It’s my favourite quote of all time, shared from the lips of one of the most respected women on the planet – Oprah Winfrey. I’m guessing that perhaps, you already know the phrase.
Years ago (and honestly, I should probably say eons), I was in third grade, participating for the very first time in a school fundraiser. I brought the little booklet home and approached my parents, trembling with worry: I didn’t know how to raise donations for the cause. I knew my parents would donate; however, I was terribly frightened that I would be the only child in the class who came up short of the minimum suggested goal of $10.00.
I wept in my room.
My dad, upon seeing his little girl in distress, told me to write a note on the booklet with my name, my grade, and a simple request asking others to give. I took my time and wrote out a plea, decorating it with hearts and flowers.
The next day, my dad took that little booklet to work and stopped by a few desks. A few offices. The lunchroom. The smoker’s lounge. And at the end of the day, he returned with over $100.00 in donations, the little booklet filled up twice over. Each person had only donated a small amount – $0.50, or a dollar at the most – but he had the courage to simply ask. And his request was answered.
That weekend, I wrote a “thank you” note to every single person who had donated. And as my wrist ached and my fingers numbed to the feel of the pencil, I pressed on, knowing that I wanted to show appreciation not only to my dad’s kind co-workers, but also, to my dad. Because he taught me a powerful lesson that day: you get in life what you have the courage to ask for. And years later, when Oprah touted that all-so-powerful phrase, I nodded my head in agreement, having already lived through my own moment of realization. Having understood the message.
Today, let’s talk about donating time, resources or money to make Canada a better place. Not surprisingly, research shows that one of the main reasons people decide to give is simply because someone asked.
But what if we went further than just asking? What if I dared you?
Imagine if every Canadian giver challenged one other person to donate or volunteer along with them? That’s what Dare2Give is all about.
Dare2Give is your chance to automatically double your giving impact simply by daring someone to donate or volunteer with you. It’s the latest in the My Giving Moment Campaign, inspired by the Governor General David Johnston.
These dares can be anything from small acts of kindness (raking your neighbour’s leaves, volunteering at a local school), sharing your resources (carpooling with the neighbourhood kids, offering your professional services pro bono) to monetary donations. To participate, simply:
1) Think about how you’d like to donate your time, money or resources
2) Dare someone to give with you
3) Visit Dare2Give, share your story, and enter the number of individuals that you’ve dared match your efforts
So what’s in it for you? Well, besides the knowledge that you’ve given yourself to make your community and country a better place, by participating in Dare2Give, you have the chance to win one TV Public Service Announcement from a leading Canadian broadcaster, and one radio Public Service Announcement from a second leading Canadian broadcaster. Each of these will put the charity of your choice in the spotlight it so deserves. (Contest ends December 14, 2014)
And since I always put my money where my mouth is…. this year, I’ll be purchasing 20 coffee gift cards, valued at $5.00 each, and giving them to staff at local service counters as a thank you for helping us through the upcoming holiday rush.
To my fellow social media friends, @SassyModernMom, @TeacherMomofTwo and @RossanaWyatt – I dare you to do the same!
This holiday season, will you Dare2Give? Select your preferred way to donate, dare your friends to match your donation, and visit Dare2Give for a chance to win for your favourite charity or see below to enter the number of people you’ve challenged.
Although this post has been generously sponsored by Rideau Hall Foundation, the opinions and language are my own, and in no way do they reflect Rideau Hall Foundation.
Heart warming story and great message about asking, giving Lena! I like that phrase from Oprah about asking as well…simple but powerful. Another one that I remember from her is, ‘never take a no from someone who can’t give you a yes in the first place.’
I usually end up feeling selfish for giving as it makes me feel so good!!!!
I really like the idea of buying other people $5 coffee cards. How nice is that!?!?
that’s a good concept
I like that idea Lena. your making me think about some ideas.
that story touched the tip of my heart to the tip of my toes. I will have to think of something but I may steal your idea.
I have seen the ads on TV as well, and think it is a fabulous idea ;) Now to put my thinking cap on ;)
Definitely gives you something to think about.
What a wonderful idea. It was great to write the thank you notes.
I really love this whole concept. Dares full of generosity.
Good idea. And thanks for sharing your story
That’s such a nice idea you shared! Thanks for writing about this campaign!
I loved your story and what a great message
This is our weekend message with the grandkids.I love reading some posts to them that can easier get the message to them,this is one of them.
2016 in my year to give back,i am going to donate my time and energy to those in need..man/animal
I have seen the ads on TV as well,great info
I love to help in certain charities and if it’s a charity for animals then I try to help even more because I have a soft spot for animals. I also help a charity at Christmas for the Salvation Army and you adopt a family and give everything they’ll need for a great Christmas.I try to get my friends and family to help out.