Does My Philanthropy Bother You?



I am somewhat of a social media addict. I blame that mostly on the fact that I chose it as one of my many careers, but also partly on the fact that I grew up surfing newsgroups on my daddy's computer, back when the internet began and before social media was even a thing. I was born and bred for this. If you take a look at my Twitter feed, it's mostly communications with the artist who's foundation I volunteer for, and my Facebook profile is about 50% charity-related posts, including requests for fundraising via my two current campaigns. Does my philanthropy bother you?

I often see posts from people who are annoyed by someone's 5000 selfies, or a mum's 500 photos of her child, or the inevitable and constant stream of "oh my God it's snowing!" around this time of year. I can only imagine how these type of people feel about my 50 posts a month regarding non-profits and, for lack of a more eloquent definition, straight out asking for money. But isn't that what social media is about? Sharing what is meaningful to you, and maybe others will "like" it, and maybe they won't... but that's okay!

I try to surround myself in positivity always, so I encourage anyone who is tired of seeing these types of statuses from me to simply unfollow me. I have so many amazing people in my life, both friends and family, who have been so incredibly generous and supportive throughout my fundraising efforts the past three years, and whom I can really rely on to help me reach my goals. And for that reason, I am not at all bothered by the thought that some people aren't on board with my passion for helping others. I will not take any offence to you unfollowing my posts (not that I would know), or even removing me from your social networks altogether. However, I do really recommend that you find something you are willing to devote your life to, because the overwhelming feeling of satisfaction, pride, and joy, that you will get out of doing that thing day after day, is completely indescribable.

For more information about my current philanthropic efforts, or to donate to the various cancer-related causes I support, please visit my Dear Jack Foundation Light The Night page, or my Relentless Dear Jack Foundation campaign page. Thank you for all your love and generosity. <3

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