Donor Spotlight at 99 Years Young
March 17, 2021
The calendar recently revealed a 99th birthday for Katherine Smith, although her giving spirit is timeless and her positive attitude, positively youthful! Katherine is more likely to shy away from spotlight than to seek it, but her strong, quiet, loving way shines nonetheless. And while her tie to Change for Children was born by tragedy — her daughter and granddaughter were supporters, and gifts in memoriam were accepted upon their passing more than ten years ago — her steadfast support in their memory ever since has allowed others to thrive.
We always look forward to her hugs and handshakes at our annual Development Dinner Fundraiser and to being on the receiving end of her handwritten notes that, without fail, accompany the arrival of her donations by Canada Post and are passed around for the staff to read so that we all might be warmed by her kind words and greetings.
Katherine Smith (second from left), in attendance at the 2018 Development Dinner celebrating ‘Making Room for Women and Girls’ with four generations of Smith women (Sandra , Granddaughter; Joyce, daughter; Katherine, great-granddaughter)
To honour Katherine’s generous spirit, the Technology for Improved Learning and Education (TILE) in the BOSAWAS project was gifted (in her name) with 99 USB sticks for distribution to BOSAWAS teachers — a gift from the family of her grand-daughter, also long-time CFC supporters. USB sticks will give teachers the ability to save documents they create in the Mobile Learning Labs and to carry curriculum materials back to their home villages from the teacher training sessions.
Thank you, Katherine! You are a shining example of kindness and wisdom, with or without the spotlight. Shine on.