Like many Canadians, my wife, Keri, and I have been actively volunteering our time with the organizations we care about for many years.
Along the way, we have intentionally included our three daughters. For example, when the girls were young, we would spend an hour or two, once a month, at a long-term care home across from our church, hanging out and playing games with the seniors residing there.
Those were important and meaningful times for us as a family, and it is one way Keri and I have worked to pass our values on to our children.
In 2018, approximately 24 million Canadians spent roughly 5 billion hours volunteering. The value of those efforts is almost impossible to measure when you think about the change, comfort, and compassion volunteers bring to our communities and beyond.
Volunteers change the lives of those around them. Being a volunteer is definitely something everyone should consider. The experience is life-changing.
Canadians are not only generous with their time, but also with their money. In 2018, charitable donations claimed by individuals on their tax returns totalled just under $10 billion.
When our girls were young, we gave each of them a giving jar, where they were required to put a portion of their allowance. It was then up to them to decide where it should be given.
Giving, like volunteering, can be a powerful experience.
However, it should be voluntary.
Webster’s Dictionary says a philanthropist is a benevolent supporter of human beings and human welfare. When you hear the word philanthropist, you may think of people like Oprah Winfrey, Bill and Melinda Gates, and Warren Buffett.
Such people are voluntary philanthropists.
What do you call someone who surrenders a portion of their capital gains unnecessarily?
How about someone who unnecessarily surrenders a huge portion of their retirement money to support the general welfare of our country?
A taxpayer!
There’s nothing wrong with paying our taxes, but another name for a taxpayer is an “involuntary philanthropist.”
Are you aware that you have a choice?
We’re happy to show you how to take control of where your money goes so that your giving is voluntary and aligned with your values.
Give us a call to learn more.
