Calgary resident Tom Crist was taken by surprise when he got a call while playing golf in Palm Springs, CA. The call was from the Western Canada Lottery Corporation advising Mr. Crist that he had won the $40 million lottery jackpot. That was news enough but even more surprising is that he intends to donate it all to charity. He says he has enough money and he knows that organizations and services can use the money.
His family found out about his win and his intentions at the same time that the rest of Canada did and they fully support his decision. This is in part because he wishes to donate a large portion to the care facility that looked after his wife as she was dying of cancer. The family have realized the value of a person over the indulgence gained with excess money.
His generosity has caused me to do a little scrolling around on-line about giving and my ears perked up the other evening as I made dinner. A speaker on the radio talked of the giving habit. He explained that studies have been done that prove that people just plain feel better when they give to charities and organization or even just help out a neighbour.
This season of giving can be challenging as we try to find the right gift for the right person but it is also a good reminder that giving is a source of pleasure as much for the giver as the receiver. There is ample opportunity to give throughout the year but often we feel more inspired at this giving time of year to share with others in need. IT seems when we are generous with what we have everyone benefits… we feel better for giving and the other benefits from our gifts.
Do you give regularly to charity? Are you a monthly donor to some organizations? Does giving make you feel better?
