National Philanthropy Day

Our federal government has done a great thing by officially acknowledging philanthropy and the hard work of the charitable sector in this country. November 15 will be, henceforth, National Philanthropy Day® in Canada. So thank you, Prime Minister Harper and Minister Moore, our Canadian Heritage Minister.

National Philanthropy Day is celebrated around the world as a day to recognize the work of charities, to remember the extraordinary achievements of social engagement and philanthropy, and to acknowledge the difference these efforts make to our world.

Canada is the first country to officially recognize National Philanthropy Day since its creation in 1986! As a Case for Support writer for charities, organizations and institutions, I am very pleased and proud of the message that Canada is sending the world. It says that we support philanthropy. It says we are committed to being a compassionate and caring society. It will help raise awareness of philanthropy and social responsibility in general and of hardworking organizations such as the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in particular.

I spent some time on Sunday the 15th thinking over the various charities I want to support this holiday season. I also decided that this is the year that I will abandon gift giving entirely and make donations or give memberships instead. Everyone I know is thinking about ways to give back. It's inspiring, uplifting and moving!

For example: do you know a child who loves toads, frogs, turtles and birds? Why not buy them a year's subscription to Owl Magazine so that they can learn more about our amazing planet?

Do you know a woman who is passionate about the education and the welfare of women? Then visit Care International and learn about the Power Within campaign, striving to empower 10 million girls around the world to access quality primary education and gain leadership skills by 2015. Donations are needed!

And as Christmas approaches, you can go any number of animal welfare sites and "buy" a gift for a friend who cares about animals: save elephants from poachers, clean up waterfowl caught in oil slicks or help provide medicines for dedicated vets saving the lives of animals in war-torn countries.

Closer to home, there are organizations working hard for the poor and the needy in our cities: Dixon Hall in Toronto and Covenant House. Hospitals, hospices and homeless shelters all need our help.

The choice is endless, because the need in our world is so very, very great.

I do not need another sweater, another pair of gloves or a bottle of perfume. I am sure that most of us don't need more useless, even if well-meant, gifts that will end up in a drawer. So let's do something better, smarter and greater this holiday season.

We have a world to heal.