My inbox is usually a battlefield of “Give me Money” requests. It’s a constant stream of urgent pleas, most of which I skim and delete. But a few weeks ago, after donating to the NB SPCA to support their Spay and Neuter campaign, something happened that completely changed how I look at charitable giving.
As an advocate for the work of the NB SPCA and local animal rescues—having personally taken in numerous cats and dogs—I immediately donated when the request landed.
The standard note of gratitude ensued: Thank you for your donation. Please share this post.
I shared it. That was it. One and done.
That’s when something refreshing happened. About a month later, a new email arrived.
This time, there was no request for money.
It was an update on the progress my contribution, combined with the efforts of others, had helped achieve.
Instead of feeling the familiar fatigue of another solicitation, I found myself smiling.
This email was a breath of fresh air.
While the need for charitable support is real and acute—as there are always animals left to suffer in a throwaway society—this email wasn’t about that need.
It was a celebration of basic human generosity.
This is the difference your contribution has made.
I Love that approach. Because people like us—the ones who take the time to donate frequently to causes we are about—we love being part of something tangible.
Because of us, many dogs and cats will not be giving birth to litters in abandoned buildings, under steps, or in ditches. Because of us, fewer animals will reproduce to go hungry or unloved. Because of our collective reach, fewer litters will have to fight for scraps or scavenge in garbage bins to survive, hungry and unloved, for another day.
When I read those words, I felt a deep connection. The sender didn’t have to say it, but the message was clear:
We may not know one another, but we are sisters and brothers at heart. Together, we have made a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable animals who desperately need us.
It whispered that in a world that often discards the helpless, I had made a stand. 400 families who cared enough to give an animal a loving home won’t have to feel that desperation anymore.
That is what that update made me feel.
This morning, I received another email:
It gave me even more cause for celebration: the NB SPCA had not only met its target of caring for 150 animals, but had secured enough support to care for 400! I say “care” because that is what it truly means. It means caring enough to intervene for animals who are dearly loved, a valued member of a Family too financially strapped to pay for veterinary care.
The beauty of this approach is that each donation was likely manageable—perhaps $25 to $100—easily completed with a click.
But that’s when the magic happens…when we are one of many, we become a force of nature.
Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” He didn’t say it had to be epic; he simply said we must act.
Simple acts change lives.
It made me think of my next point of impact. How many animals could my next donation help? How many lives could we improve through our combined efforts?
That is a deeply rewarding thought.
The update I received this morning didn’t have to say it, but it demonstrated a brilliant strategy: base communication on achievement rather than need. It enables donors to feel good – good-feeling people are generous people, and generous people spread the love.
Sharing your abundance to keep that feeling of purpose alive—that is a gift that keeps on giving.
The team at the NB SPCA understands this concept: show people what their generosity has accomplished. Celebrate that milestone.
Who would have thought something so simple could have such an impact on my day?
There is always more time to request further donations. It is always the right time to address an ongoing need. But for a moment, it is vital to catch our breath and enjoy this victory—a soft landing in a harsh world.
Because of you and me, one less animal will have to suffer that cruelty. That, my animal-loving friends, truly makes me smile…and think of my sweet baby dog…
At nine months of age, my puppy, Sophie, went into heat. If she were a stray, she would be pregnant by now—a young dog not finished growing, her need for Security compounded by the instinct to feed the lives vigorously growing within her.
Think with me on this: every dog we rescue and each cat we spay or neuter has been spared that fate.
Producing more unwanted puppies isn’t acceptable. Not in my world. And by our combined impact, not in yours either.
Something so simple can mean that much.
Thank you in advance for your generosity.
I’d love to hear from you: Have you ever received an update from a charity that made you feel truly appreciated? Or, if you’re a donor, what is one cause you’ve seen “get it right” with their communications?
Let’s share some good news in the comments.
Originally Published on https://akasha111blog.wordpress.com/
