Creating a Chain Reaction of Giving!

I've always heard that it's better to be a giver, than a receiver. Over years since I relocated from Durham Region to Brantford, and back to the GTA again, I have noticed very few people give from the heart. I've found myself in relationships where I was giving out more than they were willing to put into the relationship; and this was exhausting! Exhausting not because I was expecting a gift in return, but it was draining due to the fact I was filling their cup on top of trying maintain a balanced level in my own. Burning out emotionally is real in relationships, just as much as it is in the workplace.

The Pay It Forward Offer (Giving incentive) was started 2 years ago at Christmas time. The Christmas giving incentive is geared to helping BIPOC, low-income families with a grocery card, an outfit for the child(ren), and something special for the parent(s). It is geared to this specific group within society, as from first hand experience, I know the barriers that BIPOC members face when encountered with non-BIPOC establishments or food banks. I recognize that not everyone was happy with this incentive I began, as it excluded non-BIPOC members. It's not racist or prejudice to want to assist and provide help to an under privileged group in society; a lot of angry trolls on the internet wanted to pull the reverse racism card, but I, nor my incentive, hold the power to harm or greatly impact a persons life in a negative way. That's Impetrative to remember; it's not racist or prejudice to want to assist and provide help to a under privileged group in society- it's kind and loving actually! The only ask I have of the family who I select from the draw, is that they Pay it Forward. To be considered in the draw, I ask for how they will pay it forward to help me gage who will give from the heart vs who just wants free items! Even in the event the family I choose doesn't give back, I believe karma will correct them in the future.

As of March 2022, I have thought of ways to include all members of society within future incentive and offers and I came up with providing grocery cards of $100 and $50 value (sometimes more depending on the store). Once a month, I will hold a draw for the gift cards, in a similar fashion to the draw conducted around Christmas! Just like the Christmas incentive, I ask those who want to be considered to email myself with a small introduction of who they are and how they plan/aim to pay it forward. Using an online draw picker, the winner is selected and I reach out to everyone else to notify them that sadly someone else obtained the gift.

Gift giving doesn't have to be hard, but be sure to Pay it Forward when you can!

For more info on the Pay it Forward incentive, or for future announcements of draws, please check out the K'are with Keke Page on Facebook at @Kare.keke or by typing in K'are with Keke!