Dozens of churches across the country are using the Big Give to help re-engage their communities

Craig Macartney
Senior Writer

The Big Give is just around the corner, with churches across the country bringing expressions of generosity to their communities. Although some churches are still closed and unable to engage, many are returning to big community giveaways, barbecues, and party-style family events.

“The Big Give is the first Saturday of every June, rain or shine. Each church customizes the Big Give event for their community, but it has no strings attached,” says Kathy Blakely, the event’s founder.

The idea is to have one, unified day where churches across the country have coordinated efforts to show love and radical generosity for their neighbours. Churches are not allowed to use the event to advertise or ask for donations. The events offer an opportunity to let Christian love speak for itself.

“This is a great time because there is great need.” Photo courtesy of the Big Give.

Blakely says that with churches looking for ways to re-engage after two years without tangible contact in their neighbourhoods, the Big Give is a perfect opportunity.

“The Big Give is helpful. This is a great time because there is great need. Our hope and prayer is that churches look for those needs and try to meet them.”

Because of the pandemic, last year Woodvale Pentecostal Church gave 200 local families a “picnic in a box”. In addition to food, the boxes included chalk, skipping ropes, freezies, and sunscreen, so kids would not be stuck inside amid the restrictions.

This year, Woodvale is back to a massive free garage “sale”. The event is likely to be especially well received as Woodvale opened their doors as a charging station and gathering area after the massive storm.

“We believe this year’s event is significant because over the past two years, people have experienced isolation, perhaps job loss, illness, bereavement, and many other life challenges in a magnified way. We would like to be part of the relief that is so needed,” says Pastor Mark Scarr. “We value the Big Give as one way to care for our community.”

The church’s give away will include “baby items, toys and games, cotton candy, air-brush tattoos, finger-nail painting, books, videos, furniture, kitchen items, home decor, bouncy castles, and more.”

Blakely says other churches are offering “a free continental breakfast, bike repairs, free computer advice, and bouncy castles (that’s always a big one). One church is doing a free grief seminar.”

“After two long, grinding years of pandemic, we are grateful to God that we are able to host a Big Give event in person and see our neighbours again.” Photo courtesy of the Big Give.

While half the churches involved are from the Ottawa Valley, Blakely has churches signed up from Nova Scotia to B.C., including five new churches this year.

In Brockville, First Presbyterian Church has participated since 2015. The past two years they altered their Big Give efforts, delivering “blessing bags” to clients of their local food bank, several times through the summer. Although their efforts were not on the designated date in June, they aimed to support families with children who were no longer in school breakfast programs.

“After two long, grinding years of pandemic, we are grateful to God that we are able to host a Big Give event in person and see our neighbours again,” says Pastor Marianne Emig Carr. “We are also thankful for the generosity of so many that allows us to have a big ‘sale’ again!

“If you have never taken part in the Big Give, it is a great way to share God’s love and grace with your community and meet your neighbours!”