The capacity to give more

Photographer: Shawn McPherson, 2010

Canada is a rich country with a tradition of giving. And yet, the gap between rich and poor is growing. It is something Irfhan Rawji, a member of the 2010 Major Individual Giving Cabinet, believes is a challenge that threatens us all. His contribution to a Resident Action Grant in Crescent Town serves a neighbourhood that is close to his home, a largely immigrant Muslim community.

"Our long-term sustainability is more certain when everybody can share the wealth," explains Rawji. "For new and disadvantaged Canadians, that comes when they can become integrated and engaged with their community. Resident Action Grants help get newcomers started in the right direction."

Rawji believes more can be done. "In my work with United Way, one of the biggest challenges I encounter is a belief that people don't have the capacity to give." For these people, Rawji has one answer, "We can afford to give more than we think."

To Rawji, giving is bigger than simply supporting a cause; it's patriotic. "A dollar in our community helps a person, it helps Toronto, and it helps Canada." He believes that United Way is a great way to achieve a stronger Canada. "United Way gets things done."