Who?
Guerrilla Giving is one family’s adventure in philanthropy. We are a family of four–my wife, two boys and myself. We have a modest income that is sufficient for our needs (most months). We live in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
What?
Guerrilla Giving is (r)evolutionary–at least it feels that way for us.
Revolutionary because in today’s world, freely giving of our own resources on a mostly daily basis subverts many of our silent agreements (e.g. capital equals security, give as a tax write off, save for a rainy day, etc.). It calls into question our ego’s insatiable appetite for self-gratification. It lifts our sights to a higher vision.
Evolutionary, because Guerrilla Giving emboldens us to step into a current of grace that draws us forward as a global community. It opens our hearts and hands to each other, especially to the stranger. It employs a model of trust in the benevolent spirit of life.
As such, Guerrilla Giving is, in truth, a kind of guerrilla marketing for a life of connection—between ourselves, our neighbours, and the transcendent (God, Universe, Spirit, whatever name you choose). There are, of course, countless ways that people nurture their spirituality, whether it’s through yoga, meditation, prayer, or commitment to a spiritual community. All of these are fantastic. We have also found that giving on a (mostly) daily basis is one of the most exhilarating disciplines to teach non-attachment (for me–a daily struggle) and the interdependence of all of life.
When and How Much?
Just as we are blessed in innumerable ways each day, our plan is to give on a daily basis whenever possible. For a year (a lifetime?), we’re committed to giving away 10% of our annual gross income in daily increments to mostly random recipients. We have had experience with tithing in the past (10% traditionally) but it was often done as an after-thought, at the end of the month or at the end of the year–written as a cheque or dropped in an offering bowl. Giving like that was rarely joyful for us. Guerrilla Giving, on the other hand, is fun, adventurous, and immediate.
Do we have any second thoughts, doubts, fears, anxiety about all of this? Absolutely. We’ll share some of these thoughts as we go along–but go along we will.
Where?
Wherever the Spirit leads. The gifts will often be money–randomly planted in places throughout the city. Other times, gifts will be things (food, clothes, flowers etc.) given usually to random people. Finally, some monetary gifts will be given to underappreciated (usually out-of-pocket) organizations, groups, movements, individuals whose mission resonates with our own values and who could use a bit of help–not only financially but also with the raised profile this blog may provide them.
Why?
Good question. I’ll write a post sometime soon about how this “calling” came upon us. But that’s what it feels like–a call. A call to trust. A call to risk. A call to adventure. AND, it’s a ton of fun!
The truth is that few other things give us as much joy in life as giving does and we want to enter more fully and intentionally into that joy. We don’t need to be rich to be philanthropists. Giving is something to be enjoyed by everyone regardless of income, class, or status. Just as we breathe in and breathe out, we were made not only to receive but to give. And here’s the thing–giving is always the more rewarding of the two.
I run Cobble Hills Farm Sanctuary– a recipient of your Guerrilla Giving. Your site is a revolutionary idea for families… I am in awe.
On behalf of the ex battery hens on our farm, and the boys who care for them…. Thank you. We wish you only the best!
Christen
Cobble Hills Farm Sanctuary
You are one of our new heroes Christen! We think what you are doing at Cobble Hills is simply amazing. Great to hear from you. Thanks for your encouragement.
Very inspiring! As a Buddhist we try to do this daily but often times things in life get in our way. Your example is truly one to follow!
Thank you for your wonderful efforts.
With Gassho,
Ryusho 龍昇
Thank-you Rev. Ryusho. We appreciate your encouragement and the uplifting work you are doing as well.
Thanks friends… you are inspiring, but then again West Coasters are much more innovative than your Eastern cousins. I will be commenting on your endeavour on my blog Open Hands.
From Toronto…
Mark
Thanks Mark—we appreciate the kind words and the profile on Open Hands. We love our eastern cousins!
Definitely seems to be the divine – thanks for sharing the light and warmth of the Creator.
I do not have a ‘family’ such as yours but am hoping to create one with some others. We don’t have much individually but perhaps 5 of us pooling it will allow us to make a difference on a daily basis. I ’spontaneous volunteer’ when there is not much else to share and your ‘calling’ has added a possible new dimension of giving to my life.
WWCD? I think there would be some contagious smiling going on…
Thanks for writing Shelley–we love the idea of a collective who give of their time and things. We’ll be cheering you on. Keep in touch!
U r my He-rows!!
What a great idea!! I know someone who personally benefited from your thoughtful generosity. All I can say is “wish I’d thought of it!”
Will keep watching
We really appreciate your comments Mira. We’re glad that your friend was helped and that you are inspired. We’d love to see others join in with us and try some Guerrilla Giving of their own. Keep in touch.
What an inspiration! I lost my job a while back and have been volunteering as much as I can instead of working. I can’t believe how much better my life is. I decided to get a part time job just enough to get by, but honestly I’d rather volunteer.
I know we forget and get selfish, but I think what you are doing and what donors and volunteers around the world do is awesome!
keep it up!
Thanks so much for your comments Margaret. You are also an inspiration. What a great story, a reminder of what’s important.
I am humbled, thrilled and overwhelmed – this is an amazing undertaking and I applaud you for it!
It is inspirational and I can’t wait to read more and follow along.
Wish there were more families like you four!
Glad to have you onboard CJ! We’re having a lot of fun spreading smiles around the city. Thanks for your encouragment.
Kudos!
What you’re doing is a huge inspiration and hopefully will encourage others in this often materialistic city to ‘pay it forward’
Thanks for the kudos G.O.E. –really appreciate the feedback. BTW, had a look at http://www.ancathach.com/ Great blog!
Cheers, glad you like it!
I’ll spread the word on what you’ve started
Thanks Natasha and M Jackson for your encouraging comments.
M. you’re absolutely correct. The many givers like you have inspired us to tithe and trust that when we give with gratitude, somehow the 90% left is stretched and sufficient. There are many heroes of giving who do so without any fanfare (or blogging about it;))and desire no public recognition. We wrestled with the public side of this commitment. We chose to remain anonymous (as much as may be possible) because we want the focus to be on the joys of giving and the meaningful experience of making someone’s day brighter. After much discussion, we decided to blog about our experience so as to (1) hopefully engender a dialogue about giving/receiving and to (2)inspire others to try giving of themselves in whatever way/means they may wish.
Many of us tithe 10% but forget that random acts of kindness are also appreciated. Thank you for reminding us.
Amazing. Beautiful. Wonderful. Courageous. Strong. Hope.
Thank you to you and your family for being all of the above.
Thanks Andy–we’re early in with this and find that it does take a good dose of courage for us as well. We will certainly continue to share our thoughts about what appears, at first blush, a counter-intuitive stewardship of our finances. We decided to commit to 10% but, truthfully, any gift given with good intention is a blessing to the recipient. The best part of all of this is that our boys have been inspired and are looking for ways to give to others as well. As parents, we’re thrilled that they are taking an interest in helping others.
Great idea, and a real challenge to us: We’d like to do similar but haven’t the courage (yet) Please keep posting and explaining your thoughts.
Hi Steph – Thanks for the kind words and your desire to give as well.
love you guys!! Keep up the good work! I’ll be sure to pay it forward!