An open letter:
People have different reasons for giving. For some, it is because of their faith; they believe calls them to give money and time to help others.
Others give because they want to see their communities thrive, or because they are blessed and want to share their blessings.
For some, it香蕉视频直播檚 because they were recipients of generosity themselves, like Anne.
For her, it goes back to when her mother was diagnosed with cancer.
香蕉视频直播淒uring that time, my family was hugely blessed by our church, friends, and community,香蕉视频直播� she says.
From the simple act of bringing the family a meal on a busy, appointment-filled day, to connecting them with a support centre filled with helpful resources, the generosity of others saw them through the trying times.
At the same time, they benefitted from medical research, supported by donations.
香蕉视频直播淭hanks to God香蕉视频直播檚 grace, and a fantastic team of doctors armed with amazing advances in technology, my Mom is now cancer free,香蕉视频直播� says Anne.
That experience has had a lasting impact on Anne.
香蕉视频直播淭here is an important lesson to learn when we accept charity,香蕉视频直播� says Anne of how it has inspired her to now give to help others.
Lori香蕉视频直播檚 story is similar. When she was a university student, a great opportunity came along for an out-of-province co-op placement香蕉视频直播攂ut she couldn香蕉视频直播檛 afford the airfare.
When her college heard about her predicament, they provided the funds so she could go.
香蕉视频直播淭hat was really a significant experience for me, seeing firsthand the way their generosity affected my future,香蕉视频直播� she says.
As soon as she was able after graduation, Lori donated back to her alma mater.
香蕉视频直播淭he school is a very special community for our family,香蕉视频直播� she explains.
For Ron, it was the help he received as a young person growing up in a poor family.
香蕉视频直播淎dults in my life showed me so much kindness,香蕉视频直播� he recalls. 香蕉视频直播淚t wasn香蕉视频直播檛 always money, but often it was going out of their way to provide advice and time to help a kid find his way in the world.香蕉视频直播�
As an adult, he returns that gift by looking out for young people who might need a mentor or just a listening ear.
香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 been a privilege to come alongside kids from local families, students from other countries and immigrants,香蕉视频直播� he says.
香蕉视频直播淛ust being there, taking them out for a meal or event, or helping them to network to find jobs is very rewarding.香蕉视频直播�
If we look back, most of us can recall times when we were the recipients of kindness and help. If we are able, we can return the gift by being generous to others香蕉视频直播攃lose at home, across Canada or around the world.
What香蕉视频直播檚 your generosity story? Tell us at generosity@abundance.ca.
John Longhurst
Abundance Canada
