’Tis the season of the sale: storefronts are decorated with garlands and baubles that herald the deals to be had inside, and we, the faithful, enter these temples of commercialism to affirm our devotion to this economy. And yet, we have forgotten our obligations to each other.
Distracted by this frenzy of consumerism, it is easy to overlook those who are less fortunate than us. Through no fault of their own, family, friends, neighbours, or complete strangers may be suffering, as this can be a bleak time of year, reminded by what they do not have. This is something we need to be conscious of, as it is difficult to admit the need for help. It undermines our sense of “self,” in a society that preaches and promotes independence, sometimes castigating those who suffer misfortune.
A compassionate society, however, recognizes the humanity within all of us; it is about the relief from suffering for our fellow beings. These are ideals that are a part of our Canadian culture, but it is easy to see how we may have overlooked them. The 1960s onwards saw a shift in how our society looked at philanthropy, as the state began to take on roles once delivered by our personal communities, and we were mistakenly led to believe that it was the government’s responsibility to look after our fellow citizens.
Fortunately, many Canadians are still philanthropic at heart, giving of their time and money through various service clubs and charities. These organizations work to help give those less fortunate amongst us the same opportunities in life. These groups have built parks and camps; have helped assist children to participate in sport; and have even provided meals to relieve Canadians of hunger. All of these endeavours have helped to build a better Canada for all of us, because, in the end, we all benefit.
It is in all of us to be generous. We may not be in a position to always give money, but we are all capable of giving of ourselves. This is, in fact, what it means to be charitable. Never underestimate the power of a kind word, a smile to help those who may be hurting, the offering of a hand to someone who needs it, or lending an ear to someone who needs to be heard. In essence, it is the giving of one’s time. All of these are acts of charity, which reinforces our sense of, and a belief in, humanity. So, this holiday season, take a minute to reflect, to look around, and consider how you can make a difference this day and for the year ahead. Our worthiness as a society should not be measured by our material possessions, but by the value we place in one another. Maybe then we would realize how truly rich we are here in Canada, as we are a philanthropic society.
John Kennair is an international consultant and doctor of laws who lives in St. Albert.
