Celebrating the heart of giving

National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 15 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.

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.

At non-profits, professional fundraisers are enablers of social good 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 community — as partners to help professional fundraisers generate revenue and as board members to govern our organizations.

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.

Locally, the AFP Golden Horseshoe Chapter advances philanthropy through ongoing and meaningful educational opportunities and celebrates National Philanthropy Day with a luncheon on Nov. 15.

The philanthropy awards presented at the luncheon are not only a celebration of outstanding philanthropists and volunteers from our chapter and region who gave their time, talent and treasure to support great causes; it is a celebration of the heart of giving.

I want to offer my sincere congratulations to the outstanding recipients of 2018 Philanthropy Awards from the AFP Golden Horseshoe Chapter:

Outstanding Philanthropic Group: Wise Guys Charity Fund, Niagara

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Katherine (Kate) Cressman

Outstanding Small Organization for Excellence in Fundraising: The Darling Home for Kids, Milton

Outstanding Corporation: Mountainview Homes, Niagara

Outstanding Philanthropists: Pasquale & Anita Paletta Family, Burlington

Outstanding Philanthropists: Robert (Bob) & Joanne Wordham

Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy: Connor Withers

You are invited to join in the celebration of philanthropy every day. Your involvement, whether it’s mentoring, volunteering or giving, makes philanthropy possible, special and meaningful every day.