Manitoba charities look for fundraising boost on Giving Tuesday

Shoppers scored on Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals; now local charities are hoping to get a boost with their fundraising efforts on Giving Tuesday.

The annual initiative is meant to highlight giving and volunteering on the heels of the retail frenzy of Black Friday.

Fortunately, friendly Manitobansare known to be generous, donating well over $400million for a number of years in a row, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada.

Some local charities trying to raise funds for various programsinclude the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, Rossbrook Housea youth drop-in centre located in the heart of the North End and the Misericordia Health Centre Foundation angel squad, whichwas out in full force, waving at traffic Tuesday morning.

Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre also is looking for funds to help payfor food and medication for animals.

"In the spirit of the holidays and generosity, we're encouraging people if they want to support us, then follow us on social media, find our website, give us a call. We'd be very very thankful," said Zoe Nakata, executive director of the centre.

Nakata said the centre helped more than 2,000 wild animals this year, including a wild coyote who ended up there after being a hit by a car.