The holiday season is coming up, and it’s a time about giving, not receiving. Sure, as kids, we made long lists to our parents’ dismay, but at school and other youth-related activities, we were also given the opportunity to help. I remember collecting food for the food bank as well as bringing in toys. As an adult, I’m an avid volunteer and have been involved with various organizations for many years, always to make the community a better place to live.
This is what My Giving Moment’s Dare2Give campaign is all about. Inspired by the Governor General, this campaign is asking YOU to challenge as many people as possible to give (or participate in a giving-related event) – research shows that this is why many people give or help out. Especially during the holiday season, we want to see as many Canadians help each other as possible! And best of all, anyone who enters Dare2Give gives the opportunity to win for your favourite charitable organization with the grand prize being a TV commercial. All you need to do is enter your dares (including how many people you’ve asked) on the My Giving Moment website! This contest ends on December 14, 2014.
For me, this is the time of year I make the bulk of my donation rounds. From hospitals to my alma maters (high school, undergraduate and graduate school) as well as arts and culture related groups like the ballet and museums, I give. I have also challenged a few people to do the same, including my mother, husband and friends.
The “dare” for my mom is to accompany me to a tea later this month which helps youth living in shelters have a happier holiday season – teens are often forgotten this time of year as many more organizations focus on young children. She would NOT have known about this had I not asked. The more people I get to the event, the more kids the organization can help. I have also asked several friends to come. As the event has not yet occurred, this dare is still incomplete.
The author (right) with her husband at an event she hosted a few years ago. Some proceeds from that event went to a good cause
Another “dare” started earlier this year. Mental health is a struggle for many and in many societies, very much stigmatized. Thus, it is important to raise awareness and encourage discussion so that it is lessened. At the same time, research is needed to find better ways for people to cope, and research costs money. I was involved in a planning committee for a gala dinner in support of the issue and “dared” my husband to attend the dinner. The dinner has made him more interested in the topic and will be supporting the organization by making a donation in time for the holiday season.
The third “dare” is more of a hands-on situation. I am involved with a volunteer organization and it is always looking for new people. Thus, I have asked several friends to join! Many have showed interest, and will hopefully come to an open meeting to find out more information. Once they see how the group works, perhaps they will become a member. It’s a bit of a bigger challenge in this situation as it is more ongoing. So far, three people have expressed interest, but none have signed up yet. We shall see what happens over the next few months!
So now it’s your turn to dare your friends, family and co-workers! Enter the number of people you’ve challenged in the form below and start spreading some good!
Although this post has been generously sponsored by Rideau Hall Foundation, the opinions and language are my own, and in no way do they reflect Rideau Hall Foundation.
