Rethinker Profile: Lesley
Name: Lesley Wilkinson
Age: 60
City: Toronto
What do you do when you are not changing the world with philanthropic gestures?
I am a Theatre and Opera Lighting Designer – currently working on setting up a theatre design school in Toronto to include theatrical set, costume, lighting, sound and projection design.
What is one thing you have re-thought in your life? How did you approach it?
To live in the moment and not dwell in the past or the future. I am not always successful in accomplishing this, but I try to put it at the front of my thoughts at the beginning of each day through meditation. When I finished my treatments for breast cancer the concept of ‘living in the moment’ seemed so fitting for the experience. I try to remember today what that discovery felt like and that helps me to take things one day at a time.
What is the most important thing to know when it comes to donating to a cause?
That you believe in the cause’s philosophy, mandate and mission. When donating it is important to know that the organization respects its employees, clients, volunteers, and donors and is caring and thoughtful in its approach.
A person who gives back that you aspire to:
My younger brother David died of AIDS in 1995. Stephen Lewis and the Stephen Lewis Foundation is ‘turning the tide of AIDS in Africa’. To impact such change is awe inspiring and should aspire each of us to change what we are able to in our world.
How do you find a cause you are passionate about?
I think that the cause shows itself to you. The causes which you are passionate about come out of your life experiences and how these experiences effect you.
What is innovative about the Rethink approach?
Rethink has an approach that is outside the box. They take the traditional way of treating breast cancer and turn it on its head. Rethink does this in a bold, innovative, and often humorous way, yet remain focused on their mission.
What inspires you daily?
The idea that each of us has the ability to change things for the better.
Why should people support a cause they are passionate about?
It is not difficult to support a cause that you are passionate about – your passion makes the work seem effortless!
When I give back I feel
Full of hope and gratitude.
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