ItB次元官网网址檚 been a busy month in Greater VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 philanthropy circles!
November is Philanthropy Month, and has included an array of celebrations, beginning with Nov. 2 and continuing right through , Nov. 27.
In between were the , celebrating local philanthropists of all ages. Among those, Andrew Beckerman, who has a fund with the Victoria Foundation among his other endeavours, was honoured with the Generosity of Spirit Award.
Living by the motto B次元官网网址渄o for others as you would have them do for you,B次元官网网址� Beckerman truly exemplifies the spirit of Philanthropy Month, notes the FoundationB次元官网网址檚 CEO Sandra Richardson.
Not only has Beckerman donated more than $1.5 million to various charities, but many of those donations come with the condition that they be matched, motivating others and doubling the impact. Showing that leadership starts by example, he also provided 150 Agents of Change Youth Session participants with CanadaHelps cards to help inspire the next generation of giving leaders.
More philanthropy to come!
This week, watch for the release of a study from the University of Victoria and the Victoria Foundation, which explores the impact of non-profit organizations on the region.
What they found might be surprising: Not only is there significant social impact from what is one of the cityB次元官网网址檚 largest sectors, but thereB次元官网网址檚 also a significant economic impact.
B次元官网网址淭he report is meant to recognize non-profits and their impact on the region, which in turn may encourage the publicB次元官网网址檚 continued support,B次元官网网址� Richardson says.
Giving Tuesday has a similar goal.
Philanthropy Month continues with this weekB次元官网网址檚 Giving Tuesday, a gentle reminder of the importance of giving back, following the kick-off to seasonal shopping. While Black Friday and Cyber Monday provide opportunities to save money as we shop for the holidays, invites us to pay those savings forward to the causes that matter most to us.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 really a chance to think about the spirit of the season and the impact we can have by giving back to our community,B次元官网网址� Richardson says, pointing to the diversity of charitable organizations. Arts, sports, health care B次元官网网址� theyB次元官网网址檙e all part of the non-profit community.
B次元官网网址淧ick your favourite organizations and support them. And itB次元官网网址檚 not only about money,B次元官网网址� Richardson adds. B次元官网网址淚f youB次元官网网址檝e been thinking about volunteering but keep putting it off, take the time to fill out the forms and donate your time. It really is an opportunity to personalize your giving, in a way thatB次元官网网址檚 meaningful to you.B次元官网网址�
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Established in 1936, the is CanadaB次元官网网址檚 second oldest community foundation and the sixth largest of nearly 200 nation-wide. Managing charitable gifts from donors whose generosity allows them to create permanent, income-earning funds, proceeds from these funds are distributed as grants for charitable or educational purposes. To date the Victoria Foundation has invested more than $200 million in people, projects and non-profit organizations strengthening communities in B.C. and throughout Canada.