National Philanthropy Day Celebrates Giving and the Givers

On Nov. 15, National Philanthropy Day is celebrated across the globe, allowing everyone involved in the philanthropic progress to reflect upon and remember the great changes that giving, volunteering and civic engagement have created for our world.

National Philanthropy Day means even a little more for fundraisers, charities, donors and volunteers in Canada, as it’s the only nation in the world to have officially recognized the day. In 2012, the National Philanthropy Day Act was proclaimed in Canada, underscoring the country’s strong commitment to community growth and enrichment.

The day has been celebrated by AFP since 1986, with AFP’s 20 chapters and more than 3,700 members in Canada holding events from coast to coast.

From small grassroots organizations to some of the world’s largest international institutions, Canadian registered charities receive roughly $18 billion in tax-receipted revenue every year, only solidifying the incredible commitment of fundraisers, organizations and volunteers. That kind of dedication is rightfully worthy of celebration–especially on November 15.

“Our work as fundraisers to is to raise money, but our goal is to create impact, and that’s what we celebrate on National Philanthropy,” said Karen Willson, ACFRE, senior vice president at KCI Ketchum Canada, Inc., and chair of the 2019 National Philanthropy Day Committee. “National Philanthropy Day is our day to be proud of everything we make possible, to celebrate our donors and volunteers and even highlight fundraising as a career opportunity. Talking about the work we do, and the impact we create through our donors and partners, is so inspiring.”

Every chapter in Canada is holding some sort of NPD event. Some of the events include:

• The Golden Horseshoe Chapter in Ontario is celebrating with a National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon that “salutes the difference-makers in our region who are at the ‘Heart of Giving’.”
   
• One of the three chapters in British Columbia, the Greater Vancouver Chapter is holding a National Philanthropy Day Luncheon featuring the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia as the keynote speaker who, prior to this appointment spent 15 years as Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Metro Vancouver.
   
• AFP Nova Scotia is hosting Senator Terry Mercer to speak about findings from the Senate Committee Report, “Catalyst for Change: A Roadmap to a Stronger Charitable Sector.” 
   
• The Manitoba Chapter is celebrating National Philanthropy Day by presenting the Manitoba Philanthropy Awards.

“The chapters put their heart and soul into National Philanthropy Day to help us al feel a part of something bigger,” said Willson. “This is a day to truly celebrate our work.”

“Canada has taken such an outstanding leadership role in promoting giving and volunteering through National Philanthropy Day,” said Mike Geiger, MBA, CPA, president and CEO of AFP Global. “Hats off to all of the chapters for their work in making NPD so special in Canada, and my sincere gratitude and appreciation for all of our chapter’s honourees and the impact they are making in their communities every single day.”

To learn more about National Philanthropy Day, please click here. To check out local chapter celebrations, click here.