Feature Photo: Giving Hearts Award winners gather at the 2019 celebration for National Philanthropy Day in Vancouver. Photo by Pardeep Singh.

A celebration of generosity, volunteering and philanthropy amid a year of great adversity

Canadian charities and nonprofits have been hit hard by the pandemic. According to the May 2020 Imagine Canada’s Sector Monitor – Charities & the COVID-19 Pandemic Report, about 20% have had to cancel programming or close their doors permanently. Their research conducted in April 2020 showed that 69% of Canadian charities reported a sudden drop in revenues. At eight months into the pandemic, one can imagine that these numbers may be even higher. Yet, in spite of all these hardships, now more than ever, we are seeing the power that philanthropy and generosity have in our communities.

“With a substantial drop in donations and insufficient reserve funds to fall back on, an increasing number of charities have had to make drastic cuts to their budgets, and some have even been forced to close their doors. The result is a reduction in services and supports for beneficiaries at a time when they are most needed,” says Sofia Janmohamed, MBA, CFRE, President AFP Greater Vancouver and Director, Leadership Giving, Canadian Cancer Society.

In light of unforeseen challenges, whether it was restaurants who provided food for those in need, companies who adjusted their production to produce hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment, neighbours who volunteered to deliver food and necessities to those who could not leave their homes, or individuals giving their time or money to charities – 2020 has been a year where generosity, caring and philanthropy has been at the forefront of our communities.

This November, National Philanthropy Day (NPD) means more than ever as we celebrate from coast to coast the great contributions made in our lives, in our communities and in our world. As Canadians, we have an opportunity to recognize the hard work and the impact that has been made and continues to be made each day. It is the collective impact of these gifts that leads to extraordinary change.

NPD is a celebration of philanthropy—giving, volunteering and charitable engagement—that highlights the accomplishments, large and small, that philanthropy makes to our society and our world. It celebrates charitable accomplishments and encourages Canadians to give back to their communities.

Celebrated on various days during November each year, in 2012, Canada became the first country to officially proclaim National Philanthropy Day Act which set a model for other countries to follow and exemplified our country’s strong commitment to philanthropy.

The Greater Vancouver Chapter of AFP usually hosts a luncheon to recognize and showcase outstanding donors, volunteers, corporations, foundations and others who are being recognized for their commitment to change and philanthropy. This year, the recognition and celebration is being done virtually, shining a light on the incredible generosity and contributions of the nominated individuals, companies and organizations that make up this year’s 2020 Giving Hearts Awards nominees.

By recognizing local philanthropists, volunteer fundraisers, youth philanthropists and organizations that have made a significant impact in their local community, the Giving Hearts awards recognize those who have made a transformative impact with their donations of time and money.

This November, there will be 20 Association of Fundraising Professionals chapters across Canada honouring the incredible work by philanthropists, volunteers, corporations, foundations, fundraisers, youth and so many others on National Philanthropy Day. Chapter awards play a crucial role in recognizing and rewarding meaningful community involvement that drives change. The awards celebrate the outstanding contribution of time, leadership, and financial support by a special group of Canadians who have shown excellence in the acts of giving and volunteering.

As Giving Hearts Awards nominee Dr. Genieve Burley said, “I used to think philanthropy was wealthy people giving money, but that alone is charity. Philanthropy also involves investing time, action, and being at the ground level for change. I’m interested in giving my voice to raise awareness for the needs in my community, province and country at large.”

At the Greater Vancouver Chapter of AFP many of our nominees have been giving back to their community for decades, having contributed to measurable impacts in the past; during this unprecedented time in our history; and well into the future. That kind of dedication is certainly worthy of celebration.

Interested in joining AFP? Become a member of AFP and be a part of your philanthropic community.  In addition to receiving resources and opportunities from AFP International, members of the AFP Vancouver Chapter receive exclusive or discount access to exceptional opportunities for professional development and networking for all levels of experience. For more information, visit: https://afpglobal.org/join

Sara Hoshooley is a volunteer member of the Greater Vancouver Chapter of AFP National Philanthropy Day Committee and founder of Charity Shift Consulting.