With Canadian Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's a great time to think about all the things we're grateful for - beyond turkey and cranberry sauce!
Ryan's Well Administrative Officer, Connie, considers herself lucky to be the frontline for all the incredible people, stories and updates we come across each and every week.
Some of you wonder just how many there are on staff at the Foundation. We are a small group, most of whom (including myself) first started out as a volunteers. We have 3 full-time employees and 6 part-time.
My day normally starts by checking our inbox. Most of what I receive is either a donation or a request for information on how to get involved in helping us. What a great way to start a day – hearing how people have been motivated to reach out in whatever way they can and lend a hand!
After I have finished reading and corresponding with e-mails, I begin to input donation information into our database – both on-line donations as well as those received by regular mail. Again, such a rewarding part of my day - not just for the obvious reason of seeing our projects become closer and closer to being funded – but also because I get to read the incredible stories of inspiration and motivation that accompany these donations - like young children who, instead of Christmas or birthday gifts, have requested donations towards our projects. Or those who have chosen to honour the passing of a friend or loved one by donating in their memory. Many, along with their donation, will include a brief “keep up the good work!”. I can’t tell you how much these few words of encouragement mean to all of us!
We realize that there are many areas of need in the world and that it's sometimes hard not to wonder if a difference has been made. I have been so fortunate to witness first-hand the impact that the Foundation and its strong supporters have made. The reports we receive from our local partners are both heart-warming and heart-breaking and it just reinforces our belief in what Ryan started. We know that everyone can and does make a difference because we have seen it!
So – the next time you phone, write or e-mail the Foundation, you will very likely get me!