When asked why she thinks donating is important, Jocelyn Souliere has a simple answer.
“People need help.”
And for decades Souliere has been helping others in her hometown of Regina and beyond.
Each year, November 15
th is National Philanthropy Day in Canada. Those who give, regardless of amount, play a critical role in enabling the Canadian Red Cross to provide a range of support including helping those affected by disaster, planning for emergencies and safety training, like babysitting courses and swimming lessons.
There are several different types of giving – corporate giving, grants, third-party fundraisers, and large and small gifts from individuals – that all contribute to the ability of the Red Cross to support those in need.
Souliere is not only a major gift contributor, she is also the co-chair of the
Canadian Tiffany Circle, a community of women philanthropists committed to furthering the humanitarian mission of the Canadian Red Cross locally, nationally, and around the world.
“Jocelyn is always the first person to step up to offer help in whatever way she can,” says Jayda Back, manager of Major Giving for the Red Cross in Saskatchewan. “Whether it’s with her time, financial or emotional support, she is always the first person to put up her hand to help.”
A leader in her community, Souliere encourages others to join in building a better world through philanthropy. Some major donors choose to support a specific initiative while others, like Souliere, make a general contribution to the Red Cross.
“I have things that I care deeply about but that doesn’t mean that is where the needs are the greatest. I want our contribution to go where the need is greatest on an annual basis,” she explains, “and I don’t think I can possibly know better than the Red Cross where the needs are highest. That’s why I trust them to make those decisions.”
From sewing hundreds of masks since the COVID-19 outbreak to donations of soap, socks and hats to mothers and babies in Senegal, Souliere is always looking for ways to give back.
“It’s about that feeling like you are making a difference in some small way,” she says. “You get something from that.”
For Back, that is simply inspiring. “I admire her kind, caring and generous nature. She is an amazing volunteer and philanthropist and I aspire to be more like her.”
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