Ottawa, Monday, June 20, 2011

I feel very comfortable here at the Canadian Museum of Nature, where my friend Meg has just been appointed director.  In fact, my first public engagement as governor general was here. I was just about to go on when the fire alarm went off. As a university professor, I’m used to people getting up and leaving when I am speaking, but the place emptied before I even had the chance to speak. However, after all was checked, I was able to give my remarks.

Thank you for your warm welcome. I am honoured to recognize the donors here today who have had such an impact on the success of United Way/Centraide Ottawa. In 1995, I was co-chair of the Montréal United Way campaign. The role allowed me to learn so much about the city where my family and I had recently moved. You are dedicated Canadians who know the importance of volunteerism and philanthropy, and who understand the effect that we can all have on our communities. You have made a difference and have helped people in need. For this, you deserve our gratitude.

Andrew Carnegie, a great businessman and philanthropist, once said, “If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes.”

As philanthropists yourselves, you know of what he speaks. You know the satisfaction of setting and achieving targets. This focus on the end goal frees you to lay the foundation for success and to find solutions to the problems faced by society.

And just as Mr. Carnegie in his time knew the importance of not only giving to help others, but also helping to build up the community, so too do you show Canadians that you are willing to be involved in shaping a smarter, more caring nation.

I have often spoken of this vision of a smart and caring nation, and what we can do to build on this further. To accomplish this goal, I have set out three pillars, which I believe are vital to our country: supporting families and children, strengthening learning and innovation, and, of course, encouraging volunteerism and philanthropy.

Canada has one of the strongest voluntary sectors in the world, which is made possible through the commitment of so many Canadians like yourselves. And you can be sure that your donations of time and money do more than help United Way Ottawa to reach its own goals, now and in the future. Through your work, you are also inspiring others to give.

And so your partnership with the United Way helps to fulfill two of my own dreams, in a way. The first is for a country that cares so deeply about others that individuals are willing to go beyond expectations to help those in need. The second is for a country that understands that it is equally as important to invest in the future to prevent problems as it is to solve today’s issues.

Each year, United Way Ottawa helps people pull themselves out of difficult situations and helps families by offering much needed support.

But it also has a second objective, and that is to look to the future. While it is wonderful to problem solve, we must ensure that our communities are sustainable and will grow to function in an ever-evolving world. And one of the most important ways we can do this is by supporting and involving youth.

Through such initiatives as the Youth Action Panel, we ensure that young people are able to chart their own future.

Like anyone else, young people want to be included and heard, and they want their ideas given respect and consideration. They want to be a part of creating a better Canada. Through your contributions, you make it possible for tomorrow’s leaders to share their own vision for the smarter, more caring nation that we all aspire to build.

A part of being young is the need to feel and be included. I’d like to share with you the story of Edgar Shantz, a Mennonite who farms our land in Waterloo. One day, Edgar and I were on the tractor making hay. Edgar noticed that I had a bandage on my arm. He asked whether I gave blood. I told him, “Yes.” He asked me how many times I had given. I told him, “Nearly 100.” Edgar said, “I have given over 200 times.” I said to him, “Edgar, that’s impossible. You’re 55 years old. You can only give blood every six months.” He said, “No. I can give blood every 57 days.” Imagine that. Every 57 days, Edgar hitches up his carriage and heads to Elmira, one hour from his home, gives blood and heads back—another hour to get home. The blood does not stay in the community. It is shared.

All of you recognize the importance of getting involved in the community, of neighbour helping neighbour. You have given so much to Ottawa and are leaders in every respect. And through your ideas and resources, you are helping the city remain competitive and viable. You tackle the problems facing people today and look ahead to the vital issues that will impact our lives in the future. 

You answer the call to service and deliver beyond expectations to help boost United Way. In turn, the organization continues to offer outstanding programs and support systems to so many people, focusing on its three areas of impact— Growing Up, Belonging to Community and Turning Lives Around.

And as we honour your commitment and your generosity this evening, let us also consider some questions for the future of Ottawa and of Canada. 

In 2017, our country will mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation, and I have been inviting Canadians to think about the country they desire. Will we still be a strong volunteer country? What is our vision of volunteerism and philanthropy in 2017? How can we promote giving in every way, no matter how small?

The answers lie with those of you who have shown a determination to change the way we look at society, with those who tackle problems head on, and with those who are convinced that happiness and fulfilment are found in service to others.

In fact, let me tell you a story that has moved me and many others; a story that perfectly illustrates generosity and service to others.

Every year, Harvard University recognizes 11 individuals for the wonderful work they have done in their communities. In 1996, before a crowd of more than 27 000, it recognized two very different people: Mr. Walter Annenberg and Ms. Oseola McCarty.

Mr. Annenberg was well known for his philanthropic work and, in 1989, established the Annenberg Foundation. And in addition to receiving many awards, it is estimated that he donated over $2 billion during his lifetime.

Then you have the inspiring story of Ms. McCarty. Word spread in the Deep South of a remarkable gift from an unexpected source: 87-year-old Oseola McCarty had given $150,000 to the University of Southern Mississippi in her hometown of Hattiesburg.

This story illustrates that giving is within the heart of everyone, not just the wealthy.

In an age of multimillion-dollar gifts to higher education, such a donation ordinarily goes unheralded in the national press. But this time, personal details made the gesture extraordinary. Forced to leave school after the sixth grade to take care of an ailing aunt, Ms. McCarty earned a living for the next 75 years by quietly doing laundry.  

She decided to give most of her life’s savings to help needy black students at an institution that had desegregated only three decades earlier. Local businesses soon seconded her effort with a campaign for matching funds.

When it came time for Ms. McCarty to receive her honorary degree, she was having difficulty getting up because of her arthritis. Mr. Annenberg, who was sitting beside her and also suffered from arthritis, tried to help her get to her feet. Can you imagine a very, very rich man, who was having difficulty getting up, trying very hard to help Ms. McCarty?

You can imagine the reaction of the crowd. Everyone started applauding, not only for their gift, but for the fact that you had a very rich man helping a very generous woman. 

They applauded them just as we applaud you this evening.

We pay tribute to all of you who have taken your success in business and in life and have turned around to give right back to the community. Because of you, a child will have opportunities to succeed; families will have the chance to make a better life for themselves and their loved ones; and Ottawa can look to the future with pride.

Your generosity is an example that anyone can follow. No matter what your situation, there is always a way to give back, to contribute your time and effort, making this a better country. For years, United Way Ottawa has relied on the kindness of people like you to keep its doors open and its programs running. Your efforts this past year, and no doubt in the years to come, will have a significant impact on volunteerism and philanthropy in Ottawa.

Let us create a new age of giving in this city and in Canada, which will continue to strengthen a loyal and ongoing base of volunteers and philanthropists.

Let us also create a culture of giving, not just a drop in the bucket.

During my travels, I have met many wonderful and generous people, some of whom were volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. These volunteers have now celebrated the 2 000th home built in Canada. What a wonderful program!

As you set your goals for next year, I invite you to create your own “wish list” for volunteerism and philanthropy and to find new and innovative ways to create a smarter, more caring nation.

Thank you.