Time to Give

One of the things I love most about Niagara-on-the-Lake is that our town is full of people who give back to our community.  This week’s Lake Report was full of examples from the world of local sports like Kurt Hamm, who is not only a legend on the kids’ soccer field but also shows a beautiful peace sign on his lawn every holiday season. 

Being a volunteer and donating time are things that make a community truly special.  Traditional teaching urges that we should give ‘time, talent and treasure’ towards doing good works. 

Now retired, I have some time; I have some talents, and I have been very fortunate through my life to be in a position to give significant financial donations towards local causes. 

I grew up with a very modest background and had humble beginnings. I know first-hand what it feels like to receive support and to provide a helping hand.

“Philanthropy” is a big, fancy word to describe the simple act of giving.  It’s a principle I live by and take very seriously.

That’s why I devote my time to serve as Chair of Niagara-on-the-Lake Palliative Care, and why my family foundation has given to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, the Upper Canada Heritage Trail, Niagara Farmworkers and the Wilderness.  We have also supported Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary, the Red Roof Retreat, the Yellow Door Theatre Project, Niagara Symphony Orchestra and Adopt a dog, Save a life.  Before putting down roots in Niagara-on-the-Lake, we supported even more causes around the world and in Toronto.   

Thanks in part to our financial support, community assets like the Museum have been able to expand and the Wilderness is being protected and restored.  On a smaller scale, we also have an animal rescue farm and are raising several rescue dogs.  We aim to care for those who can’t defend themselves.

The rewards of volunteering and giving are priceless.  It’s the feeling you get when you meet your fellow residents and know that you’re doing everything you can to make our Town a better place.

I’m no biblical scholar, but a friend told me that the Gospel of Matthew says "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  That is a lovely phrase.

I have put time, attention and giving towards community causes through my life.  Not because of the money involved, but because I was following my heart.

That’s the feeling I hope to bring to all of us, together, as the next Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Learn more and join the movement at vaughngoettlerforlordmayor.com