Today I was inspired

I’ve been keeping busy with my volunteer work and will add a post for that, but today I can truly say I was inspired and my commitment to meaningful volunteerism was reignited.

I was asked to sit in on a special presentation supporting University of Toronto’s Boundless campaign. It’s a campaign that puts the stories of UofT’s great faculty, students and alumni forward to showcase their contributions and make the case that they are worthy of your support.

With the launch of Boundless: The Campaign for the University of Toronto, we are celebrating this tradition of leadership, community and generosity. boundless.utoronto.ca

Instead of an executive recounting facts and figures, we were treated to 4 of the many scholars and educators at UofT that are making a difference in the field of public health. Representing a cross section of study areas and expertise, their perspective ran from innovative business models, to frugal medical equipment in Africa, to working in our far north, and integrating student health right into UofT itself.

Many of the stories were inspiring, the photo’s either breathtaking or tragic. To see their minds in action as they passionately shared their work was a privilege.

It inspired me to think about the great partnerships of philanthropy and innovation that happen when a person passionate about their vision meets a person who is equally passionate and commits to make it happen.

So can we take the concepts of eco-tourism or volun-tourism, and create experiential journeys for potential partners (donors) where they can be a part of innovation when and where it happens? Exclusive opportunities to see the needs, travel with the experts, be a part of the conversation and invited to make their own contribution.

Talk about Boundless Opportunity!

My own foundation, my way of giving

The fastest growing way to give

I thought having a charitable foundation was the domain only of the super rich but not any more. It happens to the be the fastest growing method of giving and I suspect it’s going to skyrocket in popularity as the economy recovers, portfolios go positive and boomers once again focus on their next phase.

So yes, a totally self-directed foundation is still out of reach for many of us but individual or family foundations (sometimes called donor-advised funds) are now a packaged offering available through financial services firms. A similar offering is also available through many foundations. Start it up with $10k-$25k depending on the program.

See examples:
http://www.mackenziefinancial.com/en/pub/products/charitable/index.shtml
http://www.tcf.ca
http://www.canadagives.ca/about_canada_gives

Your name is on the foundation, you can direct where the proceeds go, you may select how the funds are invested and the perk on top of all the good feeling you get is that there’s a big tax deduction that comes with the investment.

Get the kids involved

Some families are using it as a way to involve kids in the giving process. It’s a family fund and the family decides together where proceeds go.

When you’re ready to think about this you’ll know it

When you’ve taken care of yourself, your partner, and your kids, and there will be a time when that happens, if there’s a little extra leftover then maybe it’s time to think about setting up your own foundation. It will add structure to your giving and even leave a legacy that continues to give even when you’re gone.

Clean out your closets for a worthy cause

I usually use this blog to highlight thoughts and opportunities about volunteering, but here’s a simple thing you can do for a very worthwhile little charity in the east end of Toronto. Clean out your closets and drop off the clothing at New Circles.

 

The shelves are bare at New Circles. I hope that you will be able help us fill them back up again. The demand for warm winter clothing is very high this year so we have decided to send out the attached press release. I would be grateful if you would please share this email with your family and friends so that once again our shelves will be filled to overflowing with winter wear for our clients. In the meantime please know how much your generosity is appreciated by all clients, volunteers and staff.

 

Very authentic, very simple asks

The other reason to mention them is that they do a very good job of communicating.

• They’re not always asking for money,
• They share stories in an authentic way,
• Their authenticity continues when you visit their location – always abuzz with energy and filled with helpful people,
• Their executive are up front and accessible and
• They ask when they need something.

It’s a simple as that.
 

From their press release

Please Help! New Circles is calling on all Torontonians to help, by donating new or gently used winter clothing, through the month of February. What’s needed: all sizes of winter coats and boots, hats, mitts, scarves… even sweaters and vests.

• Drop Off: at 10 Gateway Boulevard (Corner of Gateway and Don Mills Road, three lights south of Eglinton Ave. East)
• Organize a Clothing Drive: Invite office colleagues, or family and friends to help make a difference. Go to www.newcircles.ca for information on how to do it. New Circles will help!

A recent report from Social Planning Toronto revealed some startling numbers: fully one quarter of Toronto residents – that’s right, one in every four people – live in abject poverty. All Torontonians are encouraged to learn about New Circles to understand how their donations can make a difference in our community.

For more information:
Jane Craig, Executive Director, New Circles
416-422-2591
www.newcircles.ca

Giving back during the holidays

There’s a flurry of activity as folks deal with the double demand of busy lives and the added crush of the holiday season. Gifts, entertaining, family meals and fitting in all the obligations that the season brings.

Amid all this flurry are the endless asks for donations. The money is always appreciated and it’s an easy way to do good. If you are looking to add a little more community involvement to your charitable giving here are a few ideas to get your started:

• Pick up the kids and volunteer at a food bank, a soup kitchen or some other community centre
• Go visit someone in a seniors’ residence or medical facility
• Clean up your closets and drop those items off at a shelter (clothing, toys, equipment, linens are all needed)
• Be a volunteer gift wrapper (there are lots of openings for those and I thought this was more fun than being a volunteer tax preparer)
• Make a donation, big or small to an organization that means something to you. Make this a research project with your kids. Then make this decision to give, together.

There are lots of roles out there and a simple Google search for “volunteers needed” in your town will render a good list. For folks in my town, here’s a great list to start with.

Tell us what you need!

I am always pleased to see wish lists on non-profit websites and in their newsletters. It makes the job of giving so much easier and targeted. Dollars are always needed but sometimes time or stuff is just as valuable. Putting it out there is good for everyone.

Since most websites and newsletters are self published, it’s easy to make sure the wish list is presented and current.

On the giving side consider a closet clean up, a kitchen cleanse or a company warehouse purge with idle product being put to good use.

• Wish list for The Stop: Food, plastic bags, baby supplies, knitting needles or anyone got a 35 gallon immersion blender?
• For New Circles: Clothing, towels, linens and prom dresses.
• For Toronto Wildlife Centre: Medical supplies, hip waders, toner cartridges and a person with car.
• For L’Arche Toronto: Sheets, dishwasher, washing machine.

These are just a few examples. Google “donation wish list” and your town to see what folks need most.