What does it mean to be a philanthropist? This is a question we’ve been considering purposefully over the past month. Founder Earl Shindruk was recently awarded a national Philanthropy Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Edmonton and Area Chapter. This humbling experience has us reflecting on the place and purpose for philanthropy, and the mechanism for successful, and meaningful change to be made.
Philanthropy is the donation of time, money, or skills executed through private initiatives that serve the public good, initiatives that focus on improving quality of life. Each time that we support a charity, attend an event or sponsor an initiative, we’re engaging in charitable acts that in turn perpetuate the culture of giving, a culture which our nonprofit organizations depend on.
The Necessity of Giving
In Canada, citizens pay taxes that enable the government to fulfill their mandates that help fund social programs in health, education, and support for people in need. In turn, many charitable organizations receive funding from governments. But the difference between offering a haven, and running programs that get people off the street, is in the support from the private sector.
Organizations like AFP institutionalize the act of giving so that donations are that much more impactful. When we give our time, money, skills, or connections to supporting these initiatives, we’re helping to make meaningful change, and we’re motivating our friends and family to do so as well.
In the 2015 Stats Canada General Social Survey, 91% of donors said they felt compassion toward people in need. Making a positive contribution to one’s community has been linked to increased happiness, as knowing that you’re helping others is empowering and makes you feel fulfilled.
Creative Community Support
“A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog.”
― Jack London
Most of us go home to a fridge full of food and have spend time doing the things we enjoy. There are many ways to give, and depending on your circumstances, you give what you have. Common ways to give include:
Time and Skills
Sometimes the most valuable thing you can give is time, particularly if you’re a skilled worker whose skills are beneficial to the cause you support. A non-profit is an institution like any other- they have administrative expenses that can be subsidized by donated services, and specific programs need extra hands.
Financial Support
Through ongoing monthly or one-time donations, sponsorship, or endowment programs, there are many opportunities to provide financial support. Understanding the allocation of funds and doing your research to understand the breakdown for where your dollar is going, is an important step in choosing a charity of choice.
Advocacy
If what you have to offer is a large network, a following, or an ability to connect with the right people, your relationship with a cause you support is extremely valuable. Communicating with the public and reaching the right people with their message is a task on which that all non-profits spend time and resources.
Fundraising
Fundraising on behalf of an organization takes a load off their plate and provides them combine advocacy, time, and financial support. Fundraising can be done through hosting events, engaging in donation drives, or participating in a movement (such as a walk or bike-a-thon).
Holiday Giving
There is an enormous demand for giving over the holiday season. Ensuring that the community’s less fortunate can have a Christmas meal, a gift for their children or a warm safe environment is the goal of many organizations whose primary purpose is to relieve suffering over the holiday season.
Edmonton-based causes to support include:
Christmas Bureau of Edmonton
The Christmas Bureau of Edmonton is non-denominational and accessible to all Edmontonians in need. The Christmas Bureau of Edmonton raises funds to provide festive meals to Edmonton families, seniors and individuals.
Hope Mission
Hope Mission is a not-for-profit Christian social care agency caring for impoverished and homeless men, women and children in Alberta. Basic and emergency care are provided to over 800 people daily as well as counseling and referral services for men, women, and youth. Each day Hope Mission provides over 1000 meals, and shelter for over 500 people.
Santa’s Anonymous
The mission of 630 CHED Santas Anonymous is simple: to see every child receive a new toy at Christmas. Relying on thousands of volunteers and donors, 630 CHED Santas Anonymous collects, sorts, packages, and delivers toys to over 25,000 children every year. Donations are needed, and volunteers can participate ahead of time, or on the delivery weekend.
Drop in Volunteer Days: Tuesday, Thursday 9:00am – 9:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 9:00am – 2:00pm.
Delivery Weekend: December 15 & 16
Events
Christmas Bureau breakfast
Tickets: $100 per person
A hot breakfast and holiday cheer in support of Santa’s Anonymous. There will be a silent and live auction, raffle prizes and a special visitor from the North Pole!
The Mustard Seed Volunteering Event
When: December 5, 2018 4:00 – 8:00 pm
Tickets: $25
Guests will be engaged with community members as they work together to prepare certain tasks for a Christmas meal, which will serve hundreds of Edmonton’s less fortunate.
Diamonds of Hope
Date: December 8, 2018 7pm – 2am
Tickets: $200
An inaugural event, ‘Diamonds of Hope’ is aimed at increasing awareness for cancer research and survivorship care. A glamorous evening of fashion and fun in support of a cause that touches so many lives. Net proceeds from the Inaugural ‘Diamonds of Hope’ will go to Canadian Cancer Care.
