Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Small Acts, Big Impact

Giving back is about connection. It’s about showing up for others when you can. It’s also about allowing others to show up for you

Blogs National

By Darren Shearer, CLAC Foundation Partnership Manager

A short few years ago I was faced with a major health catastrophe that resulted in emergency surgery. Due to complications from the operation, I lost my voice for just over a year.

I had taken the ability to verbally communicate for granted. But the ease of speaking ideas, feelings, and needs was gone in an instant.

At first, I relied on a small white board to scribble words down. Then I progressed to a tablet with a keyboard.

I spent summer evenings sitting around a campfire with friends, awkwardly “contributing” to the conversation with a screen. Often, my communication was missed or lagged behind the conversation to the point of being irrelevant.

I struggled to convey my need to help. I felt like a burden, not wanting to draw attention to my struggles to accomplish daily tasks.

Fortunately, I have a community of wonderful friends and family surrounding me who recognized I needed assistance. For example, my friend Scott would come over every Monday morning and make phone calls for me, essentially scheduling the entire week and literally being my voice.

It was a tremendous help and a simple way for him to support me. He was directly giving back to his local community by being available for me.

Giving back is about connection. It’s about showing up for others when you can. It’s also about allowing others to show up for you.

At some point, every one of us needs help. Admitting that need and accepting support can be just as important as offering it. When you invite help into your life, you strengthen the same community spirit that you give to others.

When people hear the phrase giving back, they often think of writing a cheque or donating money to a cause. Financial support is valuable, but it’s only one way to make a difference.

Giving back can also mean sharing your time, your skills, or simply your kindness. I believe generosity starts with a willing heart, not with a dollar amount.

Volunteering is a meaningful way to give back. You might spend a few hours helping at a local food bank or cleaning up a community park. You could mentor a young person or join a neighbourhood initiative that supports families in need. These actions create real impact because they build connection and show care at a local level.

Sometimes, giving back can be quieter and more personal. It might mean texting a friend who’s having a hard week or offering to run an errand for a neighbour. Even taking the time to listen when someone needs to talk can make a difference. Small gestures can remind others that they are seen, valued, and supported.

December 2 marked this year’s Giving Tuesday, a day held every year on the first Tuesday of December to inspire generosity around the world. This season, look for one small way you can give back. Start with a simple gesture that fits into your life. Together, our small acts create a foundation of care that can uplift entire communities.

I encourage you to check out the CLAC Foundation website. I have the honour of serving in the role of partnership manager. In my work, I have the opportunity to witness the amazing efforts to lift-up communities all across Canada through organizations committed to helping individuals find meaningful work.

Small Acts, Big Impact

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