I am intrinsically a shy person. I don’t make it a habit to pass around a hat asking for donations for this cause and that cause. It is NOT my thing. But once in a while, a cause close to your heart moves you so much that you just gotta champion it and let the winds of fate do its magic.
My first fundraising effort in 2011 raised over $700! A lot of money for generous souls to give. It was overwhelming. I felt unworthy, which was silly of me really. I wanted to do it again every year. But then, I will be “asking” the same bunch of people to give, wouldn’t I? That thought did not sit well with me. So I gave it a pass for the next few years.
Every year when City2Surf season approaches (August), a Sri Lankan workmate of mine will prompt me with a question. “Charina, are you raising funds for a charity this year?” My reply,”No, Dissa, not this year.” “If you are, please let me know and send me a link”. I swear that this was our office kitchen conversation every year. Dissa, unknowingly, and regardless if it was mere polite conversation, kept on reminding me to get out there and champion a cause.
This year, I complied.