As I have stated in my previous post, today is National Philanthropy Day as well as World Diabetes Day. To celebrate this day, Sarah and I attended the 2008 National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon at the Westin Bayshore Hotel. We were guests of the Union Gospel Mission and we thank them for inviting us.
What is National Philanthropy Day?
For almost 20 years, hundreds of communities across North America have come together to recognize the countless ways philanthropy has affected our world. National Philanthropy Day is celebrated by numerous fundraisers, government leaders, businesses and individuals who wish to honour all the contributions philanthropy has made. National Philanthropy Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of giving and all that it has accomplished, as well as what there still is to do. This year, tens of thousands of people will show the world that the spirit of giving is alive and well, and stronger than ever.
Through the countless acts of kindness we are showing — time and time again — that we can change the world. We can cure “incurable†diseases … we can feed the hungry … we can protect the environment … we can fight for just causes. We can teach our children — and teach them well.
The keynote speaker was Lynne Twist, author of The Soul of Money. Lynne has spent more than three decades working in positions of leadership with many global initiatives including: ending world hunger, protecting the world’s rainforests, empowering indigenous peoples, improving health, economic, and political conditions for women and children, advancing the scientific understanding of human consciousness, creating a sustainable future for all life. Her keynote was inspiring and earned her a standing ovation.
It was amazing to see the Grand Ballroom of the Western Bayshore filled with fund raisers and philanthropists. For anyone who thinks the world is going to hell in a hand basket, I can tell you with 100% confidence that it is not. They say all it takes for the forces of evil to rule the world is for a enough good people to do nothing. National Philanthropy Day tells me there are enough good people in this world and they are doing something.
My challenge to you on National Philanthropy Day: Stop doing nothing. You can change the world and make it a better place if you do something.