The Birthday Gift that Keeps on Giving
St. George’s Society Board member, Mark Aiston, was upset when he had to cancel his 60th birthday celebrations because of social distancing measures in place during the pandemic. But then he “turned a disappointing situation into something hopeful” when he asked his friends and family to donate to St. George’s Society in lieu of gifts raising over $1200 for The Weatherstone Families Support Fund.
How did you first become involved with St. George’s Society?
I was introduced to the Society by the late Reverend Canon John Andrew, the former rector of Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue. I was helping with the renovation of the church’s bells and organ, and he told me about the organization. I was intrigued and began learning more… that must’ve been more than 20 years ago.
You recently became a member of the Board of Directors. In what way has this role influenced your perspective?
Joining the Board has allowed me to be more focused in my involvement with Society. Something I was happy to do. I’m now a part of some of the bigger questions facing the Society and I enjoy using my logistics skills to help shape the future of an organization I’ve come to love.
You have a special interest in The Weatherstone Families Support Fund. What is it about this program that is so close to your heart?
One word: kids. These children—who have done no wrong—are battling something that even the strongest adult would struggle with. When I started volunteering to do airport transfers for some of the families, I had an opportunity to get to know them. They are so unbelievably resilient, and they don’t complain. Their hope gives you hope and makes you want to do even more.
So what inspired you to donate your 60th birthday to St. George’s Society?
This was a big one for me and I had so many plans that involved quite a bit of travel. When the pandemic hit, I had to cancel absolutely everything. For a time, I was pretty miserable. Since I couldn’t celebrate the way I intended (the Society and I had something in common there. Ha!), I sent a letter round to my friends and family asking them to “buy me a birthday drink” in the form of a donation to St. George’s Society. I wanted to turn a disappointing situation into something hopeful.
Hopeful indeed. You raised over $1,200 for the Society! How did it feel?
I was pleasantly surprised, but my friends and family understood how important this was to me.
What advice would you give to others interested in starting their own fundraising campaign?
Come up with something that grabs people’s imaginations, but also something that is you. You don’t have to climb mountains or run marathons to have an impact. A nice idea that is just a little out of the ordinary can inspire your network to give back.
And don’t forget that no gift is too small. At St. George’s Society, we like to talk about how small acts of kindness can have a huge effect on people’s lives. It all adds up when we recognize that our community working together is key.
Want to start your own fundraising campaign for St. George’s Society? Let us know!
We can help you set up your personalized page and get started. Together, we can make a difference.
