Give A Damn – an interesting notion. To give a damn implies to care; to want to make a difference; to see what is wrong, and seek change. Over the last number of years, my eyes have begun to open to the injustices and challenges facing humanity, and I started to Give A Damn. Throughout University I was a champion of many different issues – nuclear disarmament, child soldiers, poverty, gun violence and lower tuition. I spoke and wrote passionately, extolling views and opinions as quickly as the latest issue crossed my consciousness. I Gave A Damn.
Unfortunately, that’s where it ended. I cared about these issues, I really did. I wanted to change the world, but I quickly learned that I couldn’t do so with words or caring alone.
To make a difference, I learned – to truly influence change – we need to act. My passion was feeble. My caring, though genuine, did not get guns out of the hands of youth, or put food on the table of a struggling family. It is through action that we can ultimately change our community—change the world.
I decided after finishing university that my Giving A Damn wouldn’t end with passionate opinions or fiery position papers. I wanted to pursue a career in the social service sector, and
United Way Toronto empowered me with the opportunity to do that.
This past fall, I joined United Way Toronto’s fundraising campaign as a
Sponsored Employee. During this time, I took up the mantle of United Way Toronto. As a Sponsored Employee, I visited workplaces and schools across the city to support their fundraising campaigns. I delivered speeches that explained the profound impact that peoples’ charitable dollars could have in the community. I supported the dedicated workplace and high school volunteers who headed up their respective United Way campaigns. I ate pizza on the TTC, stuffed envelopes for corporate mail-outs, and emptied my lungs into balloons to decorate for campaign kickoffs! Most importantly, I Gave A Damn and finally, my actions reflected my thoughts!
As a Sponsored Employee, I was able to see just how critical the work of United Way Toronto is, and how it truly enriches the community. I also discovered the generosity of Toronto, a city that accomplished an incredible fundraising accomplishment, raising $107.5 million. I learned that Toronto Gives A Damn.
My experience as a Sponsored Employee showed me the value of combining intention with action. Since then, I have been working with a United Way member agency called
Youth Assisting Youth, which provides peer mentorship to at-risk and newcomer children. As a Volunteer Recruiter, I am amazed by the committed and selfless young adults who Give A Damn, and show it by volunteering 3 hours every week as youth mentors. These people care about youth in the city, and embody that caring through their actions as role models. It is incredible.
My name is
Zack, and I Give A Damn.