Volunteers are the heart of so many charitable organizations - and their impact extends far beyond the hours and energy they generously give. In this uplifting episode of Raise & Shine The Podcast, Lynne Boardman and Louise Campbell explore why volunteers deserve to be valued, stewarded, and celebrated with the same care we give donors.

What’s Inside:

Learn what keeps a volunteer coming back year after year - and how organizations can build the respect, connection, and sense of purpose that makes people want to stay.

This episode features a warm and candid conversation with Mehri Parsi, a remarkable longtime volunteer who shares what volunteering means to her, why respect matters, and the simple but meaningful gestures that make her feel welcomed, appreciated, and eager to return.

Why Listen:

Lynne and Louise share practical lessons for fundraisers, volunteer coordinators, and nonprofit leaders, including:

• Why volunteers should be stewarded as thoughtfully as donors
• How appreciation, recognition, and genuine relationships foster retention
• The powerful overlap between volunteering and giving
• Why matching volunteers with roles that reflect their interests and strengths matters
• The importance of inviting volunteer feedback 

Tune in for practical stewardship ideas, an inspiring volunteer perspective, and a timely call to recognize the extraordinary value of the people who show up, lend a hand, and help make good things possible.

About Raise & Shine The Podcast

Welcome to Raise & Shine where every episode features a donor's voice - get fundraising insights right from the source. Hear what donors think, feel and say with cohosts Lynne Boardman and Louise Campbell. Lynne is Managing Director at Harvey McKinnon Associates and Louise is Vice President at Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.

Together they have 40 years of fundraising experience.

Thank you so much to Harvey McKinnon and Harvey McKinnon Associates for generously sponsoring this episode.

Sincerest thanks to episode producer, Lucy Campbell, for making the magic happen behind the scenes, and a shoutout to Scott Switzer for our signature Raise & Shine tune.

Thank you for listening! Please join us on Linked In and Instagram. 

Lynne and Louise kick off this episode of Raise & Shine The Podcast with exciting news before diving into a lively discussion about the incredible value youth volunteers bring to nonprofits - and how organizations can both attract and keep them engaged.

What’s Inside:
Hear personal stories from Lynne and Louise about their early days in philanthropy and what first sparked their passion for giving back. Youth volunteer Parsa Moradi features in the conversation and reveals why young people step up to volunteer, what truly draws them in, and how charities can create experiences that make them want to stay.

Why Listen:
If you work with youth - or want to - this episode is packed with insights and practical tips. Discover how personal connection, social media, and post‑COVID fears shape youth engagement today. Learn strategies for creating a volunteer experience that’s social, meaningful, and impactful, and find out how supporting youth volunteers can even inspire donor families to give more deeply.

About Raise & Shine The Podcast

Welcome to Raise & Shine where every episode features a donor's voice - get fundraising insights right from the source. Hear what donors think, feel and say with cohosts Lynne Boardman and Louise Campbell. Lynne is Managing Director at Harvey McKinnon Associates and Louise is Vice President at Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.

Together they have 40 years of fundraising experience.

Thank you so much to Harvey McKinnon and Harvey McKinnon Associates for generously sponsoring this episode.

Sincerest thanks to episode producer, Lucy Campbell, for making the magic happen behind the scenes, and a shoutout to Scott Switzer for our signature Raise & Shine tune.

Thank you for listening! Please join us on Linked In and Instagram. 

Lynne and Louise are back with a powerful new episode of Raise & Shine The Podcast, and you’re going to want to hit “play” on this one. This heartfelt conversation dives into how loss can spark generosity, and how grief often becomes a beautiful catalyst for giving.

Episode highlight

Join them as they share personal stories that reveal the deep connection between grief and philanthropy, and unpack why so many people choose to give memorial donations in honour of someone they love. Hospice donor Kelly Richter opens up about her own tribute giving journey, offering an authentic look at what inspires meaningful gifts and what keeps donors engaged.

Why you should listen

In this episode, you’ll hear how tribute donors can be thoughtfully invited to deepen their relationship and become other types of donors, including through clear and compelling legacy giving messages. You’ll also pick up practical ideas around meaningful recognition, using anniversaries to inspire tribute gifts, and a simple yet unforgettable donor gift that continues to leave a lasting impression on Kelly—and on Lynne too. Tune in and get inspired to turn moments of remembrance into lasting impact.

About Raise & Shine The Podcast

Welcome to Raise & Shine where every episode features a donor's voice - get fundraising insights right from the source. Hear what donors think, feel and say with cohosts Lynne Boardman and Louise Campbell. Lynne is Managing Director at Harvey McKinnon Associates and Louise is Vice President at Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.

Together they have 40 years of fundraising experience.

Thank you so much to Harvey McKinnon and Harvey McKinnon Associates for generously sponsoring this episode.

