As I look forward to getting together with my family this thanksgiving weekend, I think about all that makes me grateful to be Canadian. Having experienced both joy and pain with children and families from different countries I have gained a special appreciation for what we have in Canada. This year, I am thankful for:

10.  A country that encourages and thrives from diversity.
 9.  Canadians who spoke up for the poor through Live 8 or through writing their member of parliament for the Make Poverty History campaign this year.
 8.  Canadians like Stephen Lewis, who helps us believe we can change the face of AIDS in Africa.
 7.  Canadian aid workers who live in harsh conditions around the world to bring hope, peace and lasting change for those rich in spirit but poor in circumstance.
 6.  Every person who works with community groups, faith groups and charities to step out of their comfort zone and help the poor whether here at home or overseas.
 5.  All the Canadian NGOs and government organizations that are working tirelessly to alleviate suffering and ultimately end poverty in the world.
 4.  Canadian-led global immunization and nutrition programs that are saving thousands of lives every day.
 3.  Support from Canadians to rebuild homes in the tsunami-affected countries that have already provided shelter for thousands of survivors.
 2.  Generous Canadians who have again proven that they care by helping survivors in Tropical Storm Stan, Hurricane Katrina, famine in Niger and the Asian Tsunami.
 1.  Our children. For the one who held my hand in a Sudanese refugee camp, the one who emptied her piggy-bank for tsunami relief and the one who’s sharing a joke with her brother at Thanksgiving dinner. They love unconditionally.

My family and I will be thanking God for the privilege of serving the world’s poor and for all of these things as we gather around our holiday table.  

Dave Toycen
President, World Vision Canada

World Vision is an international Christian humanitarian relief and development organization working in more than 90 countries around the world, providing help to more than 85 million people each year.