No one immune from suffering

No doubt it’s difficult to say something fresh about the grace of caring for others — especially in Calgary, where there is such a terrific culture of giving back. As has been expressed so well in the other Christmas Fund columns this year, Calgarians are firm believers in volunteering and charity.

With that said, we are pleased to offer a few thoughts.

First, cheers to Calgarians for their local and global giving — “it’s all personal.”

Yes, Calgarians (its citizens and companies) have done a lot of generous lifting for the needy over the years, both locally and globally. Whether it’s dealing with the pain of domestic violence or mental illness in Calgary or in Inuvik, or water pollution in Zambia, illiteracy in Tanzania or Afghanistan, poverty in Mumbai or the homeless on 10th Avenue S.W. — it’s all good, it’s vital and it’s all related.

The pain of hunger, of a battered body, of loneliness and of hopelessness, knows no boundary, no race, no faith, no colour.

We are in this together — wherever and whenever. It’s all about people — it’s personal. In this respect, we often refer to the wisdom of Jean Valnier (the Canadian founder of L’Arche, which has more than 100 “homes” throughout the world for people with severe disabilities) who said in his marvellous book, Becoming Human: “We human beings are fundamentally the same. We all have wounded, and vulnerable hearts. Each one of us needs to feel appreciated and understood; we all need help.”

Further, as Gloria Steinem recently stated at the recent YWCA Whisper Gala in Calgary, if there is no peace and dignity in our homes, then there is no peace or dignity in our city, in our country or between countries. Deprivation can foster aggression and oppression. If we help the needy and marginalized, it can foster goodwill and well-being, locally and globally. So, whether it be in a family (father and daughter on a bottle drive) or in a neighbourhood (garden sharing) or between countries (teacher training, child sponsorship, micro-lending, water cleansing, etc.), we are all the better for it. When we work and share together, the barriers of separation and difference decrease. This is particularly so when it’s youth working to help youth.

As the remarkable Craig and Marc Kielburger evangelize: “It’s not about me; it’s about ‘We.’ ” Their Me to We and Free the Children movement is mobilizing a caring culture among thousands of youths all across Canada. To this end, 16,000 students from Alberta schools were in the Saddledome for a huge rally Oct. 26. The outcome of their program — which involves working with teachers to instill a culture of giving and caring in students and schools — is quite remarkable:

a) Bullying and other dysfunctional behaviours (such as addiction) are reduced;

b) Scholastic achievement is increased; and

c) General school spirit is enhanced.

Second, let’s look at this year’s Christmas Fund charities.

The bottom line is that there is magic in caring for others. It’s contagious. Like many other parents, our three children and their spouses have willingly contracted the charity “affliction” and are now working on several good causes. Indeed, we often think the recipients of giving should get the tax receipt because their gift back is so much greater than what they receive. Each of the Calgary Herald’s 12 Christmas Fund charities is doing noble work. Let us give our resources (our money, our time, our inspiration and perspiration). Indeed we are one; we are all in this together — next door, across the city, the country and the planet.

Finally, cheers to the Calgary Herald and staff for their citizenship.

That the Herald and its dedicated staff have organized and “hosted” this Christmas Fund for 22 years and have raised over $19.2 million is outstanding. (Behind the record-breaking success of the fund last year was the incredible, “he is always there” Allan Markin, who matched all the funds raised.) Indeed, it was a fitting tribute that the Herald was awarded the Generosity of Spirit corporate award this year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

As we all know, the Christmas Fund is but one example of the myriad community causes in which the Herald has “partnered” since its humble beginning over 129 years ago, in 1883. It’s an invaluable contribution.

So go for it — with joy and goodwill. Happy Christmas and happy holidays to people of all faiths and cultures.

Best wishes.