Philanthropic Friday – Philanthropic Moms Honor Roll
They say a picture is worth a thousand words — take a look at this stunning image of the energetic, epervisent and ever-eager to make the world a better place, Suzanne Chan and you will get her completely. She is at once chic (really how amazing did she look at the RBF gala?!?!) and grounded. And from the moment I met her I got the message loud and clear – she is just one of those women who makes even the challenging possible. She impresses me over and again with her willingness to jump in and make it so in very real ways. She has a strong internal compass and has a loving way of keeping all those around her headed in the right direction. And for that reason and a million more, meet Suzanne!
Suzanne Chan
Mom Confessionals
What makes you a Philanthropic Mom?
I hardly consider myself a philanthropic mom. It’s just something that all moms feel innately I think, to do good, to give back. It’s the need to nurture in us. When I first started blogging, it was about sharing my path to parenthood with likeminded individuals, sharing my pain and sharing my joy. It now has evolved into so much more where my words mean something to people and sometimes influences people. It’s a powerful thing that shouldn’t be wasted. That’s why, along with 3 amazing women I connected with online, we started Trumpeting Media. A company which is dedicated to using Social Media for the Social Good. We aim to help brands spread their message while doing some social good. Getting involved with organizations like RBaby Foundation and St. Judes are a natural fit for us moms.
What is an early or stand-out memory of community service, philanthropic commitment or another way in which you felt strongly connected to an issue in the bigger world?
I remember each year starting in high school collecting shoe boxes and filling them up for Operation Christmas Child, a program through Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization. I did this for many years and it was one of my favorite projects to do. I would stock up on random small items through out the year in preparation. When Target started their $1 section, I was like a kid in a candy store. Tons of perfect items to fill the many shoe boxes I wanted to fill. The idea of personalizing a box for a girl or boy, selecting the age group you wanted to work with and bringing a smile to a child who needed it so much just touched me in so many ways. Even when times were tough, I always aimed to fill at least 5 boxes each Christmas because as tough as I had it, I was still a lucky gal. I actually can’t wait to engage in this project this year with my little girl who turns 5 this Saturday. I am always in awe of the overwhelming amount of gifts she gets, it would be a great lesson to teach her at an early age to give to those less fortunate.
Who was your biggest philanthropic influence?
My biggest philanthropic influence has to be my Auntie Martina. She was just so generous in general. She was not a champion for one cause. Yes, she did the March of Dimes, ran for Cancer, donated to charities. She was just generous with everyone who crossed her path. Not just with money, but with time and with love.
What about being a Philanthropic Mom makes you most proud?
What makes me most proud is when I see the fruit of my labor lighting the fire in someone else. Whenever someone else catches the fever. I’m proud when someone learns something new and decides they want to make an impact too.
What is the legacy of change you want to leave behind?
Just like my Aunt, I want to be generous to others. I want my children to aspire for the same thing. I would love to hear my children say that they want to be generous like their mother.
What would your kids say about all of this?
Well my kids are a little young, but I imagine my daughter, who’s favorite word seems to be “Why?” to be asking me Why do you do this? Why should I do this? Why? Why? Why? Some day I hope she says to me, “What can I do?”