Donor Spotlight
The Power of Consistent Support
Meet Nik Klassen
Nik first heard about Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR) through his workplace, Google, when one of his co-workers suggested it as the recipient of an end-of-year staff giving campaign. Even though WCSWR wasn’t eligible for a company donation at the time, Nik gave personally anyway. Giving has always been a part of Nik’s life and supporting women and children is close to his heart. His parents support a women’s pregnancy crisis centre and have done so for many years. He recalls from his childhood that their giving really made a difference in the lives of these mothers.
As an adult, he gets to create his own giving journey and is excited about strengthening his relationship with Women’s Crisis Services. Nik became a donor in 2022, and has since donated 11 times, resulting in a lifetime giving of over $7,000.
Nik believes that it doesn’t take a lot to give. He observes that, “the amount that it takes to make a difference, does not have to impact your quality of life”. He notes that people with disposable income are probably unaware of the meaningful change that their seemingly small contribution can make in the lives of others. Monthly giving, for example is a reminder that you are helping people and that others are benefiting from your support every month.
Being a donor is more than the sum of financial transactions. Donating is forming a relationship with an organization that is helping others and together you can make a difference for years to come. Nik partnered with WCSWR because he wants to help women and children move beyond violence.
I like to support in the background when there isn’t a huge event going on because the organization still needs money after the big event.
“People know about the larger international charities but there are lots of other charities doing great work – necessary work”. Even though he supports major fundraising events and seasonal campaigns, for Nik, its about giving consistently to ensure that the work continues in a sustainable way. “I like to support in the background when there isn’t a huge event going on because the organization still needs money after the big event”.
That’s why he plans his donations, so that a percentage of designated income goes directly to charitable giving.
Nik recognizes that not everyone will be able to give in the same way that he is able to, but he encourages potential donors to donate in the ways they can. For Nik, protecting women and children from immediate danger and investing in them is investing in our future.
“We have a long history as a society of supporting women and children. They have been forgotten and left to the side a lot, and its something that needs our support. I can’t think of anything more urgent than women and children’s lives.”
Nik continues to seek out additional ways to give his support and is pleased with his relationship with WCSWR. “What I look for in an organization is a relationship, so if there are areas that I can help and support beyond what I am doing, then I am open to that.