cooks Without Homes project (Jídelna Kuchařek bez domova) at Brožíkova 6 has helped homeless women in Prague gain work experience, pay for a hostel or a social apartment, and overcome prejudices for six years. Now out of business, it's aiming to start up a take-out window and seeks funds for equipping the space.

Socks for the homeless: Warm the homeless this winter by donating knitted socks. Elpida partners with the Salvation Army to collect socks from local knitters. The socks are then distributed before Christmas to those in need.

Hot meals for Ukraine: In some places in the Kharkiv and Kherson regions of Ukraine, there are no shops, no electricity, and no transportation options due to the war. People can cook on fire, but there is no fuel. Your donations help the running of social kitchens and the subsequent delivery of hot food to more than 7,000 people every day. 

Support seniors: Sue Ryder is a foundation working to improve the lives of the elderly helping them cope with the realities of aging through support in the form of counseling, care, and personal assistance. The Dárek pro Sue Ryder campaign helps provide a dignified old age for seniors in the Czech Republic.

Help the homeless in person: FriendShip Prague is a united community of Czechs, expats, and homeless people coming together to connect over shared experiences. It seeks regular volunteers to participate in its monthly and weekly gatherings that support Prague's homeless community. Currently, it's also seeking donations for its Fill a Christmas Sock for the Homeless campaign. Follow FriendShip on its socials to learn more.

Support migrants in Czechia: Give back on Giving Tuesday by volunteering with the Association for Integration and Migration. Choose from online tutoring to help migrants with language skills, finding homes for refugees, or lending professional expertise in fields like photography. Those unable to volunteer can donate.

Be a hero to abandoned pets: Aside from seeking financial donations, Handipet Rescue seeks volunteers for pet sitting, assisting at events, and spreading awareness online, as well as helpers at fundraising events.