WELCOME
Each Welcome to a new edition of IBA Success
Magazine gives me the opportunity to share a
piece of my heart. It’s what’s important to me at
the moment and usually introduces IBA readers to
the theme for the campaign. As I sat to write this
welcome I reflected on several recent interactions
because each seemed to center around a similar
topic – philanthropy, but not just what we give to
others. More than what is given, the discussions
touched on how a commitment to charity
enhanced our personal lives almost always more
than the person or persons who benefited.
As a society, our compassion for humanity is evident
by the number of those who feel supported in one
way or another. As an animal lover, I feel the subtle
tug on my heart strings when a commercial for the
SPCA flashes across my television screen. I find
myself reaching for my wallet to make a donation.
It’s the feeling after that donation that compels me
to continue a life of charitable giving. Studies have
shown that there are benefits on each side when
a charitable act occurs. The receiver feels relief
from a struggle, but the benefits to the contributor
are often far greater.
When charity, in any form, is completed, an
overwhelming sense of accomplishment follows.
Studies have shown that regular charitable
acts contribute to stress reduction, improved
health, human connections and personal growth.
Imagine that! When you volunteer to serve meals
to the homeless or hammer a nail for Habitat for
Humanity, “happy hormones” are triggered in the
body. These hormones help to sustain our lives
and act as protection from all sorts of disease
including depression!
Moving forward, I hope that you will dedicate a part
of your life to charitable giving and volunteering.
The need in the communities that surround us is
astronomical and the work that needs to be done
is endless, but how rewarding to know that the
charity you extend to others is also extended to
you.
Jennifer Yon
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