As I’m sure you’re seeing all over the internet, today is “Giving Tuesday”
– or, as you’ll likely see it written, #givingtuesday. It’s a concept that was conceived in 2012 to take the spending momentum of Black Friday and Cyber Monday and redirect it away from consumerism and toward worthy causes. Doing good obviously shouldn’t be limited to one day a year, but I think it’s great that #givingtuesday gives a platform to highlight the importance of giving to meaningful organizations that do work to help make the world better.
Below I’ve listed a handful of local nonprofits that are doing work right here that directly improves our lives and those of our neighbors. This is by no means a comprehensive list, nor is it meant to say that these are necessarily better than many other great organizations. But I can say that many good people put a lot of love and effort into these nonprofits and that I think they make our corner of the world a better place.
- Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country (http://adaptivesportspartners.org/): A really fantastic nonprofit based right in Franconia that gives people with disabilities opportunities to participate in awesome sports – skiing, hiking, climbing, etc.
- Mount Eustis Ski Hill (https://mteustis.org/): Mt Eustis was a tiny ski area right in Littleton that operated from the late 1930s through the late 1970s. Thanks to tireless efforts by some really dedicated members of the community, it is up and running again. Let’s keep it going! (There’s also going to be a fundraiser next Monday at the Little Grille – learn more here.)
- Kismet Rock Foundation (http://www.kismetrockfoundation.org/): There’s a lot that climbing teaches us about ourselves and the world. Kismet’s unique program works to transform and save the lives of economically, culturally, and socially disadvantaged students through climbing. It’s a cool concept – check it out!
- Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network – WREN (http://wrenworks.org/): WREN helps people start and run businesses in the North Country. Good stuff!
- Turtle Ridge Foundation (http://www.turtleridgefoundation.org/): Established by Bode Miller and his family, the Turtle Ridge Foundation is a philanthropic platform that does great work, especially for youth and adaptive sports programs.
- The Boys and Girls Club of the North Country (http://bgcnorthcountry.org/): The BGC is located about 100 yards from N3C, so we get a first-hand view of the great work they do with kids!
- Colonial Theatre (http://bethlehemcolonialtheatre.org/): The Colonial really is one-of-a-kind: a majestic theater from a different era that brings movies and live performances to the North Country. We should all be proud that it is right here in our backyard and we should all help to ensure its continued success.
And this list just scratches the surface: there are so many other great not-for-profit groups nearby doing good work. Which are your favorites? Did you take the time to give today? If not today, when?