We can all change the world with a giving heart
Volunteers are essential to the fabric of our communities
On Nov. 15th, we celebrated National Philanthropy Day, a special day to recognize the wonderful philanthropic efforts that are carried out across the country all year long. Philanthropy in Canada is vibrant. We are in tune with a deeply held value expressed through giving and volunteering to causes that speak to our hearts, our values and our goals. We first marked National Philanthropy Day in 1986 and it has now grown to include more than 100 events involving over 50,000 people across North America.
I am a proud member, active volunteer and donor with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and I count myself among their nearly 30,000 members who truly believe in the power of giving. As the main sponsor of National Philanthropy Day, AFP assists its 233 chapters across North America and around the world to host events that provide a forum for recognition and celebration. These events are featured on www.npdlove.com where you will also find a gallery of outstanding philanthropists, volunteers, corporations, foundations and others involved in their personal philanthropy. Local celebrations take place in the Golden Horseshoe area and present us with the opportunity to honour those who make an impact right here in our own communities. I quite enjoyed learning the stories of our local award winners this year. In particular, Rosanne Longo of the Longo Family Charitable Foundation story struck me. The family’s philosophy of giving started by the founders, Tommy, Joe and Gus in 1956. They believed in giving back to the communities they serve where their stores were located. Sixty years later, the family is still giving back to charities that are meaningful to their customers and team members — hospitals, children’s charities and kids’ camps. What a true inspiration they are to others who also want to make a difference. You can watch Rosanne’s video on the AFP Golden Horseshoe website www. afpgoldenhorseshoe.org/ which is regularly being updated.
The driving forces behind our own giving may vary, but a recent study revealed that most humans are naturally wired to want to give. We find that Canadians give their time and their money to causes that help build the society that they wish to live in. As fundraisers, we are practitioners in ethics. We help people connect their resources with causes of interest and need and we always hold high our role as stewards of the public’s trust and contributions.
AFP’s National Philanthropy Day helps us consider what philanthropy means to each of us and allows us to open the conversation up to others. What stories do you connect with most? Do you know anyone who has benefited from the generosity of others? Have you helped your children learn that they can make a difference? Philanthropy is so powerful and inspiring because it is voluntary — we come together to improve the quality of life for all.
Right here in our 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 their time, talent and passion.
When you look at our own regions, you will see the impact of YOUR generosity everywhere.
Whether you are giving small or large donations, you are helping to achieve monumental triumphs. Clothing and housing people in need, investing in early childhood education, protecting green space, supporting student bursaries, redeveloping our hospitals, and providing quality health care are all made possible every day because of you and your commitment to your favourite causes.
Likewise, donating your time and expertise is equally as vital. Volunteers are essential to the fabric of our communities. As partners, volunteers help to fundraise and generate revenue, participate as board members to govern our organizations and contribute to the daily needs of busy programs. The impact of volunteers in Canada and in the Hamilton area is huge and we embrace the opportunities to publicly thank them.
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 today, tomorrow and for years to come.
We can change the world with a giving heart.