It’s been said that giving is good for one’s health.
It instils gratitude in both the giver and receiver, and creates happiness, social bonds and community spirit.
Literary, scholarly and clinical research continues to be done, showing the numerous benefits of giving as a source of joy to all parties associated with acts of generosity.
Gatewest Coin founder Ian Laing and director Jasmine Allen. (Ruth Bonneville / Free Press)
Giving is a powerful act with potentially life-changing impacts.
In Winnipeg there’s a small group of people with kindness as their currency, who have experienced and appreciated all of those benefits. The Ian and Rochelle Laing Family Foundation, established in 2017, has been quietly giving since the family made the commitment to share some of their assets to help others.
For the last seven years the foundation has donated almost $1.3 million to animal welfare, education, veterans and women’s initiatives, to name some of the causes close to the family’s heart.
“I had always thought that if the circumstances allowed it I would attempt to put some assets into the community, to give back,” said Ian Laing, owner of the half-century-old Gatewest Coin. “Our business has been very successful for the last 15 years, so we set up a family foundation. It makes me feel good; that’s what got me into it.”
When they learned of a Canadian Forces officer returning from Afghanistan with PTSD and, subsequently, dying by suicide, they made the decision to fund the cost of at least one fully trained service dog for police or military in his honour. Every year the foundation donates a minimum of $15,000 to Wounded Warriors to cover the cost of a PTSD service dog.
The Laing Foundation also has a soft spot for senior animals, many of which are abandoned.
“We think that animals that have given for a lifetime should also have some place to go,” said Laing, who is hoping to collaborate with someone to co-sponsor such a place so aging animals can find comfort and care in a home.
Kareena Grywinski, Director of Feed The Furbabies Canada, says the foundation has been a beacon of hope for animal-welfare organizations in Manitoba for many years.
“They have assisted us with funding for spay-and-neuter clinics and, most recently, paying the shipping cost for a large donation of pet food coming into Manitoba. This donation of food is now being distributed in multiple communities and with local rescues here in Manitoba.
“The funding we receive from the Laing Foundation helps us continue our clinics when donations are at an all-time low. We are forever grateful for all the support and funding The Laing Foundation has offered to our initiative. They truly offer the most generous and caring support to our organization.”
Laing Foundation executive director Jasmine Allen notes that although a third or so of their funds support animal welfare, the range of beneficiaries continues to expand to include FortWhyte Alive, the Bear Clan and supporting mental-health projects, including a pilot program for troubled teens and veterans to be able to hire some mental-health professionals to help participants decompress and spend time in nature.
“In the last six months we’ve sent $10,000 donations to Shalom Residences Inc., Winnipeg Board of Jewish Education, Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre, The Barefoot Ranch, Manitoba Underdogs Rescue, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, CancerCare Manitoba and One At A Time Rescue. On average, we make about 56 donations every year. The largest donation we’ve ever issued was to Manitoba Underdogs Rescue for (just over $40,000). We try to donate at least $300,000 every year now that we have been able to fund the foundation well through the business.”
Laing Foundation donations are made to other established charities registered in Manitoba and the bulk of all funds stay within the province.
Kareena Grywinski, seen with dog food she collected as part of her Feed the Furbabies initiative, says The Ian and Rochelle Laing Family Foundation has been a beacon of hope for animal-welfare organization in Manitoba for many years.’ (Supplied)
“We encourage people to contact us if they think they have a worthwhile project,” said Allen. There’s no wait period. Just send an email. We will get back to you.”
Giving has become part of the workplace culture at Gatewest Coin, where each of the dozen employees can choose a charity that is important to them to receive a donation from their employer.
“I would not be working if it wasn’t for this,” said Laing. “Financially I don’t need to; I don’t take anything out of the business. We do not actively seek donations from the public — we are capable of funding it ourselves — that’s not our purpose.”
Giving back to the community has always been a priority on Laing’s mind and he’s content to be making a difference.
“Let’s not just talk about it, let’s do something about it. If I have another 10 or 15 years: I might as well do something positive. It’s the way things should be. As long as Gatewest is around, the foundation will continue.”
Allen is a firm believer.
“A high tide raises all boats. Everything that you put out comes back three times over,” Allen said.
Visit: https://www.laingfamilyfoundation.org
fpcity@freepress.mb.ca