Reflect philanthropy every day
National Philanthropy Day on Wednesday is a special day set aside each year to recognize and honour the great contributions that philanthropy and people active in our global communities have made to our lives, our communities locally and our world.
It’s also a day for Canadians to reflect on what philanthropy means to each of them and to the country as a whole.
Philanthropy is a deeply held value that is expressed in giving and volunteering. We have all in some shape or form, knowingly or unknowingly, practised or experienced philanthropy. It is the love of humanity.
I am a member, active volunteer and donor with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) that advances philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practise ethical and effective fundraising. AFP believes philanthropy is so powerful and inspiring precisely because it is voluntary — that through the goodness of our hearts, our need to connect, and our desire to see a better world, we come together to improve the quality of life for all people.
Not surprisingly, the Golden Horseshoe area, from Oakville to Brantford, Burlington to Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo to Hamilton, Grimsby to Niagara Falls and all points in between, are communities where people like you give of their time, talent and treasure.
Through the generosity of our communities, millions of dollars and millions of volunteer hours are given every year to worthy organizations, non-profits and charities in the Niagara region. Hundreds of programs and services that help people who are homeless, clothe people in need, support student bursaries, redevelop our local hospitals, are made possible every day because of you and your commitment to your favourite causes.
Professional fundraisers are enablers of social good for non-profits in our communities and trusted advisers to Canadian donors. It’s a role that is not well understood. Without a catalyst (a person in the middle) to bring together the donor who’s interested in making a difference, and the cause, the magic won’t happen.
For non-profits, volunteers are an essential part of the fabric of our Niagara community — as partners to help professional fundraisers generate revenue and as board members to govern our organizations.
The impact of volunteers in Canada and in the Niagara area is significant. Volunteering is evident in the local tradition, from legion members selling poppies for Remembrance Day and to employees volunteering time to organize special events for local charities.
People around the world celebrate National Philanthropy Day with award ceremonies, galas, luncheons, seminars and other special events. Outstanding donors, volunteers, corporations, foundations, small businesses, youth and others in philanthropy are honoured for their work in improving their communities and their world each and every day. Locally, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Golden Horseshoe chapter, advances philanthropy through ongoing and meaningful educational opportunities and celebrates National Philanthropy Day with a luncheon on Nov. 16.
The philanthropy awards presented at the luncheon are not only a celebration of outstanding philanthropists and volunteers from our chapter and region who give their time, talent and treasure to support great causes; it is a celebration of everyone.
I want to offer my sincere congratulations to the Niagara recipients of 2017 Philanthropy Awards from the AFP Golden Horseshoe Chapter:
• Outstanding corporation: Walker Industries, Niagara, nominated by OneFoundation for Niagara Health System, Niagara.
• Outstanding philanthropic group: The Hospital Auxiliaries of Niagara Health, Niagara nominated by OneFoundation for Niagara Health System, Niagara.
You are invited to join in the celebration of philanthropy every day. It starts with you. Tweet about a kind act, share a memorable volunteer experience with a colleague, call your favourite volunteer and express appreciation and celebrate that we live in a vibrant region with people who are helping to make our community a healthier and safer place to live and work. Your involvement, whether it’s mentoring, volunteering or giving, makes philanthropy possible, special and meaningful every day.
We can change the world with a giving heart.