Make a difference

“Don’t walk away because you think you can’t make a difference. Pick a cause! Be a citizen! Vote! Tell your governments what you want them to do and what you will not tolerate that they do on your behalf!” Louise Arbour (former Canadian judge and chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda)

I was at an important session last night. The Calgary Foundation celebration was a follow-up on its Vital Signs report card where Calgarians indicated that they are unhappy and embarrassed by situations and issues in this prosperous city. Residents gave barely passing grades to issues as diverse as education, disparity, housing, health and wellness, arts, and environment. The report is meant to spur discussion and hopefully action in improving the 12 areas surveyed.
In the midst of the evening, Eva Friesen- President of the Calgary Foundation, gave a brief history. She concluded that in 2007 TCF had assets of $334 million had collected more than 445 million in 2006 and granted $33 million. I was surprised at the applause that this received because what I heard was that over $300 million dollars was tied up, accomplishing nothing, while the city was crumbling around us. Imagine what half the foundation's assets might be able to 'solve'.


“The most powerful people in a democracy are individuals.” President Jimmy Carter.

A Better Place

One of my favorite blogs - Mr. Besilly asks "If you could focus on one idea that would make your life a better place to live starting tomorrow, would you do it?

If that one thing had a positive effect not only on you but on someone else in direct proximity to your life, would you be even more motivated to do it?

Do you know what time it is?

It's never too late to get started.
Or is it?"

What if you started on August 2nd, determined to make a difference in someone's life?
Who would you choose? What would you do? What is stopping you?