We have had Black Friday and Cyber Monday - now Giving Tuesday is hoping to encourage people to hand something back. It was founded in the US in 2012 as an antidote to the start of the festive shopping season.

The initiative is taking place for the first time today here. Giving Tuesday is also being billed as a day where charities recognise and thank their supporters.

The Irish Cancer Society is thanking all those who have supported them throughout the year.

Mark Mellett, head of fundraising at the Irish Cancer Society, said: "This 'Giving Tuesday', we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the thousands of Irish Cancer Society supporters and volunteers nationwide who ensure that the Irish Cancer Society can continue to provide vital cancer services to cancer patients and their families as well as fund vital collaborative cancer research."

Other countries around the world are leading their own movements by creating initiatives to encourage giving in their communities.

Australia, Brazil, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, Singapore and the UK are among those taking part.

For more information go to givingtuesday.ie or use #GivingTuesdayIreland on Twitter.