Generosity is a powerful force!
Generosity is a powerful force! People who practice being generous can help make a difference in our world and in their own lives.
Claire and a group of friends from Sault Ste. Marie recently showed us how easy and fun it is to be generous, to make a difference for someone else, and to LiveDifferent every day.
On June 8, I was invited to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, to speak at an event that Claire had dreamed up 9 months earlier. In the summer of 2011, Claire had been an intern in Dominican Republic with our Hero Holiday program. In her own words, her life was transformed by the experience and when she returned home she knew she wanted to continue to live that change out every day. So she made a plan, and that plan involved students, teachers and parents from two schools in her city. Together, they decided to host an evening gala event, with all the proceeds going to help to continue to build our LiveDifferent school in Cap Haitien, Haiti.
The evening was a huge success, with over 200+ people in attendance, lots of laughter, and even a few tears, as hearts were touched by stories of courage and hope in the community where the school is being built. Together, they raised over $8000 that night, all of it with the vision of continuing to provide education in a community that previously had no immediate access to it.
I asked Claire why she did it. Her answer touched my heart and made me proud of her and the many incredible volunteers that join us on our LiveDifferent Hero Holidays every year.
“I wanted to go to Haiti this year with the Hero Holiday program, but I knew that it wasn’t realistic for me right now. I was finishing up high school and I knew I wouldn’t be able to take the time away or get the money together. Instead, I decided that I would still reach out to the people in Haiti and let them know that I cared about them, whether or not I am able to be there in person right now.”
Claire and the people who joined her reminded me of why we will continue to do what we do, and how many ways there are for each of us to make a a lasting difference through LiveDifferent. Their efforts were based out of 100% pure generosity and love, and their passion and commitment made the event possible. They are living proof of what we truly believe: a changed heart really can help to change the world.
So, this is our shout out to all the Claires out there, and all the ones who are yet to be inspired to LiveDifferent. Fundraisers such as this are what make our work possible. They are also what make a difference for the futures of those who need a voice. If you’d be interested in organizing your own fundraiser, we’re here to support you in any way we can, so please contact us!
Thanks Claire and friends, for all your hard work, your passion for hope, and your commitment to making a difference. You are why we do what we do.
Christal Earle – Co-Founder of LiveDifferent