The memories of my mother are not of a cancer victim, they are not of a shaved head, or intravenous tubes, or a frail body. They are her wonderful spirit, her brave beautiful smile, and a loving acceptance of life that was contagious with everyone she touched. My mother didn't just talk the talk, she walked the walk.
The non-profit organization, just like the technology start-up with a disruptive, yet unproven, new innovation, must sell its vision as much as its financial model and its metrics for measuring impact. But by reducing organizational survival to a simple sales-pitch ignores the fundamental truth that not all organizations are created equally.
We're two days in -- how many New Year's resolutions have you already snapped in two? At the start of our calendar year there's a lot of pressure to "be a better person," which usually means "look like a better person." We propose an alternative that is scientifically proven to make you better: resolve to make the world a better place. Sound intimidating? It doesn't have to be.
When we asked Grammy-winning Canadian singer Nelly Furtado to travel with us to Kenya a few years back, we had no idea it would lead to an amazing friendship. Now an ambassador for Free The Children, she launched a matching fund to support the construction of a new all girls' high school in rural Kenya.
OneRepublic, the pop-rock quintet from Denver, Colorado, has been together since 2002, since they were in high school, or in the band's words, "since forever." They finish each other's sentences like siblings and cite each other as role models. We caught up with Drew Brown, Eddie Fisher and Brent Kutzle at We Day Vancouver last month.
For many, the word itself is precious, off-putting, out-of-date. "Philanthropy." What is it about? It conjures up the image of an old aristocrat, living amongst dusty paintings, classic sculptures and Louis XIV-period furniture. These days however, across the world, philanthropy finds itself at the heart of a young, technological and urban revolution.
As a final tribute to this Canadian icon, let's demonstrate the power of the penny and make the wishes of so many around the world come true: let's collect enough pennies to provide clean water for life for 100,000 people. Just $25 in pennies provides a permanent source of clean water for a person in a developing country.
Many things are written and said about the oil sands, and one of the allegations frequently made is that the oil derived from the naturally occurring bitumen is "dirty", tainted with the stain of environmental destruction. While that debate rages on one rarely hears about what happens to some of the money generated by that so-called "dirty" oil. One may hear about corporate profits, and royalties, and high salaries - but one very rarely hears about philanthropy.
FINCA empowers the poor and allows them to develop small businesses as they see fit, whether it be weaving, selling produce, woodworking, baking or any other trade. They understand the only way to truly combat poverty is to provide sustainable work--because without a steady income, things like an education, or proper medical care are not options.
It's truly inspiring to witness the many philanthropists and social entrepreneurs creating change in the world. Many of us dream of such a thing but wouldn't know where to start and may not even feel deserving of doing such a thing. As Founder of End Sex Trafficking Day, I am only one example of how one voice and one idea can make a difference in the world. Your passion can lead you to do big things, here is how...
Aid and development are deeply complex and there are no easy answers. The physical donations of goods, be it food or clothes, often have negative impacts on the local economy. It would be far better for aid organizations to buy products locally. Aid shouldn't be about making North Americans comfortable with a culture of mass consumption and waste. It has to be actually making the lives of people in the recipient country better.
On a day when many were celebrating the 30th anniversary of the signing of Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Stephen Harper's government announced legislation that will drastically reduce the number of regulatory agencies that exist to protect the environment in which individual Canadians enjoy their rights and freedoms.
It's been only five years since Justin Bieber first started uploading videos onto YouTube. In that time, his videos have amassed millions of views, and countless fans around the world. But as impressive as those numbers are, like so many Canadian acts before him (Nickelback, Celine Dion) the number of Justin's haters almost rivals his legion of his fans.