Launch of My Giving Moment Campaign

My Giving Moment will encourage Canadians to give back to their communities, neighbours, charities and causes. To participate, Canadians are invited to visit the campaign website at www.mygivingmoment.ca to share their personal “giving moment” or to browse for ideas on how to give. Participants can also challenge others and share their ideas on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, by using the hashtag #givingmoment. The campaign will also feature television and online advertising as well as public relations initiatives.

Inspired by His Excellency’s vision, leaders from the corporate, community and media sectors have come together to support the campaign, partnering with the Rideau Hall Foundation. They all share the Governor General’s commitment to giving as the key to creating a smarter and more caring Canada.

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, today launched My Giving Moment, a national multimedia campaign that encourages Canadians to discover and seize their “giving moments” and then act on them. He shared his vision with George Stromboulopolos, Host of George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight, and master of ceremonies for the launch of the campaign.

Ian Bird is the executive director of the Rideau Hall Foundation, an independent and non-political charitable organization that works closely with the Governor General’s office to mobilize partnerships around inspiring ideas and proposals. Its goal will be to help turn ideas into actions that foster Canadians’ sense of values and identity, that increase their potential for excellence, and that strengthen their aspiration for a better country.

Katrina Siks an Jason Garlough, founders of Hidden Harvest, shared their giving moment with George Stroumboulopoulos. Hidden Harvest seeks to make good use of local food, and inspire community members to plant trees for tomorrow which will feed people and mend our environment. It organizes harvests for existing trees and sells edible trees that make sense for Ottawa’s future harvests. Fruit and nuts that would otherwise go to waste on public and private property are rescued by connecting tree owners with those eager to harvest local food.

In 2009, Danielle had a liver transplant and she realized that her mission in life was not complete. Following her recovery, she began volunteering with Le Phare Enfants et Familles in Montreal. Volunteering gave her an opportunity to help others, meet new people and get involved in the world. Danielle believes that we define ourselves by what we do in our life, which is why she became a key part of the Canadian Liver Foundation’s Montreal chapter.