Make charity a gift to yourself
American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” That statement epitomizes how we should view giving back to the community, especially with Christmas just a couple of weeks away.
Throughout the holiday season, we often become burdened with stress and aggravation. There are countless holiday obligations placed on everyone, and we all have limited time to get everything done. The pressure we feel can take away the joy that should come from the holiday season.
The best way to conquer that stress? Taking time out of your schedule and giving back to the community, in whatever form you’re able to. The greatest gift we can give ourselves is, incidentally, helping those in need.
Being able to support those less fortunate than you is an incredible, humbling experience that benefits both parties in many ways.
Any time you’re able to lend a hand to someone in need, you have the capacity to create positive change within the world — and that opportunity we should all relish.
I became quite involved with charity work while playing for the Fredericton Canadiens in the AHL. During the holiday season, we would help provide gifts and a Christmas dinner to families who weren’t in the best financial situation.
There are no words to describe the joy I got from seeing the families — particularly the kids — being able to enjoy Christmas to the fullest. It was heartwarming and I’ll never forget those experiences.
Seeing the impact from those Christmases years ago has driven me to continue working with charities throughout my career. Today, I’m very involved with the Flames Foundation, Missing Children Society of Canada and the 3 On 3 Challenge. I’m so appreciative that I have the ability to give back to the community on a regular basis.
It is a privilege to be involved with so many great charities that do so much for our city and province.
I encourage Calgarians to help aid those less fortunate this holi- day season by contributing to the Calgary Herald Christmas Fund, a campaign that touches so many lives within our community. It is not just a gift to others — it is a gift to ourselves.