#GivingTuesday proclamation in Niagara Falls

City of Niagara Falls Administrator Donna Owens, speaking on behalf of Mayor Paul Dyster and the City Council, issued a proclamation this afternoon in support of #GivingTuesday. It read, in part, "#GivingTuesday is a celebration of philanthropy and volunteerism inspiring people to give wherever they are, and whatever they are able to give. ... As citizens working together to share commitments, rally for their favorite causes, building a stronger community and thinking outside of themselves."

The national initiative, which follows three of the busiest shopping days of the year, encourages people to give back locally - primarily to charities and agencies working for the betterment of their community.

#GivingTuesday participants inside City Hall included Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Niagara University, the Isaiah 61 Project, Family & Children's Service of Niagara, the Niagara Falls Public Library and Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara.

"We pause to congratulate all of the organizations that have come together in unison to make Niagara Falls a very wonderful place to live," Owens said.

"I commend you all, on behalf of the city - and on behalf of all those who you touch everyday, we say, 'Thank you,' " she added.

City of Niagara Falls Administrator Donna Owens reads the proclamation.

Owens, and Community Missions of Niagara Frontier Communications and Development Manager Christian Hoffman, both center, hold a proclamation wherein Dec. 1, 2015, was named #GivingTuesday in Niagara Falls. They are joined by representatives of Niagara University, the Isaiah 61 Project, Family & Children's Service of Niagara, the Niagara Falls Public Library and Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara.