The Toronto Little Give: Meet the committee!

We’re one month away from embarking on a Canada-wide CSR initiative! Yes ladies and gentlemen, The Little Give is almost here. There are only three criteria for this event:

  • The charities are aligned with Edelman’s international cause, youth
  • The organizations are small, without resources to do what they need
  • The “ask” must be something we can accomplish within 48 hours.

I have the pleasure of joining ten colleagues to form the Toronto Little Give committee. This is truly a remarkable group of people, volunteering their time in support of a great cause. So who are we? Visit us on Facebook or read below for select member profiles.

Stay giving,

Erica

Erica Adelson - Communications & Facebook

Reason for joining the committee: You know that expression about the squeaky wheel? Well, I squeaked and wound up on this committee. In all seriousness, I joined Edelman two days after last year’s event took place. The project sounded too good to pass up - how could I NOT join?

Person of inspiration: My little brother - he’s not afraid to be unique and treats EVERYONE with respect.

Favourite childhood game/treat: Crazy Eight Countdown with a side of Go-Fish!

Julia Alter - Logistics

Reason for joining the committee: I still think about last year’s Little Give and what an incredible experience it was. This year, I really wanted to be part of the planning process and work with people across all practices to execute another amazing Little Give!

Person of inspiration: My mom because she’s really set an amazing example for me. She has shown me that you can have a successful career, loving marriage, great relationships with friends and a supportive family.

Favourite childhood game/treat: Watching family videos with me in them. Is that vain?

Hayley Bessner - Judges & Charities

Reason for joining the committee: Little Give 2010; the people

Person of inspiration: My Bubby (Helena Glazer): Holocaust survivor, 2 daughters, 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren (10th on the way), landlord.

Favourite childhood game/treat: Cheetos (The only way my parents could keep me quiet for our frequent five hour trips to Montreal. I’d arrive orange, but happy).

Nic Brancaccio - Logistics

Reason for joining the committee: Had an amazing time last year and wanted to be more involved this time around!

Person of inspiration: Jann Arden

Favourite childhood game/treat: Playing with my pretend lawnmower that made BUBBLES! (And I wish I still had it…)

Laura Casselman - Communications

Reason for joining the committee: My team thinks I have a cold heart (not really true - I hope).

Person of inspiration: Jane Goodall

Favourite childhood game/treat: Chinese Checkers

Adam Fazakas - Communications & Tumblr

Reason for joining the committee: The role was thrust upon me; and I’m certainly grateful for that. Last year’s Little Give was truly a transformative event.

Person of inspiration: Kennedy, Lennon & Branson

Favourite childhood game/treat: I lived for Lego. My ambition in life was to replicate London, England out of Lego…and I did a pretty swell job if I may say so myself!

Betsy Hilton - Logistics

Reason for joining the committee: I was looking for an opportunity to get more acquainted with Edel-peeps from other practices and to get more involved in Edelman Toronto. After hearing about last year’s event, I knew I’d found the right way to do it.

Person of inspiration: I have to pick one? Anyone who has been struck by illness or tragedy and still finds the energy to fight for their cause, be it for additional research, public awareness, or prevention. It’s noble and exhausting, and when I consider my own motivation and energy levels when I’ve got something minor like a cold or flu or when I’m feeling sorry for myself, I can’t help but be amazed by the selflessness and strength it takes to do that.

Favourite childhood game/treat: T-ball was awesome. The best thing about it? IF a ball was actually hit (and I do mean IF), every kid on the field would abandon whatever “position” they were playing to chase it down. Except that one kid in the outfield who was daydreaming/birdwatching/generally not paying any attention whatsoever. Hilarious.

Cynthia Innes - Charities & Judges

Reason for joining the committee: I love the passion and drive that fuel non-profit work, and want to be a part of bringing that to Edelman through the Little Give.

Person of inspiration: Sally Armstrong, for her courage to tell the stories no one else is telling.

Favourite childhood game/treat: Bubblicious Gum

Christine Lu - Communications & Little Games

Reason for joining the committee: I had such a great time participating last year that when the opportunity came up, I knew I had to get involved as an organizer this time around. The 48 hours we donated were some of the most rewarding hours I’ve ever spent. Can’t wait to see how the team this year will blow it out of the water!

Person of inspiration: Arlene Dickinsin. I once attended a conference where she was a keynote speaker. For her, entrepreneurship was not a career choice, it was out of survival for her and her family.

Favourite childhood game/treat: Guess Who? and Cheesestrings!

Mitchell Praw - Charities & Judges, Committee Chair

Reason for joining the committee: Good people + good causes = guaranteed wins.

Person of inspiration: I’m easily & often inspired, by “builders” generally (artists, teachers, entrepreneurs, parents, grandparents…)

Favourite childhood game/treat: Sleeping in a pile of Lego/the crumbly bits at the bottom of the KFC bucket.