Philanthropic Distortion – Part 1 Sam Watts February 19, 2025 380 Responding to the people we can relate to There is a large mural in an area in Los Angeles where thousands of unhoused people can be found. It identifies the area as Skid Row and lists the population as “Too M...
Is there really a “season” for kindness? Sam Watts January 30, 2025 607 Think Philanthropically Someone once said that we should act as if what we do makes a difference – because it does. In the past month or so we have been implored by charitable organizations to make a differen...
A Year End Message to Our Readers Sam Watts December 9, 2024 593 Think Philanthropically “Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.” - Kathy Calvin I’d like to begin this column by wishing all the loyal readers of The Montrealer a wonderfu...
The Currency of Generosity Sam Watts November 14, 2024 647 Think Philanthropically Money is but one venue for generosity. Kindness is an even more valuable currency. – Alan Cohen We are headed into the end-of-year “giving season.” This is the time of year when many of...
What Needs to Change in Canadian Philanthropy? Sam Watts October 12, 2024 868 Think Philanthropically Last month this column left readers in suspense. We suggested that some things need to change in order for philanthropic efforts to shift into a 21st century mindset and that a number o...
Changing Our Approach to Philanthropy Sam Watts September 14, 2024 851 Think Philanthropically “Billions are wasted on ineffective philanthropy” – Michael Porter I will risk being a bit repetitive. This column has frequently focused on the need to change the way we think and act ...
Three Perfect Days in Edinburgh Sam Watts September 1, 2024 1115 Plenty of people recommend Edinburgh as a “must visit” city. Sometimes third party endorsements can produce unrealistic expectations. Where Edinburgh is concerned, the favourable comments were 100% accurate. It...
Kindness Can Overcome Fear Sam Watts August 14, 2024 1013 Think Philanthropically An ill wind of fear risks permeating our perceptions. It is rooted in genuine concern for the wellbeing of our families and neighbours but it can lead to a variety of misunderstandings....
Six glorious days in London Sam Watts July 12, 2024 1089 Is it possible to see a city of 620 square miles, in six days? The answer is yes – and no. It is certainly impossible to see everything, but with some diligent preparation you can experience London in a varie...
Support Your Local Theatre Sam Watts July 8, 2024 1654 Think Philanthropically “I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” - Oscar Wilde ...
