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'Tis the season, so what are you doing about it? - Wednesday, December 15, 2004

No surprise really, but I love this time of year. In fact, my two favourite movies are It's a Wonderful Life and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the cartoon). The message is so simple, so pure, that it is irresistible. Kindness. Love. Giving. That's what's important in life. And, whether you realize it or not, you are reaping the benefits of living those ideals every day. Regardless of which holiday you observe, this time of year is a time of peace and love. It's about giving - through acts of kindness. Perhaps you've noticed the sign by the Dolan Road Irving, announcing the daily progress of its goal to get 700 hundred turkeys for families around the region. The number keeps going up, and my smile keeps getting bigger. You, too? But what, you may ask, does this have to do with human-resource issues? Ultimately, it's about the bottom line. I've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. Helping others will make your organization more profitable. How? According to Volunteer Canada, when an organization supports employee volunteerism, it sees an increase in consumer loyalty, productivity, investment and media coverage, and a decrease in absenteeism. All of which means more money. And while many of us give all year long, this season brings out the best in everyone. Toy drives. Turkey drives. Everyone seems to be doing something extra to help those who need a hand. Take the Academy of Learning in Saint John, for example. Throughout the year the school supports non-profits like the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the SPCA. But at this time of year it also participates in adopt-a-family programs and the Harbour Lights Campaign. "All our students have really pulled together and are in the Christmas spirit," says Sumbal Sheikh, of the Academy. "Our adopt-a-family has been a huge success and the students, staff and instructors are daily bringing in items for our family." And they're not alone. CompuCollege regularly supports non-profit organizations through casual days, bake sales, barbecues, 50/50 draws, you name it. And all in the spirit of giving. Scott and Jennifer Darling, successful entrepreneurs from Saint John, recently began a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the pediatric unit of the Saint John Regional Hospital after their daughter contracted meningitis. Little Darlings, as the foundation is called, helps to see that critical, comforting items for the children remain available. Cutbacks have seen these items disappear from the unit, making a difficult time for families even harder. But despite the success the Darlings have experienced in the business world, it is this giving back that they find truly fulfilling. "It is hard to explain the experience or the feeling of giving back to something that you are passionate about," Mr. Darling says. "It just makes you wonder why you didn't start earlier." So don't wait to ask yourself that very question. If you haven't done so already, commit an act of kindness. 'Tis the season and all that.

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