My father was my hero. Whenever I could, I was seated next to him while he made his deliveries. I was about seven years old on the winter afternoon when my father noticed a local woman with two little kids across the street from the warehouse where he ran his small trucking business.  It was a frigid day, even for Canada. They were wearing only ragged sweaters and were obviously quite cold.  Dad climbed out of the cab and said to them, “Let’s go to Eaton’s,” a department store nearby.  He outfitted them all with warm clothes and winter coats.  My father had probably never heard the word “philanthropy” but he understood its meaning and taught it to me by example that day. 

This was during The Great Depression, and we were living hand to mouth too.  We didn’t have much, but we had more than some.  When our neighbors were cold, we helped.  Watching Dad, I learned that whatever we do as individuals, we impact other people, much more than we realize.  We may not ever know when, how or if we are having an influence on others; we just have to go on doing the right thing. The smallest act can have a ripple effect, way beyond what we see.

My philanthropy has matured since that day at Eaton’s. Today there are tax considerations, due-diligence and foundation reporting requirements.  Partnering with the Community Foundation allows me to focus on what I enjoy about giving money away – researching organizations doing important work and ensuring they have the resources to make a difference.

I was lucky; I was home schooled in philanthropy. The image of my father helping that woman and her two children instilled in me the responsibility to help others. This philosophy is very close to my heart. 

Bill Newton, William C. and Gloria A. Newton Donor Advised Fund; Newton Foundation Donor Advised Fund