Finding your own path with giving

Charitable giving is something the majority of us do in some way, shape or form every year. If we’re looking purely at dollars donated, statistics show that Canadians as a whole gave about $14 billion in 2018. Everyone’s reasons for giving are different, and while direct donations and financial contributions to charities are definitely great ways to show your support and to have an impact, giving really can include so much more. It can also be an even more rewarding and fulfilling experience when you focus your efforts and make it personal to you.

When you get down to it, there are so many ways to make a positive and meaningful difference for others beyond the giving of funds. Maybe you’re one of the many Canadians who donates their time, which collectively equates to about 2 billion volunteer hours nationally each year. Or it could be organizing a charitable event or initiative in your community, donating food or clothing, or supporting a collective campaign, just to name a few.

At the start of this year, there was a story in the news that caught my attention about a gentleman who’d been anonymously donating bikes, helmets and bike locks for over 30 years to underprivileged children in the Montreal area. Each year, this man—who was known only as “Mr. Bike Man”—celebrated his birthday by giving bike equipment to kids who were in need, and it was reported that over the years, he donated more than 1,500 bikes. He kept his identity a secret the entire time (even among most of his family members), and it wasn’t until his passing that everyone found out who this donor was.

As a source in that story noted, it was this man’s experiences as a child and not being able to afford a bike that drove his passion for giving in this way. In his mind, perhaps the true spirit of giving was the act of doing something good for others without the need to be recognized for it, and he drew from his own personal experiences as a main driver behind where and how he gave.

This news story also reminded me of one of the many charitable initiatives our Wealth Management Services team has been involved in. As an organization and within our team, community involvement and helping communities prosper is a core value, and this particular campaign was a bike giveaway through the Boys and Girls Club of Canada.

Our employees raised funds, and then certain team members delivered the bikes in person to deserving kids across Canada. This initiative was a big success, and it was the individual stories that came out of it that really show how different giving experiences can be so meaningful. The kids were so excited, appreciative and some even speechless by the generosity, and the employees who delivered the bikes noted it being an unforgettable experience and a truly special opportunity.

Whether individually or as part of a group, these stories are a testament to the good that can be achieved when we broaden our mindsets on giving and on the positive impacts it can have. And I think it just helps us better connect as human beings as well.

Each and every example or pursuit of giving is unique, and the main point here is to take time and identify what means the most to you and how you want to make a difference, and then find ways to bring that to life in your community or beyond. When you change your approach to giving from reactive to proactive, and you pursue what you’re truly passionate about, the difference can be significant—for you and for others.

Back in December, I talked about seasonal giving among Canadians and why many are more inclined to give around the holidays, as well as the positive impacts that a more philanthropic approach to giving may offer. Read that article here.

* Our 2017 bike campaign was partially supported by the generosity of Sports Chek & Canadian Tire.