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Ah, yes...timing
By Cam Tait
November 27, 2006
It's funny how and when things happen. Maybe it's karma, or the way the planets line up, or maybe it's just the winds of winter warmly blowing their way across Alberta. Forgive me, if you will, if I'm sounding like a homer but this story originates in Alberta and since I live in Edmonton, perhaps I can offer a personal point of view.
Statistics Canada released a report last Thursday saying Albertans are leading the parade in this country when it comes to growth in charitable giving. And so we should: with a booming economy and no sign of things slowing down, it's only right that we give.
What's so ironic is the timing of the announcement. Not even two weeks ago, the coach of the professional Edmonton hockey team made some unflattering comments toward an official. The official disallowed a goal - a goal that should have been counted, and a call many hockey experts said was wrong. The coach was hot. Perhaps he was speaking with emotion, rather than with reason, employing some words that might make a few people roll their eyes. Obviously the National Hockey League did. When they rewound the videotape and listened to the coach's comments, a $10,000 fine was levied against him.
We have great hockey fans here in Edmonton. They love their team and they support their coach. Within five days of the fine, a local radio station got on the airwaves and started soliciting contributions. A few days later, the $10,000 had been raised by listeners.
I find this very interesting and it says many things about how and why people want to give. The coach, who makes a good salary, takes full responsibility for his actions. He would never think of asking for assistance from fans. And if he couldn't afford to pay the fine himself, obviously his employer - an NHL team with a multimillion-dollar budget - would help out.
But this isn't really about money. Well, kind of. This story is about people believing in a cause and stepping up to the plate - pardon me, skating into the face-off circle - and getting the job done. It's about believing something with your heart and soul and showing support. It's a feeling that comes from deep within.
I admit the parallel line between professional sports teams with millions and millions of dollars and charities that find it hard to make ends meet is very faint. But hear me out.
What happened in Edmonton a few weeks ago might be an anomaly, but there is a lesson to be learned: we act on things that move us emotionally. I've said for years that if you want people to really find the grassroots of giving, you have to tell grassroots stories.
Not every cause is going to have a national or international audience. But when people are moved by a story or event, they respond. Someone suggested the $12,000 that was actually raised be contributed to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind given the circumstances of the story. Perhaps that's a little harsh...even crude.
But the figures show Albertans love to give - whether it's to charitable groups or their favourite hockey team. And that's not a bad thing.
Cam Tait is a sports reporter for the Edmonton Journal. He covered charitable issues for almost 20 years. Thoughts, comments, ideas or a simple hello are welcomed at cam@charityvillage.com.
Opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of CharityVillage.com®.
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