St. Andrew's Day -- a time for giving

Today, Scots around the world celebrate the Scotland's National Day and feast day of its patron saint, St. Andrew. Everywhere there will be dinners, toasts, and memories of the auld country. But perhaps most important of all, there will be kindness, caring and giving. This year, let's do more than celebrate St. Andrew. Let's #BeLikeStAndrew .

According to a Scottish website, St. Andrew was "kind, inclusive and welcoming to friends and strangers alike – all values that are very much associated with the people of Scotland."

The website says, "On 30 November, we’re asking everyone to follow in the footsteps of the man himself and collectively show they care - to quite literally #BeLikeStAndrew and undertake a little act of kindness that could have a big impact."

The site gives ideas for everyone from community groups to businesses and organizations to create special project for November 30. Included are ideas for news releases and social media campaigns.  And to top it all off, a lively little video:

It's a terrific idea.  In Canada and the United States, the crassness of "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" has given rise to "Giving Tuesday" -- an occasion where we can focus on altruism rather than consumerism. Any coincidence that Giving Tuesday falls on the same week as St. Andrew's Day? 

The Scottish Society of Ottawa has a mandate that includes supporting through promotional and financial means "Scottish cultural organizations, individuals, events and activities where goals align with the SSO mission.” This St. Andrew's Day, as our contribution to #BeLikeStAndrew, it is making a donation to two very worthwhile causes:

SSO will donate to the Sons of Scotland Foundation’s national education fund offers financial support to students pursuing Scottish/ Celtic Studies at a Canadian university or college.

SSO will also offer support to the Piping and Pipe Band Society of Ontario - Ottawa Branch for their new Pipe Major Tom Brown Memorial Cup. This is awarded to “The Most Successful Pipe Band, Eastern Ontario – All Grades”. Pipe Major Tom Brown was a dearly loved award-winning piper, and SSO is are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to support his legacy in piping in Eastern Ontario.

SSO sees this as a fantastic opportunity to thank an amazing team of current volunteers and to recruit new ones. SSO's volunteers:  now those are people who know the value of giving, kindness and caring.