Huge thanks to episode producer, Lucy Campbell, for making the magic happen behind the scenes, and a big shoutout to Scott Switzer for creating our signature Raise & Shine tune.

Thank you for listening! Please join us on Linked In and Instagram. 

As fundraisers we've all heard of the Great Wealth Transfer, but are you and your team ready to make the most of it for your cause? The Raise & Shine Podcast reveals the ins and outs of family philanthropy ensuring your charity is well equipped to encourage intergenerational giving. Peter Buckley, longtime philanthropist and the President, CEO and majority owner of the Old Spaghetti Factory restaurant chain in Canada, reflects on his own family experiences as he shares tips about teaching philanthropy to kids and ensuring the next generation has a philanthropic voice. Peter draws significant parallels between encouraging family giving and employee giving while discussing the best ways to motivate employees to give. Don’t miss Peter’s recommendations about how to build relationships with donors and how to encourage donors to give more, plus his top fundraising tips for all fundraisers.

Welcome to Raise & Shine where every episode features a donor's voice - get fundraising insights right from the source. Hear what donors think, feel and say with co-hosts Lynne Boardman and Louise Campbell. Lynne is Managing Director at Harvey McKinnon Associates and Louise is Vice President at Lions Gate Hospital Foundation. Together they have 40+ years of fundraising experience.

Thank you so much to Harvey McKinnon and Harvey McKinnon Associates for generously sponsoring this episode.

We're also so grateful to our producer, Scott Switzer, for making the magic happen.

Thank you for listening! Please join us on Linked In and Instagram. 

Looking to host a successful gala? The Raise & Shine Podcast shares the best gala ideas to help propel your event to new heights. Hear directly from seasoned gala guest and volunteer organizer, Coryn Hemsley, who has attended more than 40 galas across Canada. Get ready to put the fun into fundraising with advice on everything from celebrity guests to decor budgets and how to stop the luxury from becoming too lavish. We get into the nitty gritty of ticket pricing, noisy guests and how to create a stellar podium program for your gala. Unlock the power of Fund a Need and learn how to create revelry to bring in revenue with the best gala games and activities. Don't miss the best gifts for guests and silent auction item ideas, plus ways to handle challenging auction donations. We also explore the elephant in the room; are galas still an effective way to fundraise? Our Insider knowledge, top tips and takeaways will help you maximize the potential of your next gala so you can achieve your fundraising goals!

Welcome to Raise & Shine where every episode features a donor's voice - get fundraising insights right from the source. Hear what donors think, feel and say with co-hosts Lynne Boardman and Louise Campbell. Lynne is Managing Director at Harvey McKinnon Associates and Louise is Vice President at Lions Gate Hospital Foundation. Together they have 40+ years of fundraising experience.

Thank you so much to Harvey McKinnon and Harvey McKinnon Associates for generously sponsoring this episode.

We're also so grateful to our producer, Scott Switzer, for making the magic happen.

Thank you for listening! Please join us on Linked In and Instagram. 

If you're interested in fundraising with the Chinese community, this podcast is for you! The donor landscape is changing and fundraisers need to adapt. This episode of Raise & Shine features acclaimed realtor and philanthropist, Edith Chan, as she shares valuable insight about Chinese language, culture and how best to engage members of the Chinese community to make that ask.  Learn practical tips to start fundraising with the Chinese-speaking community or fine-tune what you're already doing.  Gain clarity about Simplified vs. Traditional, WeChat and so much more...

Welcome to Raise & Shine where every episode features a donor's voice - get fundraising insights right from the source. Hear what donors think, feel and say with co-hosts Lynne Boardman and Louise Campbell. Lynne is Managing Director at Harvey McKinnon Associates and Louise is Vice President at Lions Gate Hospital Foundation. Together they have 40+ years of fundraising experience.

Thank you so much to Harvey McKinnon and Harvey McKinnon Associates for generously sponsoring this episode.

We're also so grateful to our producer, Scott Switzer, for making the magic happen.

Thank you for listening! Please join us on Linked In and Instagram. 

Lynne and Louise tap into the insight of their guest Sheilah Henderson - a career fundraiser and now donor - and explore the various qualities that embody great fundraisers and what it takes to be successful. Hear them discuss the best personality traits suited for fundraising, the issue of pre-requisites in job postings, a donor's perspective on the value of the CFRE fundraising credential and much more.

Welcome to Raise & Shine where every episode features a donor's voice - get fundraising insights right from the source. Hear what donors think, feel and say with co-hosts Lynne Boardman and Louise Campbell. Lynne is Managing Director at Harvey McKinnon Associates and Louise is Vice President at Lions Gate Hospital Foundation. Together they have 40+ years of fundraising experience.

Thank you so much to Harvey McKinnon and Harvey McKinnon Associates for generously sponsoring this episode.

We're also so grateful to our producer, Scott Switzer, for making the magic happen.

Thank you for listening! Please join us on Linked In and Instagram.