One of our cherished partners, World Bicycle Relief, has a great big goal for a single day campaign. Today WBR hopes to raise enough funds to distribute 500 bikes to people who want and need them in the organization’s program areas. #GivingTuesday is becoming a widespread counter-campaign to the great sales and deals that consumers now expect on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Instead, #GivingTuesday serves as a great day to kick off the holiday giving season, and a gentle reminder for people that NOW is the moment to make year-end charitable gifts. Originating as a partnership between the 92nd Street Y in New York City and the United Nations Foundation, #GivingTuesday is now in its third year.

As one writer put it, it’s about sharing, not shopping, and #GivingTuesday this year is expected to more than double last year’s giving which was estimated at approximately $54 million.

The first $1 million in global donations received by World Bicycle Relief by 12/31/2014 will be matched thanks to generous gifts from a small group of anonymous donors.

WBA’s #GivingTuesday goal is to provide 500 bicycles to students in five different schools. Just $134 will provide two bikes with WBR’s current matching giving. What’s not to love?

You can see the difference a bicycle makes in someone’s life by viewing Tamara’s story here.

We hope you’ll join us in #GivingTuesday and helping World Bicycle Relief reach its goal.

To learn more, click here.