Joanne and I want to give you a Christmas gift (besides our handy dress for success, networking and business etiquette expert advice).
But what do you give to someone who has everything?
How about some donations to people who don’t have everything?
That’s what we’ve done in the past and that’s what we’re doing this year. It’s become a recent family tradition (we all make donations and only exchange little stocking stuffers) which we’ve carried over into our business & corporate gift giving. We encourage you do the same.
Oxfam Unwrapped
So we’ve made some donations to Oxfam Unwrapped (here are the links to the Canadian version and the American version), where we bought some goats, some chickens and some other items that can make a difference in people’s lives around the world.
Others in Need
Whether it’s Ebola, a typhoon in the Philippines or poverty and inequality, there are many registered charities that would welcome your gift.
How about some local charities too
As Joanne supports Suit Yourself, an Edmonton charity that provides interview or work outfits and makeovers to women in need who are re-entering the work force, we’ve made a cash donation to them. (We’ve blogged about Suit Yourself occasionally, here is the inspiring video from a previous year’s makeover for the women.
Joys R us
The nice thing about these gifts is they make the recipient feel good but they also make the donor feel good. We’ve included a couple of videos here that made us feel good about our donations and hopefully will make you feel good too and inspire you to do something similar this holiday season.
Hi Joanne and Terry,
My employer has sent me to take many of your workshops. I am always able to return the following day and share what I learned with my supervisor and my colleagues.
This past Christmas the parents’ of my colleague hosted a party. Since this was the first time I met his parents’ I need to know, is it proper to send a thank you note?
Hello J.B.
It’s always a nice touch to follow up with a hand written thank you note to acknowledge their kindness. However, if you brought a gift for the hosts, it may not be necessary. Which reminds me I have several notes to send out myself. Better late than never!