WINNIPEG FOUNDATION
charity-themed gifts is merely an extension of our giving nature. “It really is going over well,” says Taylor. “A lot of people are saying, ‘I have enough’, and are choosing to support their community by honouring someone else. At the same time, the donor is “That’s where the creativity comes in. If a child is having a birthday, they might get a gift of $20 where $10 will go to a charity, and the other $10 goes to the child.” — Mary Beth Taylor, vice-president of community generosity, Winnipeg Foundation.
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Nowadays, charitable donations are being made in lieu of gifts for occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays and retirements. “That’s where the creativity comes in,” Taylor says. “If a child is having a birthday, they might get a gift of $20 where $10 will go to a charity, and the other $10 goes to the child. Everyone in the family might give the same type of gift so the child can pool the money and buy something they like.” In addition to be a loving gift, it’s also a practical one, she notes. “Basically, it can serve as a way to introduce a child to the concept of charitable giving, whether it’s giving to the Children’s Hospital, to shelters, or Winnipeg Harvest. If a child buys some Lego to play with, they might also be encouraged to give an equal amount to charity.” In Manitoba, where some say making charitable donations is in the blood of all its residents, the trend of giving
saying they believe in a cause, such as Assiniboine Park or the Museum of Human Rights, both of which benefited tremendously from public donations. Generosity is embedded in our culture here in Manitoba.” More than anything, the trend of deciding to make a charitable donation instead of giving a lavish gift is having a broader impact on society. “While giving to charity is part of our tradition here, this trend is making philanthropy accessible for everyone. Instead of giving out a bunch of gifts at Christmas, you can how see a need at Siloam Mission and choose to give to them instead, while inviting your friends and family to join in.” In a nutshell, this heartwarming trend is all about thinking outside of the box, Taylor says. “It’s giving us more ways to support charities. Everyone benefits, and that’s a good thing.”
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Manitoba
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