Introduction

Giving back has been a lifelong journey for me, woven through both small and large acts of service. I often reflect on the summer I turned 16, when I traveled across Ontario, teaching a program called DVBS at local churches in rural communities. This was my first meaningful experience of serving others in a structured way, and it left a lasting impact on me. It was here that I met a three-year-old girl who had just been adopted from Romania. Although we couldn’t speak the same language, she clung to me, seeming to feel safe in my presence. This simple moment sparked a lifelong love for people, cultures, and languages beyond my small-town Canadian experience. In that moment, I became a global citizen—and this is where my journey of giving back began.

Preparing for Sierra Leone

As I prepare for my mission trip to Sierra Leone in March 2025, I’m reflecting on that formative moment and how far this journey has come. Serving others, whether locally or abroad, has been at the heart of who I am and has shaped my leadership, business philosophy, and personal growth. The upcoming trip is more than just a mission—it’s a culmination of over 30 years of learning and growing through service.

In case you missed it, I shared more about why this mission means so much to me and how you can get involved in my previous article (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-slowing-down-giving-back-transforms-us-my-journey-korrie-l-silver-m2xwc/?trackingId=RVl8UsDzQyOpcFU2h6YkgA%3D%3D) on this mission journey. I’m excited to share that within the first 7 days, your support has already made a tremendous impact as we’ve raised 20% of the funds needed to cover the costs of the trip. It’s humbling to see the generosity of so many who have come alongside this mission. I’ll be providing ongoing updates about the preparations, the work we’ll be doing, and our fundraising progress as we get closer to the trip.

The Ripple Effect and Its Monumental Impact

Serving others, both locally and globally, has become a lifestyle for me over the past three decades. What has consistently amazed me is the profound, compound effect of small, everyday acts of service. The connections I’ve made through these actions have not only enriched my life, but they’ve also created a global network that has allowed me to serve clients and colleagues around the world.

From helping a young child in rural Ontario to now guiding women leaders across continents, the ripple effect of my service has had monumental implications for my business as well. Serving with intention and purpose has opened doors for me to work with diverse clients, collaborate with global leaders, and create opportunities that would have never been possible had I not embraced service as a core value in my business.

In my role as a business strategist, I’ve witnessed firsthand how service—whether through mentoring, coaching, or consulting—can build trust and open pathways for growth. The foundation of my success has been rooted in my ability to serve others and truly connect with people from all walks of life. These relationships have enriched my work, helped me understand my clients’ needs on a deeper level, and have opened opportunities for collaboration across industries and borders.

The ripple effect of service has far-reaching consequences. Whether it’s a simple act of kindness or a deeply meaningful service project, every action creates a multiplier effect—affecting not just the individuals involved, but rippling out to influence and inspire a larger community. Service has enriched both my personal life and my business, and I’m deeply grateful for the ways it has allowed me to give back while also growing professionally.

Fundraising Progress Update

As we prepare for this mission, I’m thrilled to announce that we’ve raised 20% of the funds needed to cover the trip. This milestone is a testament to the power of community, and I want to thank everyone who has contributed thus far. Your generosity is helping me make a tangible difference in Sierra Leone, and it’s a reminder of how we can all come together to serve others.

How You Can Get Involved

I invite you to reflect on how you can incorporate giving back into your own life. Whether it’s through supporting this mission or making small, intentional acts of service in your own community, we all have the power to make a difference. As I continue this journey, I’ll be sharing updates and the impact of our work on the ground in Sierra Leone. If you’d like to support the mission or simply want to learn more, feel free to reach out to me.

 

What small acts of service will you commit to this year?

How are you incorporating service into your daily routine? I challenge you to reflect on how you can create your own ripple effect in your community and beyond. If you’d like to connect or learn more about how you can support this mission, schedule a complimentary 15-minute call with me here: Schedule a Call.