January 19, 2009 Michael AugustineLisez en Francais
The world has changed!
This time last year, we were enjoying an economic boom thought by many to be nigh-invulnerable in its strength and momentum. Most of us lived comfortable lives and were financially secure. We flocked to invest every cent we had in the latest “stock-du-jour,” all while ignoring the socio-political chaos that was happening around us. We blithely sped along, seemingly without a care.
But you know what they say: those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it
Fast forward a year later, where we now find ourselves in an economic recession of truly global proportions. No one will be left unaffected by the ongoing loss of jobs, of wealth, and of security. Every aspect of society will be struck by this downward financial trend and as everyone starts to seriously tighten their belts, few will feel that tightening more severely than those in the not-for-profit sector. As resources are already becoming scarce, a concept some call “stewardship” has evolved, with regards to those who support our respective causes. To some, this merely implies a simple acknowledgement of that support. In my time with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, I’ve seen that concept interpreted in a vastly more positive way - as a means for us to truly show our loyal supporters our heartfelt respect and gratitude for their continued generosity.
Yesterday morning, I was privileged enough to be allowed to show some of that respect and gratitude on behalf of the MS Society to an incredible group of people known as
Student Works Painting. They are a student based company whose owner/operators and a majority of painters are full-time university students working the summer earning money to pay for tuition and expenses. Established in 1981, they are the leader in quality and service in the painting industry and have consistently chosen us as the beneficiary of their goodwill.
As a national sponsor, a $10 donation by operators for each completed job is generously given to the Society. They also run a program that matches customer MS donations. To date, they have donated close to $300,000 to help us reach our mission and find a cause and cure for MS.
Every year around this time, Student Works establishes a management training seminar for new and returning students who wish to be a part of this incredible team. Along with Randy Sageman, our own manager, corporate relations, I met with Chris Thomson and Kory MacKinnon, two of the brains and hearts behind this amazing group and spoke to them and this new generation of entrepreneurs about what their support means to the MS Society of Canada, and especially to the 55,000 to 75,000 Canadians living with multiple sclerosis. As they listened with rapt attention, I came away from that meeting realizing that I’d just met with a new generation of the Society’s business men and women; its builders and dreamers, and its fundraisers - and I had been one of the first to be allowed to say thank you to them.
I am truly a lucky man to be given that opportunity!
In business, showing your customers your gratitude for their patronage costs little or nothing at all and yet it is by far the most important cost of doing business.
As we continue to move forward in these uncertain economic times, be aware that we are truly grateful for the support you will continue to give to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
Because of you, we WILL End MS!
And for that, rest assured...I will always take the time to say “thank you!”
Irreverently Yours,
Aug, who is truly grateful!