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Day 86: The Gift of Giving

I have been involved in the not-for-profit world for almost 20 years. Both through my business and as a volunteer. I feel honoured to have worked with many remarkable people that are so passionate about what they do.

My family has set a huge example of philanthropy in so many ways. My parents are shining examples of what giving from your heart really means. My father was a doctor (now retired) and I still have clear memories of going into the hospital on Christmas morning with him to do his rounds. My sisters and I (4 girls) would sing Christmas Carols to each of his patients as we went from room to room. I never realized it but it was my first act of volunteerism. Somewhere along the way it stuck with me and as you can read from my blog I am still giving – now every day.

A number of years ago, as a family we decided instead of buying gifts for one another we would make a donation to a charity of our choice for the amount we would have normally have spent on Christmas gifts. We were all at a point in our lives we wanted very specific items and another pair of earrings we would never wear or slippers that would collect dust in the closest seemed pointless.

This year I will share my gift to my family with you and just maybe inspire you to spend a little less in the stores and a little more honouring the people in your lives by giving.

Give 86: Day 86

My gift to my family for the holidays is a donation to Second Harvest. This organization was the first not-for-profit I ever worked with. They hold a sacred place in my heart as I worked with them for over 13 years both as an employee and volunteer. I was proud to be part of a cause that does so much for so many in need in  Toronto.

The Second Harvest mission is simple: “To help feed hungry people by picking up and preparing excess fresh food and delivering it daily to social service agencies in Toronto.”

The organization is very transparent. With every dollar raised they will provide 2 fresh meals to those in need. That simple. My gift to my family will be to make a donation to Second Harvest which will allow them to provide 400 meals. Wow! How good does that feel!

Not only I am I grateful to make a donation to a great organization but I didn’t have to spend hours in a mall, more time wrapping, and paying the post man to just maybe get it there on time.

Merry Christmas to my family for all the inspiration they have given me to GIVE.

Time Commitment: 5 minutes to make a online donation

Cost: $200 donation in honour of my family

What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
“Actions really do speak louder than words, which is why I believe the 365give Challenge has resonated throughout my community. Every give we do is so important to us and leaves us happier and appreciating our lives a little bit more than before.”
Mahina Niyozova (Tajikistan)
“After watching the 365give TEDx Talk, I was inspired to join and begin a daily giving program in India. Today, along with 12 other volunteer women, we provide 100 meals to local underprivileged children in Bangalore for school every day.”
Deepika Ahuja, Mom (Bangalore, India)
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Renate Jorge, @BeKindBrazil and 365give Member, Family Program (Brazil)
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MayLee, 365give Member, Individual Program
“This 365give Challenge has really injected excitement and extra enthusiasm in each work day as I think about what we can do. It has motivated me and the students.”
Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)