One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career has been the opportunity to get involved and give back to my community. In my book, Yes You Can, It All Starts with You!, I touch on my work with one of my favourite local charities, and some of the ways in which myself and my team have been able to raise awareness and funds for their cause.
When it comes to supporting causes near and dear to your heart, it’s important to do your research. If it’s the local community you’re hoping to get involved with, check out community newsletters or online postings for current events and fundraisers that you might be able to join in on. More often than not, a quick visit to your community’s online website, like RichmondHill.ca, will provide you with listings and relevant contact information to get you started.
Find what you’re passionate about and start from there. Odds are, if you can think of it, someone out there (probably closer than you think!) is already rallying for support. Get on board and help to make a difference in whatever way you can! My team and I support well over twenty charities, and I can say that this ongoing relationship with our community, and its most vulnerable members, has been as fulfilling to my team and myself as it has been to those we have been able to help.
While some people are under the assumption that only the super-successful or wealthy are responsible for charitable support, it’s my belief that every person is capable of making a difference by supporting the causes they are passionate about. For some of us, this may mean using our network to raise funds and awareness. For others, it may be as simple as joining a local walk or run, rallying sponsors to support your efforts. For many, it’s volunteering our time and energy to supporting these charities and local causes.
In whatever way you are able, I can guarantee you one thing – your efforts in bettering the community around you (and beyond!) will not only impact the lives of others, but yours as well.
As a final thought, here are 5 simple ways to get involved with your community today:
Offer to help an elderly neighbor
Organize a yard sale for charity
Raise awareness of important causes via your social media platforms and community outreach
Get involved in a local walk or run for charity
Volunteer at a local school, seniors center or homeless shelter
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and make a difference!
We would like to thank Vivian Risi for guest blogging for RHBOT!
Vivian Risi
Broker, President/Broker of Record
Inspired by her vision of becoming a successful female entrepreneur- Vivian Risi founded Your Community Realty, Canada's #1* franchise for Royal LePage and #3 of all real estate brokerages in Canada**.
Her passion for building stronger communities and her belief in people helping people, is at the forefront of everything she does. In addition to running her successful brokerage business, she dedicates her time, energy and resources to helping over 30+ charities and causes every year. Her work and philanthropic efforts have been recognized by various organizations - earning herself the Royal LePage Philanthropist of the Year award (2008), City of Vaughan Philanthropic Business Person of the Year award (2013), Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce Mayors Award (2012), York Region Business Excellence award (2013) as well as the prestigious, YMCA Peace Medallion award (2009).
Vivian stands behind her brand promise "People come first - and it shows!"
*based upon independently owned and operated
**according to published results from RealTrends