Elissa Freeman

What makes you a Philanthropic Mom?

Altruism is in my genes – I worked in the not-for-profit world for 18 years and have volunteered for many organizations.  The world is a big place – everybody needs a helping hand once in awhile.

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?

The first time I participated in a fundraiser called the Ride for Heart, which raised money for heart and stroke research.  I was just one of 10,000+ other cyclists riding a good portion of a major highway located in Toronto (yes, it was shut down for the day). Fifty-two kilometers, to be exact. As I stood in line waiting to go, I was touched by all the people – young, old, survivors, their families – who had chosen to complete this journey so future generations could lead healthier lives.

Who was your biggest philanthropic influence?

Survivors. Whether it’s someone who has survived a traumatic health event in their lives or who have lost a loved one – the ability to come from a place of extreme pain and devote themselves to change never fails to inspire me.

What about being a Philanthropic Mom makes you most proud?

Engaging my daughter to understand the importance of philanthropy – both in devoting time and money. When she was in Grade 3, we went door-to-door to raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Having her join me in the ask and watching people – some neighbours, some strangers – give money was a very powerful moment for both of us.

What is the legacy of change you want to leave behind?

To make philanthropy an intrinsic part of everyday business versus an after-thought. Philanthropy needs to be built into the business model from the get-go – not looked upon as something to do because optically it’s the right thing to do.

What would your kids say about all of this?

My daughter is now 13 – so, actually I’m afraid to ask.  Although, I did mention to her the other day I was asked if I wanted to rappel 30 stories down Toronto City Hall to create awareness during an upcoming media day for a charitable organization. My daughter’s response? “Mom, if you do that, people will NOT think you’re cool. They’ll think you’re crazy.”

‘Nuff said.

I met Kristin Swenson through two women with whom I have shared a great deal of history, philanthropy and laughs. When Jill Seiman and Nicole Feliciano made the introduction via their super fashionable Monday Mingle I felt lucky to have met Kristin. She struck me as chic and capable (juggling content creation, parenting and sharing her POV like a pro). But more than that, Kristin was all about the heart of the matter and super committed to all that she valued.  The more I got to know Kristin the more I understood what moved, motivated and had meaning to her  - and the more I knew, the more I adored her. She’s got range but more than that Kristin has integrity that wraps the whole package up with a stunning bow!  I have seen her step up over and again — never holding back when there was a way to contribute. Kristin, a beautiful mother of two is all that and more — philanthropic, fashionable and full of love — meet my friend, Kristin Swenson!

Kristin Swenson

What makes you a Philanthropic Mom?

Thanks to my mother, who has been an active volunteer her whole life, I’ve been exposed to community service since I was a child and have volunteered, myself, for various organizations over the years including March of Dimes, the Humane Society and local shelters.

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?

From a very early age, my mother stressed how important it is to give back. I remember joining her at March of Dimes walkathons as a youngster and having so much fun!

Who was your biggest philanthropic influence?

My mother and sister are incredibly inspirational to me. I can’t remember a year in the last couple decades when they weren’t involved with at least one philanthropic effort. They’ve organized many drives including holiday card collections for deployed troops, bedding collections for the Joshua House, a home for abused children, and coat collections for local residents in need. In fact, after having a very difficult pregnancy and now running around after two kiddos, I haven’t volunteered regularly and it’s my family who has inspired me to push past that mama exhaustion of mine and get back out there!

What about being a Philanthropic Mom makes you most proud?

I feel that my most important job is to raise children who will leave the world a better place and exposing them to the joys of philanthropy makes me proud. This past Christmas I took my four year old to pick out toys to donate and seeing him really get how amazing helping others can feel was so special!

What is the legacy of change you want to leave behind?

My children are my legacy and I hope that I’ll be remembered for raising kind and giving people.

What would your kids say about all of this?

They’re still quite small, but I hope that someday they’ll say they’re proud of their mama. I can’t imagine a better complement!

As I am writing this, it is a gloomy, rainy day. Still, as I put pen to paper (ok fingers to keys) there feels to be sunshine. Just glancing at the picture below brings a smile to my face.  And that is the Nancy Horn effect. Nancy is one of those highly effervescent souls, a truly bubbly and bright woman who brings enthusiasm and light to all she touches. My history with Nancy is not as long as it is rich. She has brought her amazing bounty to the world of Forty Weeks and to me personally over and again. Lucky, lucky me! She is a most reliable ally, a kind soul and the one whose love for the world leaves a lasting impression. I am so happy to share with you a little sunshine today in the form of my friend, Nancy Horn.

Nancy Horn 

What makes you a Philanthropic Mom? 

I try to give what I can, when I can, as much as I can.  It’s just what should be done. If someone needs help, I try my best to provide it, whether it’s financial, goods, or my time….

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?

