Do You Give Back?

Living my entire life with a disability and being lucky enough to have great family and friends, I have been on the receiving end of some amazing generosity--rides here, favours there, a shopping trip to get urgent needs in the middle of winter...I try never to lose sight of how helpful people have been to me throughout my life and try to pay it forward, if not back, whenever I can. 

My birthday's in the middle of winter but this past weekend I hosted a party/fundraiser under the guise of a "Half Birthday" party at my local Disabled Sailing program here in Toronto.  I've been sailing for over 11 years and I love the freedom of being out on the water, the sound of the waves hitting the hull of my boat, the sun reflecting off the surface and waving at other sailors as we cross paths (at a safe distance!)  Virtually all Disabled Sailng programs across Canada are operated with hard-fought-for Trillium grants and private donations, and it's a precarious existence at times.  So my little group of family and friends raised a few hundred dollars--not much in the grand scheme of things, but it gave me the chance to give back to an organization that has increased my independence, my self esteem and my social circle, not to mention many hours of fun on the water.  It felt great, and I'm looking forward to the next opportunity, with my team the Wild Wheeled Women at the CPA Ontario Toronto Wheelchair Relay Challenge. 

My point is that sometimes when you require a little extra help to get through a challenging life, it's hard to see that you have the ability to give back.  Genuine giving comes from the spirit, not the wallet, and everybody benefits.  Never underestimate your value in your community!