The True Power of Giving

Welcome to my favourite issue and time of year.

The winter edition of Dolce Magazine delivers some great stories that all share an invisible thread that binds them together. It’s an underlying lesson shared by some outstanding protagonists about the true power of giving and personal engagement.

We were ecstatic to be welcomed to Hilary Weston’s home for an up-close-and personal encounter with the honourable woman. Her achievements include chair of the Renaissance ROM Campaign, lieutenant-governor of Ontario, and deputy chair of the board of Holt Renfrew.

I have to admit, I was a bit nervous while waiting in her sitting room with editor Madeline Stephenson. I was happy to discover both my regular breathing pattern and how lovely she is once the interview began. I soon came to see that Hilary Weston’s grace does not come from her impeccable sense of style or her articulate speech or her surroundings, but from within. Her secret to true beauty radiates from her soul – it’s a glow that emanates from her powerful gifting nature.

If you’re thinking, ‘Well, it’s easy to give away so much when you are part of the second richest family in Canada,’ I invite you to stop this line of thought and ponder on how the power of giving does not come about by merely writing a cheque. True giving holds a deeper meaning. Even back in the day when Weston was in her governmental role, she fought to bring awareness to youth homelessness and women’s rights.

Another example of giving comes from Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed. The pair helped to raise $3 million for Toronto’s SickKids Foundation at the fourth annual Rally for Kids with Cancer charity event. The whole room was amazed to see them add on to the live auction bids.

Perhaps Abigail Disney, grandniece of Walt Disney, illustrates this phenomenon best when she says: “A lot of people give away the froth of their cappuccino. Why stop there?”

Keeping with the spirit of giving, you will surely enjoy the suggestions of our guest editors Brian Gluckstein, Peter Oliver and Michael Bonacini, and Ray Zahab. Their tips will expand your home and lifestyle for the holidays and beyond.

My wish this holiday season and in the new year is for you to find your own power of giving and personal engagement, for that is the true meaning of living La Dolce Vita!