The importance of contributing to your community

Here are some tips for optimizing your positive impact on the world around you:

Get inspired by others’ good deeds

Certain companies or organizations can inspire you, even iA Financial Group. We have an annual Day of Caring on which employees can donate their time and energy to different community organizations across the country. This allows us to offer a helping hand once a year to dozens of charities throughout Canada. But our commitment goes much further than our employees.

Choose a cause that “speaks” to you

Have you ever thought, “If I could’ve done something for that person” or “I wish I could give that person a brighter future?” Often, our life experiences spontaneously lead us to causes that touch our hearts. Listen to your emotions and get involved. There are a thousand and one ways: offer your time, share your resources, raise money, etc. Your heart is open, you just need to find the right path to reach out to those of others.

Think practical

We all have different schedules. Your schedule and availability varies whether you’re a student, a new parent, a retiree, etc. To take satisfaction and enjoy giving back, find causes that don’t interfere with your recharging time. Your close friends and family members may also need your help. Don’t forget them, either!

Other logistical aspects like getting to and from your volunteer activity, the physical effort required or your willingness or hesitation to get close to people in difficulty must also be taken into consideration. That way, you can be comfortable and really benefit from your involvement.

Once you’ve thought about these things, you can make an informed commitment to your chosen cause.

Put your talents and skills to use

Many organizations need skilled people to help them with more complicated tasks. Some need people with very specific expertise. They can find them through organizations like Bénévoles d’expertise. Do you have unique skills? Put them to work to benefit your community.

Find strength in numbers

Making a difference in the community also means reaching out to your network of friends and acquaintances. Do you know of an organization that’s seeking support for a charitable project?

Their project may be eligible for our nationwide annual philanthropic contest.

The more you talk about your desire to get involved, the more your efforts will multiply. You may even inspire some people who otherwise wouldn’t have taken action.

Focus on sustainable efforts

One-time assistance is always appreciated, especially if given as a group, but charities generally seek to develop lasting relationships with their volunteers, donors and other supporters.

Being involved over a longer period, like several years or more, will strengthen your ties with the cause and with the people who are dedicated to it like you are. This will also allow you to pass on your commitment to new volunteers to extend its reach and ensure that support continues in the future.

Of course there are many causes, and it’s sometimes hard to identify ones that are endangered so they can survive. Organizations like United Way help charities every year that are in danger of shutting down due to lack of resources or funds. Giving to United Way helps ensure the survival of charities that have limited means and visibility, but that really make a difference in their communities.

However you choose to get involved, we sincerely thank you. At iA Financial Group, we have a vision: to be an engaged company that works with its stakeholders for the betterment of individuals and the community, so that everyone becomes a catalyst of betterment, today and in the future. That’s why we encourage you now to get actively involved and support your community.