A message from Michael Frederiksen
Dear CES Family
Consider yourself a Philanthropist:
As we approach the end of another challenging year, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your support for disadvantaged Kenyan youth.
With international crises unfolding in every corner of the world, the weight of these situations can leave us all feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Daily, we are inundated with appeals, many of these genuine and worthy of support.
How does one choose a cause to support? With over 85,000 Canadian charities all needing funding to continue their work, is there a checklist that will help narrow these down to one or two?
The 2021 Generosity Index from public-policy think tank Fraser Institute, shows a steady decline in the proportion of Canadians reporting charitable donations on their tax returns, from 25.5 per cent in 2000 to 19 per cent in 2019.
You are among the 19 per cent!
Your contributions to CES in Kenya have helped to create 3500 education scholarships over the past two decades.
Then there is the opposite side of the coin to consider. It’s not just about money and giving. It’s what’s in the heart ~ the motivations and values; it’s about community volunteering, a Canadian way of life.
I see them every day at hospitals, schools, food banks and hospices. Millions of hours offered each year, without pay or fanfare - and no tax receipts. They’re just quietly going about their volunteer work because it meets a need and it feels good. An estimated 70% of Canadians aged 15 or older are volunteers.
Those who have volunteered, been out there fundraising or who have travelled to Kenya for a short term friendship activity with CES - you are among the 70%!
We need philanthropists. You need not be a millionaire or billionaire to be considered a philanthropist. Indeed, the word "philanthropy" is from the Greek for "loving humanity." You don't need to be ‘loaded’ to love humanity. Whether you find yourself in the 19% or the 70% or both, consider yourself a philanthropist.
Bottom line - follow your heart. Know that by supporting CES Canada, you make a huge difference as you bring hope to needy Kenyan youth.
Michael Frederiksen
President Emeritus
CES Canada