Definitely through the Girl Scouts. I was a Brownie, starting in first grade and I remember working on service projects with them. Later on, I worked at a jewish camp, Surprise Lake Camp (for years)  that had a lot of scholarship campers (I had also been one). I loved connecting with the Russian Campers, many that were new to this country. In my late twenties to early thirties, I taught in East Harlem for five years, in a school with many children that lived in the surrounding projects. I spent a lot of my own money on supplies and gave my time before and after school to create the best educational and social experience to my students.

Who was your biggest philanthropic influence?

My mother was very active in the local women’s chapter of ORT .

What about being a Philanthropic Mom makes you most proud?

While I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for the past seven years, I try to donate what I can to organizations like Baby Buggy, which is a wonderful source for parents in need. I’ve also walked in 5Ks and have donated the money I earned for charity. I also financially support my former summer camp, Surprise Lake Camp, with donations every year and I’ve volunteered my time to plan alumni events for them.

What is the legacy of change you want to leave behind?

I want my children to know that we should always try always be grateful that we are healthy and have a roof over our heads at night.  That should be the reason to help others less fortunate than ourselves.

How do you involve your children?

Recently, we tried to do a lot for Hurricane Sandy Victims. My oldest child (who had just turned seven at the time) helped me select toiletries, clothes, and goods to pack up for victims. We took them with us to the local donation site and let them help with sorting the items we bought. He also helped me wrap presents for the Hurricane Sandy Christmas Party that one of my friends organized, and pack up the supplies we bought for the party.

“Come in”,  she said, “I’ll give you shelter from the storm”

Bob Dylan

Thank you Amy Oztan for capturing the essence of what time together with you and Jennifer Perillo feels like to me…

I heard about Melisa Fluhr long before I met her. And not through the industry loop either, though her husband with whom I had known and cultivated a friendship in my own travel circles. He spoke so glowingly of his wife — literally this man was over the moon for this smart, savvy, beautiful and ambitious woman who was his bride. I remember one conversation so well – we were walking through Union Square and I thought the whole of the experience to be remarkable. What love, pride and complete respect!  Fast forward to that “ah-ha” moment when we are both in Las Vegas at ABC Kids and I suddenly “get” who she is. And of course, it makes perfect sense. Because Melisa is just the woman her husband had described. She is at once easy but also focused in all the best ways. Melisa gets it done (and then some) and brings all the best people along for the ride. Melisa is above all else loving. She bring her beaming smile and near contagious laughter to every room she enters. She finds the humor in almost every situation – adding much needed levity and release from otherwise taxing moments. She is engaging, energized and completely committed to her dreams.  Melisa not only talks the talk but she also walks the walk and where she goes, I will follow!

Melisa Fluhr

Project Nursery

What makes you a Philanthropic Mom?

What makes me a Philanthropic Mom? I think for me, it’s making the extra effort, as a busy mom, to carve out time for causes that are near and dear to both me and my family. This year my focus was on FACES, “Finding a Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures”.

But honestly speaking, I wish I could have been a “Philanthropic Mom” much sooner in my mom career. It’s taken both circumstance and the fact the my kids are finally starting school to truly focus on this area of my life. My younger self had always just assumed that once becoming a mother, I’d have plenty of time for causes (little did I know!) so it’s taken time to get here.

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’ve always done community service through school, work, church, etc and I’ve genuinely felt for every single cause I’ve helped whether physically and financially. Our eldest Austin however, has battled with Epilepsy since 9 months of age. That’s when I said to myself, I am going to take this cause and make it mine. When something like Epilepsy hits home—a condition with no real answers—there’s nothing more important than wanting to save your child and all those suffering from it.

Who was your biggest philanthropic influence?

That’s easy, my parents, Dan and Lucy McHale. Growing up, my parents often made helping others a family event. We once went on a trip where the purpose was to drop off warm clothes, toys and supplies to families in need. I remember it being so cold and seeing families with so little. I don’t remember how old I was at the time, but I remember it well. My parents simple, loving actions established the importance of giving back later in life from a very young age. I am proud of the time and work they have committed to “The Daughters of Charity” over the years and then some.

What about being a Philanthropic Mom makes you most proud?

Seeing my friends and family willing to jump in and help support a cause that’s important to me means the world. The people I have crossed paths with over the years offering their support is a pretty darn awesome. It makes me really proud to call them my friends.

What is the legacy of change you want to leave behind?

Ha! No legacy needed. Just that my kids get involved in causes that will help others. And that they grow up to be kind, helpful and giving.

What would your kids say about all of this?

They don’t get it just yet. Right now, they just wonder where I take all their toys. I tell them that there are kids in this world with no toys. They respond with, “What! What are you talking about? or How can that be?” each and every time. I just chuckle and then watch them let go of their toys with ease. I think they get it now.