March 30, 2025
The worlds of social connection and charitable giving have become beautifully intertwined in my life, creating experiences that enrich both my life and the lives of those around me.
Humble Beginnings
My journey into fundraising began modestly three years ago. I felt incredibly shy about asking people for money, so I started very small.
Despite my initial hesitation, I took a simple first step. I simply set up a fundraising page on a website called The Million Reasons Run and selected the local Children’s Hospital in Montreal as my cause.
This small beginning laid the foundation for what would become a more significant part of my life’s purpose.
Finding Inspiration
A pivotal moment came when I read Adam Grant’s book Infectious Generosity, which presented a compelling concept that perfectly aligned with my existing passion for bringing people together.
It introduced the powerful idea of uniting people through shared charitable goals.
The book explored two key concepts: why people naturally gather in social groups and how you can inspire your friend circle to pursue a charity goal together.
This insight sparked a new vision for enhancing both my charitable efforts and social gatherings. That’s why this year, I’m combining my fundraising activities with my social events.
Creating Community Through Common Purpose
What makes this approach particularly powerful is how it transforms a collection of individuals into a community with a shared purpose.
It’s no longer just a random group of friends or social circle—it’s a social circle with a common goal, uniting us as a team.
My friends and colleagues are now working together to support our local children’s charity. This subtle shift—from connections based purely on enjoyment to ones anchored in a shared commitment to helping others—creates deeper bonds among everyone involved.
A Personal Approach to Charity
When asked what advice I would give to others about charitable giving, I take a nuanced stance. Rather than pressuring others to follow my path, I acknowledge the deeply personal nature of such decisions.
I don’t have much to say because I feel like it’s really a personal decision. Everyone has their own battles to fight.
If someone feels overwhelmed and doesn’t have the extra bandwidth to think about charity right now, that’s completely okay.
This compassionate perspective recognizes that while giving can be meaningful and connecting, it must come from a genuine place rather than external pressure.
Conclusion
While I remain open to supporting various causes, I’ve maintained my connection with the Montreal Children’s Hospital. Though I’m receptive to any social cause, for both this year and previously, I chose the Children’s Hospital as my focus.
As I continue hosting both cocktail parties and more intimate dinner gatherings, the fundraising component adds a meaningful layer of purpose to these connections. These events demonstrate how social enjoyment and charitable impact can beautifully enhance one another.
My evolution—from someone initially uncomfortable asking for donations to someone who confidently integrates fundraising into my social life—illustrates how personal growth often happens at the intersection of challenge and purpose.
This journey reflects how stepping outside our comfort zones for something meaningful can transform both our capabilities and our impact.