The Gift of Giving
At what point does gift giving become more fun than receiving a gift? For some, it may be never. For others, perhaps it is when a baby brother or sister comes along and gift giving becomes important. Maybe it is the realization that Santa is not real (I just blew someone’s mind!) and getting gifts doesn’t mean as much anymore. Hopefully, at some point, we each experience that spark when we make someone’s life better through giving. In our small rep agency, part of our 2020 yearend bonus was being gifted the opportunity to donate $500 to an organization of our choice. It was a fun and meaningful way to give to a cause that we each care about. Read on if you want to learn more about some amazing nonprofits that we supported.
Keelie:
I selected Big City Mountaineers because I understand how important it is to get kids outdoors! BCM programs focus on improving the self-esteem, sense of responsibility, group communication and decision-making skills of nearly 1,000 youth annually. They engage youth in 7 cities across the country including Boston, Denver, Miami, Minneapolis, Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle.
I was able to participate in “summit for someone” a fundraiser in which you create a team, set a fundraising goal, then climb and hopefully summit as a team. This was an amazing way to raise funds for such a great organization. I enjoyed it so much I decided to do it a second time! We summited both Shasta & Rainier (all women crew). We raised $20,000 for each climb which sent 2 groups of at risk youth (all girls) in the Portland area on a life changing expedition.
The $500 donation will go towards high quality tents and tarps for one expedition team.
https://www.bigcitymountaineers.org/
Michael:
I chose Knights of Heroes. Knights of Heroes empowers children who have lost a parent in service to our Nation by providing positive adult mentorship, character development, and lasting friendships, forged through outdoor adventure programs. Anna and I have worked with Knights of Heroes since 2015 – where we helped them build their permanent camp site in Colorado on the Western slopes of Pikes Peak. Each summer, both Anna and I lead the graduating camper’s 5-day hike. I also run the winter survival camp in February. This is a group we will continue to work with for many years!
David:
I chose the Access Fund to donate to in 2021 because I believe in their vision of helping climbers work with landowners, government, and public lands to ensure a solid relationship on all sides. As an active climber, it is meaningful to have open spaces to climb and play in that would not be possible without organizations like this one. Furthermore, grassroots organizations like the Access Fund are important to environmental protection, not just for climbers.
Nan:
I chose the House of Hope / Mamma’s Hands. Over the years I’ve heard quite a bit about the House of Hope, but because they are sheltering Women and Children often escaping abusive home situations, they remain quite confidential. I have a friend who is working for them, and also on the PTSA board for Mt Si High School, and she just recently told me they were able to house a few families from SVSD this winter - I am thankful such a place exists!
The House of Hope in western Washington (located in a secret location near North Bend), provides a safe and secure 24-hour living environment for women and children in crisis. The house provides training, counseling, and education to the residents. This helps the resident women break away from the cycle of dependency and realize a future which is positive and self-sustaining. Ultimately, the mothers who choose to put their children’s needs first and commit to a new and better pattern of life are helped in the transition to independent living. Many of the follow up services being provided naturally by their new community of families and friends becomes a positive and functional part of their lives.
Other goals of the House of Hope are:
Provide group and individual counseling, along with family counseling for the women and their children.
Provide educational, personal development and life skills training, including budgeting income and assessing their individual talents.
Provide an environment for and teaching of family values along with parenting and family life classes and aid in structuring a new living situation.
Provide educational and social development to preschool age children.
Provide nutritionally balanced meals.
Develop an appreciation for and a practice of cleanliness and hygiene.
Provide follow up services to former residents after they leave the shelter to ensure successful independent living.
Our residents come to appreciate the help they receive and are more inclined to give back to the community.