National Philanthropy Day

Just a quick post to say congratulations to this years National Philanthropy Day honourees.  The message that I got out of today's luncheon and the presentation is one of hope.  As we are climbing (slowly) out of turbulent economic times it was amazing and very HOPEFUL to hear about ways that people were stepping up to the plate and supporting our communities.

Thank you to each and every person who donates time, money and other resources to making our world a better place to live.

Today - Friday, November 14th, 2008, marks the end of National Philanthropy Week.  This day is a celebration of individuals around the globe who are making a difference by donating their resources (personal, financial, intellectual and corporate) to the non-profit and charitable sector.

I attended the luncheon today, hosted by Dave Kelly of CityTV, honouring Calgarians with the Generosity of Spirit Awards.  The Generosity of Spirit Award is given to seven individuals or businesses in the following categories:

• Outstanding Philanthropic Family
• Outstanding Philanthropic Group
• Outstanding Youth Philanthropist
• Outstanding Small Business Philanthropist
• Outstanding Individual Philanthropist
• Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist
• Outstanding Lifetime Philanthropist

In the line of work that I am in, I see outstanding individuals and companies on a daily basis.  This year, it is especially important to share their stories as we enter into difficult financial times, so that we remember that there are others who need our help that much more.

I want to share with you what I got out of today's luncheon.  I was inspired.  I was inspired by the young man who gave the invocation and told us that he wants to see a charitable sector that can trade in social commodities (someone should introduce him to Kathryn Babcock at the Canadian Women's Foundation who recently launch the first charitable IPO trading on the TSX). 

I was inspired by Verda & Duncan McNeill who shared their family story of philanthropy and how they have taught their sons how to continue their legacy.  This teaching was done through modeling community-focused behaviours and integrating community into the different business ventures that the McNeill family has undertaken.

I was inspired by the Kinsmen Club, who by collective power, have put their stamp on the Easter Seals Camp Horizon. 

I was inspired by Jane Wu, a young woman who was nominated by Child & Youth Friendly Calgary (the ED, Penny Hume was recently awarded a Woman of Vision from Global TV) who told everyone, at the age of 17, that we should, "Just do it now." 

I was inspired by Masters Gallery, a local art gallery owned by Rod Green.  Rod said today that everyone has a Culture Gene and some people just need it turned on.  The Culture Gene is the driver behind getting engaged in the Arts, whether it is visual or performance.  In order to turn on this gene we have to be exposed to the Arts.  That makes sense to me.  He went on to say that we all have a Philanthropy Gene and we just need to turn that on too.  In order to turn on the Philanthropy Gene we need to be exposed to philanthropy.  I would argue, not any type of philanthropy, but the best kind, the kind that is tactical and strategic.

I was inspired by Bill Davis who is actively involved in community projects because, "It just feels good."  Bill not only has gotten involved himself, but through his initiatives has engaged others thereby generating even greater impact.  He shared with us that he is having more fun with his friends around the table working with him on these projects.

I was inpsired by EnCana.  Yes, the big bad oil company...  I have had the privilege of working with EnCana when I was the Director of Development at CentrePoint Non-Profit Management.  Mary Ann Blackman, Manager of Community Investments, told us that EnCana prides itself on creating long-term relationships with their recipients.  I cannot stress how important it is for businesses to look at their charitable as multi-year investments.  Mary Ann drove the point home by sharing with us how EnCana builds these relationships and nurtures them, by not only providing funding, but also professional and capacity building supports.

Lastly, I was inspired by Dick Matthews.  This year, Mr. Matthews was awarded the Lifetime Philanthropist Award.  His contributions, both of time and money have strengthened the local musical performing arts community.

So many times I hear that charities do not thank their donors enough.  As someone who has worked in the charitable sector and now assists others in supporting the charitable sector, THANK YOU!  Without your generous spirit our society would not be what it is today.  You ensure that organizations can do what they are meant to do - make our city, country and world a good place to live.