No Wrapping Paper Required

Today, I received yet another request for a donation to a good cause from a well-respected charitable organization. I’m embarrassed to admit that my initial response was one of annoyance. In my defence, how can one person help make the world a better place when they feel like a superhero without a cape?

Empathy prevailed as I quickly gave myself a shake and thought about how stressful it must be for these organizations. They work tirelessly to ensure funding is in place so they can continue making their vital contributions to our communities.

With that acknowledgment (and a little self-talk about gratitude), I sat down at my computer and made a donation. After all, if my best work efforts to facilitate innovation and change aren’t helping, I can at least help financially. Besides, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to confidently wear the spandex that appears to be a staple for superheroes.

I hope more of us consider donating to charitable and non-profit organizations this season. While the world continues to tilt on its axis, it’s clear that many organizations have not fully recovered from COVID-19 and are struggling to meet growing demands while demands are increasing and revenues are dropping.
 
So why donate? Charities and non-profits within the social purpose sector reflect resourcefulness, resilience, and determination.

Employees work shoulder-to-shoulder alongside volunteers in every community in Canada. Together, they serve, train, advocate, mentor, protect, care, strengthen, develop, support, build, create, and entertain.

They do it in many areas — social services, health, education and research, the environment, housing, arts and culture, heritage, sport and recreation, advocacy and policy, religion, philanthropy, and volunteerism.

The staff and volunteers in these social purpose organizations ensure the hungry are fed, children and families have roofs over their heads, and seniors are safe and healthy. They advocate for our rights, teach us new skills, coach sports teams, build and maintain community halls and parks, look after our natural environment, plant gardens and trees, provide music, dance and put on shows, help us worship in prayer, offer advice and assistance, and facilitate our play and our festivals.

They provide prenatal and palliative care and everything in between, enrich our lives with leisure activities, teach us about health issues, run recycling and nature appreciation programs, organize community celebrations, deliver services for children and seniors, help us learn and grow, conduct research, and give Canada a respected place in the world through work in international development. They may not wear the Marvel label, but they are the superheroes.
                           
And, if those reasons aren’t good enough for you, donate because it will make you feel good. It’s true.

Research shows that while some people are better able to empathize with others or are genetically predisposed to generosity (thanks, Mom!), donating money not only helps you save on taxes but also boosts your mood.

Who knew being generous could be so rewarding? Even more interesting is that people who leave money to charity in their will live three years longer than those who don’t.

So really, donating might just be your secret weapon against aging. As my mother always reinforced, it comes back to you multiplied when you give. It’s like playing Monopoly—only instead of landing on the Boardwalk and collecting $200, you’re spreading joy and kindness.

Generosity is essential for strong communities and brings personal happiness and longevity.

Now that’s a gift that keeps on giving—no wrapping paper required!

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