Column: What does it mean to give?

I have been asked why I give to United Way.

My response to my fellow entrepreneurs, family and friends is that the city we live in is similar to a business. The most successful businesses reinvest money and time back into the business. So, as good citizens it would only make sense that we invest back into our community with our time and money.

If every citizen were to give, our community would become stronger. It would help reduce or eliminate hunger, improve health care, provide guidance to our children and youth, support the elderly and those with disabilities, and help get people off of the streets and into their own homes.

By giving, our community would become safer. It becomes a greater place to live and raise a family or start a business.

By giving, our community would become healthier. It would attract the best doctors and health services so that when our family, friends and colleagues get sick, they get the best care available.

By giving, our community becomes more resourceful. It ensures we have a great network of resources to help anyone in need, including our parents as they age, families who have family members with disabilities and so many others.

I give for all of these reasons, but most importantly, because I want to make a difference. I care about my community, the place I was raised, where I raise my family and where I call home. Help United Way Sudbury and Nipissing Districts make a difference — change starts with you.

Mike Dibrina is the chair of the 2014 United Way campaign and the president of DiBrina Sure Financial Group Inc.