Rideau Hall, Thursday, September 11, 2014
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I am delighted to welcome all of you to Rideau Hall today for the launch of the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign. In fact, this is the fourth year that Sharon and I have had the honour of participating in this campaign.
You may already be familiar with my interest in all things giving. For a long time, I have said that volunteerism and philanthropy are both essential to a smarter, more caring nation.
The spirit of generosity that I have seen all across the country is also evident in two key aspects that help make this campaign such a success.
First, it involves United Way Centraide, an organization dedicated to strengthening our communities. I know first-hand how important the role you play is to Canada. I was intimately involved in the Montréal chapter during my time at McGill University, and I will be forever grateful to United Way for helping me to better know that city and its people.
You take the pulse of a community and know precisely where to direct funds and support in order to promote change. This is an invaluable service and a special trust.
And second, this campaign involves public servants across Canada. Over the past few years, I have come to know many dedicated public servants, and I have been deeply impressed by their commitment to whatever it is that they are doing. Whether organizing an event or honouring Canadians; when doing any one of hundreds of tasks, public servants—here at the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General and across the federal public service—dedicate themselves to surpassing all expectations.
They also show great empathy and compassion. They give what they can and they make a difference with their generosity.
This campaign is an inspiring way to raise money for and awareness of some truly meaningful causes in our community. And the best part is, when we share what is important to us—when we show how we care—we all learn. All of you have challenges that you personally champion: health care, children’s causes, community services, poverty reduction, to name just a few. I myself discover a new and worthwhile cause every year—that is the value of this type of strategic giving.
I would like to thank all of the volunteers who have built the GCWCC into what it is today. I am particularly grateful to the public servants who take time away from their own work, from their own busy schedule, to donate their time and talent to this campaign.
And to all those who serve their community through United Way, and to all of our partners, I say I thank you for making this a smarter, more caring nation, a place of keener minds and kinder hearts.
All of you are continuing to discover what you have to give, finding what I like to call your giving moment.
Thank you once again and good luck in this year’s campaign.
