Celebrating the spirit of philanthropy

Written by Admin, published on November 19, 2013 Donate Today

As executive director of Operation Eyesight, I felt very privileged to be a part of Calgary’s celebration of National Philanthropy Day on November 15.

Founder Art Jenkyns would be proud of his family, recipients of the Outstanding Philanthropic Family award! Photo by Monique de St. Croix, uniqueperspectives.ca

Not only was I able to see our “founding family,” the Jenkyns family, honoured as the Outstanding Philanthropic Family by the Calgary chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, but I found myself overcome with warmth and gratitude towards the spirit of philanthropy in general.

Sitting in the large banquet room, surrounded by thousands of philanthropists, donors and peers, was humbling for me. There was so much generosity and community spirit in the room; so many people who volunteer their energy, time and money to causes meaningful to their hearts. It was revitalizing!

Over and over, I heard representatives from other worthy not-for-profits, including the food bank, ending homelessness, and cancer research, reinforce that they share with Operation Eyesight the desire to strengthen the community, to give back some of the many gifts we enjoy in our own lives, and to ultimately make the world a healthier, safer, happier place for all.

Our own guiding philosophy – “the best for the poorest” – may not be articulated in every organization, but I think it’s safe to say it is deeply embedded in our collective hearts.

Congratulations once more to the Jenkyns family and to all recipients of the Generosity of Spirit awards! On behalf of all of us at Operation Eyesight, thank you for all you do to make our world a better place.