By Chase
A new year means new possibilities and a chance to make changes to how you look at the world and how you interact in it. Change though does not have to wait to start until January 1; you can do it any time if you are motivated.
One change I made in December was taking part in the media follow up of the annual Niagara Construction Association Christmas Luncheon and making the presentation to Community Care at the event held at the local radio station. I had often chosen to hide behind the camera or in the paper then be a part of the news, even though I was actively involved with the events and chaired the Young Leaders Committee responsible for the event for the past three years.
This year I took part with the on air interview and played up the fact for the ninth consecutive year we have beaten the Hamilton Halton Construction Association in a friendly contest to see who can raise the most funds and food for the local food back. This year we collected over 3,000 lbs. of food and donated over $4,300.
As I write this column on Dec. 14, I am wrestling with other areas or changes I can make in my life ahead of New Years Eve. Easy ones come to mind like spending more time with the kids, taking better advantage of my vacation time and winning the lottery of course.
One area of focus is for me to find more ways to be generous and give back to my community. I am still very much involved with my two sons and the www.kidzcanhelp.ca program but I am considering taking on the role of a Big Brother and will be meeting with them in early January to see what commitment of time I will need to make. I am also looking for other community events that I can take my sons to and donate our time together.
What changes or improvements in your works and personal lives have you started to focus on with the New Year? Are you involved with community events and associations by giving back and making a difference? Share your thoughts and experiences with me and we can provide you coverage in our community news section.
Chase is the director of marketing and client relations for the Construction News and Report Group as well as the associate publisher for the GTA Construction Report, Ontario Construction Report and the Canadian Design & Construction Report. You can reach him at 905-228-1151 by email chase@cnrgp.com or visit online at www.gtaconstructionreport.com.
