As many readers know, my favourite topic to speak and write about is “My Canada.” I’ve said many times that I’m honoured to live in a country that I truly believe offers the best of everything. I also believe we take a lot for granted – namely, the amount of work it takes to keep our society functioning well. As citizens, we all have a responsibility to give back to Canada in some way.

Financial donations to charities and non-profit organizations represent a major method of doing just that. Then again, some people give back in quiet ways behind the scenes. We certainly owe a great deal to the tireless thousands of volunteers who offer their time and effort to helping in their communities through large organized campaigns, smaller groups and individual efforts. Even those who take the time to care for their elderly parents – something we’re seeing more of with our aging population – give back in the most grassroots way.

However you help, you’ll discover the magic of giving – which is that you receive a lot in return. Simply put, it feels good to help others. Plus, you meet the most amazing people when you get out there and volunteer. I know that first hand, because of The Mikey Network. The Heron Group of Companies established this non-profit organization in 2003 to honour one of our partners, Mike Salem, who died of sudden cardiac arrest on a golf course in 2002.

We decided that the best way to honour his memory would be to help people in his name. We started The Mikey Network to encourage heart-healthy living, and to place public-access defibrillators called MIKEYS in as many high-risk public locations as possible. So far, the organization has placed or committed nearly $1 million – which represents the help of countless donors, volunteers, corporate sponsors and community partners from all walks of life. People donate money to the organization, volunteer their time, and we have met remarkable people across the GTA who all have in common the desire to help save lives. Recently we had the first save with a Mikey, which makes us feel doubly good.

The point is, do what you can. You might choose to donate to a cause that has touched your life, whip up some brownies for your children’s hockey team bake sale, read to the blind … the possibilities are endless. You can help to make our country even greater, one kind act at a time.

Hugh Heron is Principal and Partner in the Heron Group of Companies, President of Heathwood Homes and a Member of the Board of Directors of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, as well as a Past President of the Toronto Home Builders’ Association and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association.