I Like Giving

Throughout the year, we’ve been making an effort to share Ozinga’s purpose—to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and our community for generations—with our coworkers, customers and community. One way we’ve been highlighting our purpose with our coworkers is by hosting lunch and learn events that bring in outside perspectives that tie to our reason for being.

 Last week, we welcomed Brad Formsma, best-selling author and founder of the nonprofit organization I Like Giving, to our Mokena office. Many of our coworkers joined the event both in person and via livestream to hear Brad discuss seven ways to give and live generously. Brad and I also shared our own giving stories and discussed how giving aligns with Ozinga’s purpose. One of the stories I shared was how my parents modeled generosity to me when I was a young boy when they invited a single mom and her young baby to live with us until she could get on her feet. I don’t know that I liked giving up my bedroom at the time but it made an impression that has stuck with me as an adult.  

 The ideas and stories Brad shared at our lunch provided encouragement to make a positive impact in whatever way you can, whether big or small. Brad pointed out that giving is not just about money. We have opportunities every day to be generous with our thoughts towards others, our words, our time and attention, our actions, our influence, sharing our stuff and many other ways. There is a positive ripple effect that takes place when we are generous and it is contagious. 

 Life is short. We only have so much time. It is a tremendous blessing to give, not only for the receiver but also for the giver. Imagine a world where more and more people found more and more opportunities to give of themselves. It’s exciting to think of the possibilities. It starts with us!