I recently became aware of the My Giving Moment campaign launched late last year by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada. The national multi-media campaign encourages Canadians to discover and embrace their giving moments and act upon them.

I was personally inspired by the clever campaign to foster giving and build a more caring country. The campaign encourages Canadians to give back to their communities, neighbours, charities and causes. By participating with a personal giving moment, it will help more of us give something, whether big or small, and whether it involves time, skills, or money. The choice of what you give is personal and up to you.

The campaign

I encourage you to visit the official website, to learn more about the campaign. You can share your ideas and invite others to join on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, by using the hashtag #givingmoment.

There is a cross section of giving moments on the website, searchable by area of interest that you will find informational and inspirational. I browsed under the community tab and read postings that affirmed we are a country that cares about our people. There was one posting that seemed appropriate in light of the old-fashioned winter we are having. It read “Brush off your neighbour's car after a night of snow.” There was a large post-it that read: one person is going to do this, 7 have done it and 11 challenged a friend to do it. In another section, there was a posting to volunteer or donate to a charity that is near to your heart, and many others too numerous to mention.

Governor general’s Caring Canadian Award

The other component of the My Giving Moment campaign is the governor general’s Caring Canadian Award. The award recognizes individuals who volunteer their time to help others while working at building a smarter and more caring nation. The award also highlights the fine example set by volunteers, whose compassion and engagement are so much a part of our Canadian character. It allows us to thank them for their contributions and for the positive impact they have had on the lives of others.

I believe there are great things we can achieve by sharing one giving moment at a time. That is why I encourage you to post a giving moment, tweet about the campaign, or nominate someone for the special Caring Canadian Award. I am doing the same with my board and colleagues of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Golden Horseshoe chapter.

To quote the governor general, “the key to a smarter, more caring Canada lies in helping more of us discover what we have to give.”

I envision a better world by giving and I know you can too.

How you can get involved

If you know a friend, neighbour or member of your community who has made a significant volunteer contribution to our community, please share their story by nominating them here. The inspiring story can lead to honouring a special person.

Roger D. Ali is the Vice President, Development at Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation. He is the National Treasurer of AFP Foundation for Philanthropy, Canada and President of AFP, Golden  Horseshoe Chapter. Contact him by email.