The folks in Campbell River are a generous lot. They see those around the community and around the world who are in need, and they want to help as they are able. Why?
Is this altruism? Do we offer our financial or volunteer help simply because they have a need and we have an ability to help? Or is there something more? You’ve often heard it is better to give than to receive. Or that I get back so much more than I put in. Or that what goes around comes around.
Perhaps we give because it makes us feel better inside, or because we are contributing to building a community that shares our values, or because we hope others will help us if we ever need it.
How do we make decisions about where we give? How important are proven impact or overhead costs in our decision making process?
Does it matter if the person in need is of a culture we feel a kinship to? Does it matter if the need is next door or around the world? Does it matter if we will never know the people we have helped?
Join this month’s free Philosopher’s Cafe Wednesday, Dec. 14, 7-8 p.m. at Berwick by the Sea’s Tyee Lounge (take elevator to top floor) as Lindsay McGinn leads a discussion on the reasons why people give of their time and money to those less fortunate.
Lindsay McGinn is the Community Impact Officer – North Island for the United Way Central & Northern Vancouver Island. The United Way is currently funding 83 programs and projects to help improves lives in our region. Lindsay is new to both the United Way and Vancouver Island, having recently relocated from Ottawa to Denman Island with her partner and two small children. Lindsay has an undergraduate degree in Gerontology from the University of Guelph and a Masters’ in Public and International Affairs from the University of Ottawa. She is passionate about community development and is tasked in her position to make recommendations to the United Way Impact Councils and Board of Directors on how best to invest donor dollars to have the greatest impact in our communities.
Once a month a speaker will introduce a theme to the Café, and then all who attend can join in respectful, non-partisan conversation, or just sit back and listen. You are welcome to propose topics and introduce them at future Cafés. Themes should be of broad interest and national significance, and have an element of controversy to them.
As with each Café, McGinn will have just 10 minutes to introduce the topic, and then the floor is open for 50 minutes of moderated discussion.
1353 16th Ave. Campbell River, BC V9W 0C4
More Info: peter@peterschwarzhoff.ca
