UNITED for community – donors in Victoria making an impact
United Way BC has the great fortune to be supported by fantastic donors, and getting to know them is often an inspiring experience.
Sitting in their comfortable living room in Victoria, surrounded by art and musical instruments, long-time United Way donors Jane and Harlow Hollis reflect on their decades of charitable giving.
Jane’s support of United Way started decades ago, when she was a young elementary school teacher in Nova Scotia, and her school committed to a workplace campaign.
But her philanthropic role model was her father, a Rotarian and a firm believer in community. “He would make little adjusters for kids with cerebral palsy so that they would fit in the wheelchairs,” she says, taking of her childhood. “He was forever in his workshop in his spare time, making things like that.”
Jane in turn became Harlow’s chief philanthropic influencer—but he is clearly no slouch. In fact, he participated in the now-defunct fundraising committee, “Leaders of the Way”, for the local United Way chapter in Southern Vancouver Island for many years.
Although they now donate to a number of different local charities (“I don’t have enough fingers to list them all,” Jane says), United Way continues to be their primary charity of choice.
“I think community is the key for us,” Jane says. “With United Way, the support isn’t just locked into one area. I love that the money from donors is and spread out so that it’s a real community effort.”
Their experience as long-time major donors and volunteer fundraisers makes it easier for Jane and Harlow to encourage their circle of friends to support a community-based charity like United Way BC.
“I think it’s critical when you’re making the ask,” Jane says. “People will ask, ‘Are you a donor?’ and of course you have to say yes. It really makes a difference when you are more than a donor,” she says, nodding towards Harlow.
The Hollis’ charitable giving is a natural extension of their generosity. They speak easily, lovingly, and modestly of their ability to support their children, grandchildren, and family friends. In each context—whether talking about family, friends, the arts, or social services charities, Harlow uses a version of the same phrase: they’re all “opportunities for giving”.
It’s a common theme for Jane and Harlow. Where some may see challenges and hurdles, this couple, married now for 58 years, see a vital, if low-key role to play: the opportunity to help others, and strengthen, as Harlow, says, “society’s fibre.”
For information about how you, like Harlow and Jane, can support United Way BC, please contact us at philanthropy@uwbc.ca.