What Inspires You To Do Good?

In the end, Ignite Charity was a call to action. Almost every speaker challenged us, every speaker moved us and every speaker gave us insight into the kind of leaders they are, will become and who we should aspire to be.

Jim Moss challenged us to smile more. To appreciate all the small things that life has to offer.

Maddie Cranston challenged us to do more for the environment, even if it is as simple as becoming better friends with our blue bins.

Phil Noelting challenged us to become better leaders by contributing to another person's 1 minute education.

Mayor Brenda Halloran challenged us to get our hands dirty. Don't just talk... DO.

Sara Casselman challenged to be more proactive and look for the source of issues rather than just treating the aftereffects.

Carson Kolberg challenged us to be role models at all stages of life, whether we are teenage camp counsellors or business leaders.

Brendan Sheehan challenged us to step back, look at our priorities and say no sometimes.

Carlos Benevides challenged us to volunteer. To give 1 hour of every week over to someone else.

TK Azaglo challenged us to make change at home, regardless of how far away our home may be.

Kelly-Sue Labus challenged us to value the children in Waterloo Region and fight for a nutrition program that will leave none of our kids hungry.

Madi MacIntyre challenged us to think of someone else and to make small changes that collectively, can turn into really big changes.

Mac Graham challenged us to contribute financially instead of just emotionally or physically.

Alicia Raimundo challenged us to end the stigma of mental illness and to help young people help themselves.

Debb  Bodkin challenged us to be grateful for what we have in our beautiful country and to be a part of making change for others who weren't born in prosperity.

It's a big list. It's also a do-able list.

Robb Farago and Popy Dimoulas-Graham were the amazing co-leaders of the Ignite Charity team. From conception, they have been leading a team of more than 20 volunteers to bring their vision to life. Robb told me that initially the idea for Ignite Charity was just a pipe dream but "We felt confident that this event would be a success. Especially if launched in Waterloo Region."

Oh Waterloo Region, how I love you. From small ideas to big dreams, to pulling together like a small town in times of crisis, you are truly unique. I asked both Robb and Popy why they felt Waterloo Region is such a great place for new ideas and what makes our community spirit so strong.


Creativity and innovation is in the air. It's a part of life and encouraged in our community. - Popy

We live in a very inclusive community where new ideas are embraced, where people can share and develop without fear of rejection. The amount of innovation that is bred in this community certainly helps foster this attitude, to the point where we all feel that anything is truly possible. - Robb

If you're interested in any of the speakers from Ignite Charity, getting involved in any of their programs or finding out other great places you can lend your expertise to in Waterloo Region you can find Ignite Charity on twitter, facebook and the web. The team there will be happy to point you in the right direction.

The next Ignite Charity in Waterloo Region won't be until Fall of 2013 but don't despair, Robb and Popy are in talks with other communities to host their own Ignite Charity events. Road trip, anyone?

Want more? The Ignite Charity videos are now online, check them out here.

*This is part 15 in a series of 15 blogs detailing the amazing projects presented in the world's first ever Ignite Charity: Waterloo. Amazing job, Robb and Popy and the rest of the Ignite Charity team. It was truly a fantastic event!