Bend couple donates big on ‘Giving Tuesday’

“We do not shop on Black Friday or Saturday or on Cyber Monday,” said Mimi Sievers of Bend.

Mimi and her husband Ron may not have the shopping bug, but the couple sure have the gift of giving.

“We’ve been giving to various organizations for years, but with Giving Tuesday more formally recognized, we thought today would be a good day to drive around and give donations,” Ron Sievers said.

The couple spent the day driving to different High Desert organizations, writing checks and paying it forward.

“We were at the Ronald McDonald House, we’re at the Humane Society now and from here we’re going to the Bend Senior Center,” Ron said.

The unofficial holiday of “Giving Tuesday” has only been around for three years. But local organizations say the event is getting the conversation started on giving at a time when many are focused on consumption.

“To me, this was just a way to not only help the thousands of abandoned and neglected and abused animals that we care for, but to bring it back to the community and focus on what we as humans do best, which is giving,” Lynne Ouchida with the Humane Society of Central Oregon.

Also in Bend, at Partners in Care hospice center, a $20,000 grant was awarded from the Oregon Community Foundation to help fund the center’s new palliative care program.

“Being able to present this grant on Giving Tuesday is special to us in many ways, but only signifies what the foundation does 365 days a year,” said Linda Stelle with the Oregon Community Foundation.

The Sievers say giving shouldn’t have a season.

“Whether it’s a dollar, $1,000 or $10,000, the fact that you’re willing to take the time to do it is important,” Ron said.

For more information, visit http://www.givingtuesday.org/