December 2, 2014 is a National Giving Day known as GivingTuesday. The “opening day of the giving season,” it is a day where charities, companies and individuals join together to share commitments, rally for favourite causes and think about others.
By way of celebrating, the YWCA Resource Development team has identified several donors and volunteers that we would like to specifically thank in person for their support of the YWCA. The team has set up meetings across Calgary and will be out and about all day – saying thank you!
Included with each personalized thank you will be a framed poem with salutations from clients, staff, and volunteers, as well as a handwritten thank you card from a YWCA Board member.
The poem was written for the occasion by our own Cameron Graham, our Donor Relations Coordinator, and he was happy to allow us to share it with all of our readers:
The Broken
Once, I was broken. The Journey’s been long.
I was lost for a season, but in time carried on.
Though the scars may be heavy and the past some days blinding,
You lighten the load, offer hope and reminding.
We are in this Together, we’re not all alone.
And in times of struggle, our strength we can loan.
As my journey continues, healing scars, calming fears;
Today I see others, overwhelmed by their tears.
In their eyes, my reflection; in their stories my tale,
I will always remember feeling weary and frail.
They will not be forgotten, I will do what I can
To support these, the broken, for the broken I am.
Cameron Graham
YWCA volunteer, donor and staff member
“I believe we all have areas of brokenness in our lives,” says Cameron. “How we respond either pushes us down, or lifts us up.”
Follow the team’s interactions throughout the day on Twitter @ywcaofcalgary and please share your own stories of giving either on Twitter, on our Facebook page or send a private message to us here (so we can say thanks to you too!)
Philanthropy deserves a celebration. Thank you, Calgary!
