Are you getting into the spirit of giving this summer? Seaside did!
For the fifth year, Seaside Magazine hosted its Taking It To The Street charity event on June 9 at Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre (see page 10 for story). The focus of the day’s event was to raise funds for Help Fill A Dream Foundation, a charity that ignites hope in the lives of children who face life-threatening conditions by fulfilling their dreams, improving quality of life and assisting their families with care and financial support.
Over the past few months while preparing for the event I had a number of people and friends come up to me and ask why host a charity event when you have such a busy life. On the toughest days I do wonder myself sometimes, but when I meet the children and families we help, it’s all worth it. And now I say: “Why not!”
One thing I’ve learned through this journey is that dreams do have a ripple affect. The impact goes far beyond the dream recipient: it touches family, friends, neighbours and the community as a whole.
When the idea came to me five years ago, nothing could stop me and thankfully I’m still at a point in my career that I’m able to do this. I read once that success isn’t just a reward, it’s a responsibility. Think about it for a minute. Success is not only a way to improve our own lives, but it’s a means of improving the lives of other people by giving back. That’s exactly why I feel so passionate about this event: it’s my time to give back. How great to see a charity event bring together a community of volunteers, passionate hockey players and dedicated sponsors, all for a common cause.
I think any business, no matter how successful, can give back. All it takes is a dash of effort and a dollop of creativity. I think every entrepreneur should answer the question: “Can you make the choice that your happiness will come from the success of others?” with a resounding “Yes!”
As an entrepreneur in our community, I feel very fortunate to work alongside so many remarkable local business owners, and have a job I truly love!
