Compassion is a wonderful blessing
Life is a series of changes, but some things should never change, including a genuine care and concern for others expressed through our heritage of charitable giving. As the Roman philosopher Lucius Seneca said: “We should give as we would receive, cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation; for there is no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers.”
When I think about the Calgary Herald Christmas Fund, the word that comes to mind is charity. Charity has been a big part of my life and I have come to appreciate that at the heart of charity is the concept of genuine love for others. Thanks to the Calgary Herald, we all have an opportunity to show a little more love this Christmas season.
Making a donation to a good cause or helping someone in need is expressing love for that person. Indifference will never motivate someone to be charitable. Behind every donation or act of volunteer service is a selfless expression of love.
I had the privilege of growing up in a small town in northern Saskatchewan where giving or expressing love and care for others was a way of life.
Needs were not typically met by the government, but, rather, we helped one another.
While government programs have, to some extent, replaced the philanthropy of my generation and certainly my parents’ generation, there does remain a spirit of caring for others and people demonstrate that care in very tangible ways, including the donation of one’s time, talent and treasure for the good of others.
For the last 50 years, I have had the privilege of serving as a volunteer with various organizations within Calgary ’s charitable sector. I am continually blessed to work with people who are moved to help others from a heart of compassion or concern, both of which are expressions of love.
Currently, I have the joy of serving as the event chair of the Calgary Firefighters New Year’s Eve Celebration.
Proceeds from this event will be distributed equally to the Calgary Firefighters Charitable Foundation and each of the charities being supported this year by the 2018 Calgary Herald Christmas Fund.
I commend the team at the Calgary Herald for their diligence in carefully selecting the charities they support each year and for their commitment to keeping the spirit of philanthropy and love alive in our community. Ann McCaig is a respected Calgary philanthropist involved in many charities, including the Calgary Firefighters Charitable Foundation. To donate, call 403-235-7481 or go to https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/ startup.aspx?eventid=273670
To read other Christmas Fund stories, go to calgaryherald.com/christmas fund
Total raised to date: $63,725.00