Celebrating National Philanthropy Day
On a daily basis, University of Manitoba students see firsthand the difference philanthropy makes to them. Whether the gifts are from alumni and friends, faculty and staff, or fellow students, they all contribute to a better education for our students.
National Philanthropy Day, held each year on November 15th, is a day to recognize the many ways philanthropy contributes to our communities and to reflect on the positive impact that giving has on our lives and our world.
At the University of Manitoba, Kelly Theodore, an Actuarial Mathematics student in the I.H. Asper School of Business, sees the positive impact philanthropy has on him and his classmates.
He points to the Commerce Students’ Association, which asks students to make a donation in support of the Asper Student Legacy Fund. Through their efforts, the fund allowed for the purchase of new furniture for the third floor study area in the Drake Centre in 2012– a move that directly benefits students.
“When I first noticed the cozy lounge area outside of the Dean’s office, I was not aware who was responsible for that upgrade, but I did know that I liked it and began utilizing that space right away, and I’m sure many students feel the same,” says Theodore, who uses this space to focus on his school work.. “Whether a project is funded by alumni support or not, it’s always appreciated and enhances our academic performance.”
Theodore shares that message with alumni as a student fundraiser in the university’s call centre. As a caller he has the opportunity to talk with alumni and provide campus updates, as well as solicit donations for the university.
“Encouraging alumni to join in our fundraising efforts is not always an easy call, but those who decide to donate usually do so as a means of giving back and ‘paying it forward,’” he says. “Many are grateful to the university for the opportunities that were opened up in their professional lives due to the education attained at U of M and want to ensure that the next generation enjoys better opportunities.”
Philanthropy Fast Facts
- Manitoba has been rated the most philanthropic province in Canada for the past 14 years.
- Canadians with the lowest household incomes give a greater percentage of their income to philanthropic causes.
- Nearly half of all Canadians volunteer their time to a group or organization.
- In 2012, Parliament passed Bill S-201 to officially recognize National Philanthropy Day, making Canada the first country to do so.