Today, November 15th marks National Philanthropy Day.   Celebrated since 1986, this year Canada became the first country in the world to officially recognize National Philanthropy Day!

National Philanthropy Day is an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful and generous giving, volunteering and engagement that people offer to charities everyday. As stated on the official NPD website “National Philanthropy Day® brings together the entire philanthropic community—donors, volunteers, businesses, corporations, foundations, charities and young people, all working to improve the quality of life in their communities and change the world with a giving heart.”

(Staff with the Students from Monarch Park Collegiate who won us a $5000 YPI grant)

At Nellie’s we know the work we do wouldn’t be possible without the amazing community of people we have supporting us.  Whether it’s a generous financial donation, young students coming in to learn about Nellie’s for their YPI projects, musicians like One Fire Movement hosting a benefit show and spreading awareness, or a group of volunteers training and running to raise money for Nellie’s, each effort is appreciated equally and makes a tremendous difference to the women and children staying with us.

(Artist Christian Bridges at the One Fire Movement Benefit Show)

On National Philanthropy Day we want to say thank you to everyone who has contributed to ending violence against women by supporting our work and the work of shelters and women’s organizations around the country this past year! You are creating new beginnings and lives free from violence for women and children.

If you’re on twitter, you can participate in the Telus National Philanthropy Day Contest by tweeting about how you’re changing the world using hashtag #npdTELUS.  The 5 best tweets will win $500 for the charity of their choice!  Thank you for all that you do and Happy National Philanthropy Day!