Do More Mondays - #136 - Boys & Girls Club of Greater Toronto

I have been thinking about opportunities - how it is largely a result of hard work instead of luck.

As a child I did not have any innate traits that stood out without being a product of practice, and I wasn't at all discipline without being told to do so.  I wasn't academically smart.  I didn't have a lot of close friends.  I just wanted to fit in and when I needed attention I would be loud and act impulsively.  

I am a different person now in terms of my growing maturity and self-knowledge.  I would rather be happy than fit in, a lack of friends is characterized by greater quietude, and intelligence is compensated by stronger work ethics.  

My idea of success is still a long ways from being accomplished but the number of opportunities to aid the progression continues to grow.  It helps to do more; getting to know the people I meet through work, joining recreational leagues, and volunteering for causes I believe in, for example.  

Equal opportunity does not exist unfortunately, and it can be out of reach despite great amounts of hard work.  If hard work is a pillar then I believe in charity as a platform for success.  

That is why this week I'm making a donation to Boys & Girls Club of Greater Toronto ~ a leading provider of quality after school and out-of-school programs to children and youth that support the healthy physical, educational and social development of over 28,000 young people and their families each year. 

Founded on a belief in the positive potential of every child, they play a critical role in bridging the gap between home and school.  Programs focus on nurturing confidence in youth, providing opportunities to develop and practice leadership skills and empower them to support and influence their club and community.  These programs enable children and youth to sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop positive self-image and good character, participate in the society, respective their own and others’ cultural identities and live successfully as adults.  

Through access to computers and technology training, tutoring academic support programs and employment training, Clubs give young people opportunities to strengthen and acquire new academic skills, test their abilities and enhance career readiness as well as develop an initiative for life-long learning.  Boys & Girls Club implement programs that help children and youths become literate and numerate, develop self-expression, creativity and cultural awareness through the creative arts, set goals, explore careers prepare for employment and promote the love of learning and self-development.

I could write at length about their core values, program areas and impact, but I encourage anyone to check out their national website.  

I challenge anyone to do more.