Why I Give: Alan

“Charitable gifts can make up for the shortfalls of what the government can do.”

“Philanthropy has always been important to me. “

When I was growing up in England, my parents couldn’t afford my education. I ended up getting a scholarship paid for by the local government. Thanks to their support, I was able to pursue my interests and I became a general surgeon.

That’s why I support organizations like Kinvia – because I believe in giving back.

Coming from England, the support the government provides to the disadvantaged is much more prevalent. Here in Canada, philanthropists have a bigger gap to fill.

Charitable gifts can make up for the shortfalls of what the government can do.

I moved to Canada in 1975 and spent many years living in northern British Columbia and in Dawson Creek along the Alaska Highway. I worked as a surgeon for 23 years, and then was offered an adjunct professorship at Simon Fraser University. Now I’m enjoying retirement – but I’m still involved, doing peer reviews and supporting in that way.

Philanthropy has always been important to me. In 2004 I helped found Shelter Box in Canada. With this background it was easy for me, when deciding to support a children’s charity, to determine that Kinvia was an excellent charity and worthy of my support.

I was particularly impressed that 80% of funding went to charitable activities, with the calibre of the Board, and the financial support from reputable organizations.

I noted that Kinvia spends only 5% on administration. For me, administration expenses reflect the efficiency of a charity. Fund raising expenses, in themselves, are not important; what matters is the amount of revenue they generate. Kinvia does great in this regard.

I think there can be distrust of charities in Canada, and some of that is justified. That’s why it’s important for charities like Kinvia to educate the public on how a well-run charity should be – and to demonstrate that they are one.

You can be assured that I shall continue my monthly support of Kinvia, both with my donations and by recommending to others that it is one of the best Canadian charities to which to donate.

– Alan J Lomax, Kinvia Everyday Hero

Learn more about how you can be an Everyday Hero and support children facing poverty in Canada, Bolivia, Ethiopia, Ghana and Uganda.