No one has ever become poor by giving. Anne Frank

Suzanne and her “Little Sister.” (She volunteers as a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada).

Giving is a major facet of who I am: it is an essential part of my identity. I take pride in my responsibility to others, and I wish I could quantify the many ways I give in both monetary and non-monetary forms. I believe, particularly for those of us living in Canada and working at UBC, that we are all rich in many ways. It is easy, however, to forget how much we have when we are trying to get through our busy days.

Whether it is with money, knowledge, perspective, connections or experience, we can all find ways to be generous to others. The generosity I see at UBC is something for which I feel most grateful. The phrase “What you give is what you get” doesn’t seem to truly encompass the entire picture at UBC. What you give seems to build exponentially, and tends to bring more back than you expect.This seems true particularly when you give without expecting anything in return (and I will point out there are numerous documented health benefits to giving).

How are people giving on this campus?

We have colleagues who give to others by sharing their voice, such as those who took part in the video series for Thrive. They gave their perspective and voice in support of building positive mental health at UBC.

One of the videos featured Belle Dale-Wills from Building Operations, who talked about how she decided to become the campaign chair for UBC Community United Way Campaign this year. She gives her time and her connections to the campaign. The UBC Community United Way campaign events show the generosity of many staff and faculty who give their time, creativity and energy to the United Way of the Lower Mainland, which in turns supports organizations in 24 communities of the Lower Mainland, touching the lives of over two million people.

Last year, when I was part of the UBC United Way Steering committee, I had the privilege to make friends with Lynn Newman, one of the co-chairs. I highlighted Lynn last year as one of our Health Heroes, because she’s a huge help to everyone around her. Due to this connection, this year she invited me to join her team in the Ride to Conquer Cancer. Her team still has a number of spots left, including the one she offered to me, so read the article below about her invitation for more members of her “TEAM UBC: Place and Promised.” The only reason I’m not riding with her is because I’m planning on doing my own ride that same weekend as a fundraiser for cystic fibrosis research in honour of my friend Glenn who passed away last year.

Every day, I come across people giving generously in small ways, such as when bobbi at the Bookstore let me check my email one day while I was running to a meeting, or when another colleague gave me a little chocolate at the end of a meal.

Giving to others makes us rich in knowledge, energy, ideas and optimism, stories, perspective and connections.

Let’s take a bit of time to consider what we give and how we might give more, and celebrate that we have so much to offer the world. Who knows how our gifts will come back in kind?

Here’s me giving you my best perspective today,

Suzanne