The Business of Charity
The business of Charity. Simple enough sentence yet it seems odd as it rolls of the tongue. Say it out loud: the business of charity. It just doesn't seem right. The dictionary defines charity as :
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Doesn't necessarily sound like something "business" would do; "voluntarily giving of help, typically money". Yet, as we embark on this journey to help Lina conquer cancer, this very thing, the voluntary giving, is what many business are doing. And as businesses continue to approach us with funds and or services to aide in our fundraising effort it becomes more and more evident that in fact charity itself is a business. There are two sides to charity as a business; the primary side has to do with money, the dollars and cents, the very reason charity exists. Businesses have the ability to donate large sums of money or offer their services free of charge so the recipients can get further ahead. The very task of fundraising itself very much operates like a business. You have to look at how much you have to start, what amount you have to obtain, who you have to work it, and what will be the return on investments you make to get to your final goal. This is all very practical and a large part of charity. As we begin in earnest to raise funds for Lina's Trust, so as to procure the best possible care for her, we have been shown time and time again how businesses step up to the plate so to speak. There is a large list of businesses that have contributed to Lina, without the intent of recognition, to help her in her fight. But I feel it necessary to thank publicly some of them for their generosity. Thank you to Steve @ www.ubertor.com for their help in establishing our website through which so many of our fundraising efforts run. Thanks are also in need for the group at OTD.com' especially Mike, who have graciously donated their time and skills to help with the graphic design, and implementation of many of our online features. A huge thanks to Denise, who has allowed us to use her connections to source our Leggings For Lina leggings. Her willingness to facilitate the ordering of our leggings and the introduction of new styles, has made all of the difference in allowing us to run a successful campaign. Michael at CopyRepro, for donating our Thank You post cards that go out with every pair of leggings ordered. Silpada jewelry for donating proceeds from sales and pieces to be used in silent auction. A heartfelt thanks to Steve and the Staff at The Cup Bistro in Squamish, for arranging and donating the proceeds from their Dinner For Lina. MEC, for helping source Lina Bracelets, and more Importantly their personal support of Michael during this time deserve a great deal of thanks. The list of is too many to mention, and I regret not being able to put them all in here. Please know that if your business has contributed in anyway to Lina's battle, be it financially, services, or product it is accepted with an open heart, and the appreciation and gratitude felt throughout Team Lina is more than words can do justice.
But the second side of charity/fundraising has to deal with a much more personal side of business, it deals with the business of the heart, the passion of one's soul. Their is no greater currency in the world than the kindness of one's own heart. Sadly it seems the currency if the heart takes second place in today's economically driven world. Team Lina is grateful that they have been so blessed as from the outset, the outpouring of support for Lina and her family has been incredible. People have come forward to offer their support and well wishes to Team Lina from all over the world. We have seen contributions and messages of support from Canada, the United States, Germany, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and the Philippines. Many of whom have never had the blessing of meeting Lina. There is something about the illness of a child that brings people around the world together. And it brings much joy to my heart to see that, although the world can be embroiled in controversy and war, famine and plague, the root goodness of the human race shows through in times of need. For everyone's support we thank you. We are indebted to your kindness. Lina continues to be a smiling, playful happy Baby, seemingly oblivious to the hardships of her life, and for that I am grateful. Your support is an example of the human race at it's greatest. I know Lina will grow up to continue forth on the path you have all so graciously begun to lay out for her by your kindness.