Giving Back

From a very young age, my daughter, Rayna, would save up her money throughout the year for a specific charity. She would set up a lemonade stand at the end of our laneway in the summer, and she would sew and sell her designs (she actually created her own company with the purpose of ending homelessness with the profits).

She donated to the Children's Hospital, CAS, local shelters, etc. She volunteered to cook at the Ronald McDonald House and at a street mission close by. And now, as a 17 year-old, she spends her mornings at a seniors centre - and she tells me she gets way more out of it than the seniors do!

Throughout the years, each of my kids have followed her lead - Cal has organized full day community charity events and on a recent trip, the younger boys planned to take all their allowance to give to the homeless.

Thinking about their generosity got me thinking about what giving does for me.

When I am giving to someone else, it leaves me no time to think about what isn't going right in my life. I don't have time to think about the dishes, the laundry, the bills, or the long to-do list on my desk! I can focus on something or someone else without distractions - and it FEELS GREAT!

Giving back is high on our priority list, because we feel good when we do it, we know we can make a difference to someone else, and we can focus on being grateful for what we have instead of worrying about what we don't have.

My takeaway from having such caring and giving kids, is that we can't afford not to give. There is so much need in the world, in our country, and in our community.

The thing is, you don't need money to give, you don't need huge connections or a lot of time. You just need to find a cause that you are passionate about and get started.

You are probably giving so much already and not even thinking about it. I made a list of 'Ways to Give' to help spark conversations with your kids, or just to remind you how much you are doing already to spread love, kindness, and good vibes right now in your backyard!

Ways to Give:

spend time with others

cook for others

babysit for a friend

collect and donate canned food

grow extra veggies in your garden for the food bank

smile at strangers

hug your family

bake for first responders

save your allowance and shop for a family in need (you can contact your local food bank, Children's Aid Society, or street missions for ideas on what to buy)

sponsor a child

donate to a charity of your choice

join forces with someone already collecting for others

play with cats and dogs at an animal shelter

make cards for kids in the hospital

give blood

feed the birds

use your skills and become a mentor volunteer at your chid's school

be kind and give compliments

sew, knit, or crochet hats and scarves

How to Give:

Brainstorm ideas and choose one

Contact the charity or organization to see what is needed

Let others know so they can get involved too!