The gift of enduring resonance
It’s Giving Tuesday, one of my favourite days of the year where together we put the spotlight on causes and initiatives that are near and dear to our hearts. Originally launched in 2012, Giving Tuesday started with a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good.
Growing research shows that doing good helps us feel good. According to the Cleveland Clinic, giving can “stimulate your brain's mesolimbic pathway, or reward center, while releasing endorphins. That can lead to a helper's high that boosts self-esteem, elevates happiness and combats feelings of depression.”
Recently, Deloitte’s Chief Well-being Officer and Human Sustainability Leader, Jen Fisher, posted a round-up of some of her favourite causes in the spirit of community giving this holiday season. On Giving Tuesday, and long after the day wraps up, consider these ideas to further our collective contribution to the health of our country.
Idea #1: Offer a generous donation in someone’s name to a community cause or preference
From coast to coast to coast, there are so many great organizations working on causes that range from mental health, to affordable housing, food security, environmental protection, youth health care, and cancer research. A donation of any amount is always appreciated, and when given in someone’s name, the offering is especially meaningful and moving. Top 10 charities in Canada everyone should know about.
Shoutout: Food Banks Canada is one organization I’ve been involved with for years and this year, they’ve partnered with Skip the Dishes with the aim of raising $200,000 by end of day (November 28) to help food banks be there for everyone who needs them today and beyond.
Idea #2: Mentor a young professional to make the start of their new career a smooth experience
Know a young professional embarking on their careers? Consider offering your time to mentor them or introduce them to a colleague or peer whom you know. I’m equally thrilled to offer introductions! No doubt, the power of connection when navigating the workplace for the first time is long lasting.
Idea #3: Offer help to address the changing realities of the world around us
The Canadian Red Cross helps people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and a donation this holiday season (and beyond) supports countless individuals in strengthening their resilience and livelihoods. On Giving Tuesday, gifts will be triple matched.
Idea #4: Give the gift of literary experience to change outlooks for the better
Books are always a favourite gift to receive but why not put a spin on this by offering up a list of favourite books, including a paragraph about your relationship with each book. People may love receiving a book that you’ve picked out for them, and including a small summary as to why you’ve loved it will only make the gift even that more memorable. I’ll be trying this out soon and at the top of my list to give and comment on will be The Covenant of Water by Dr. Abraham Verghese. This beautiful work of literary art reminds us that while it sometimes might be hard to find strength in moments of difficulty, the ability to maintain hope is never lost. Discover the book
Idea #5: Offer a gift from the heart; personal and free!
If you tend to cringe at the notion of a homemade gift, the key is doing something personal and with full heart. Things like: writing someone a letter, song or poem, curating music or podcast lists, or compiling and sharing recipes. Not only are gifts such as these easy on the pocket book, but they offer meaning and love that absolutely can’t be bought.
Idea #6: Gather your friends or family and show your local community some love
The opportunities for making a contribution to local communities are endless. Giving Tuesday kicks off the holiday gift giving season, so beyond today, gather a group of friends, family members, or colleagues and plan an afternoon of volunteer work at a local shelter, food bank, community clean up drive, hospital, or retirement residence.
Making the most of Giving Tuesday, and any giving experience for that matter, can be especially impactful and easy with some planning, inspiration, and personalization. What I love about the ideas I share above is that they are rooted in connection and meaning. When giving, small acts of intention are steps in the right direction for all of us to benefit from, not to mention these steps stack up to create a path of endurance and sustainability for a healthier nation now and into the future.
