Erin Davis
Why Volunteering is the Lifeblood of a Community
Erin Davis is a familiar name in Toronto and York Region. She has appeared on TV, and most notably, co-hosts an early morning radio show with Mike Cooper on 98.1 CHFI. She is also a dedicated volunteer, especially on behalf of the MSH Foundation. HL recently met with Erin to find out why volunteering is so important to her and why she thinks anyone can – and should – get involved.
By her own admission, Erin Davis has it all. “I live a wonderful life. I’ve been blessed with a great family and an incredible job that I love. I also believe strongly in the attitude that from those to whom much has been given, much is expected. I’ve always been about paying it forward.”
And paying it forward is what Erin does in a big way. In November of this year, she will again take part in the Celebration of Hope which raises money for Markham Stouffville Hospital’s mammography unit, and again in 2010 she will host the Gala for the MSH Foundation. She also supports the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation in York Region and works with several other charities.
Why does she get so involved?
“When I lived in Richmond Hill, I became aware of the changing role of community. For a long time, Canadians have been under the illusion that the government would pay for everything. We pay our taxes, so the government will supply all of the equipment and facilities we need, when we need them. Finally, we are becoming aware that we don’t have this security blanket of 100% healthcare. If we want it there when we need it, it’s up to us.”
Why is she involved with the MSH Foundation in particular?
“Because of the good it does and the fact that the whole Markham community responds to it so well. Just look at how much money the last gala made. At a time when most other fundraisers are significantly down, they held their own. That speaks volumes about the local community and how much they care about their healthcare facilities and MSH. They know that if the Foundation is going to be there when it’s needed, they must step forward. And they’ve done that. That’s remarkable, and it’s great to be involved with an organization with so much power behind it.”
How comfortable is she with the celebrity aspect of her charity work?
“If the fact that some people recognize my name sells some more tickets or helps to promote an event, it’s an honour and a responsibility. Especially in these tougher times, there’s so much fundraising work to do, pleading and cajoling people to separate themselves from their money. I have an immense amount of respect for the time and effort that so many good people put into the Foundation and its work.”
Clearly, Erin Davis has given a lot to the Foundation in terms of time and support, but what has she herself learned from the experience? “I’ve been amazed at the Foundation’s success in getting people to give, not only in these hard times in 2009, but the fact that, for example, year after year they get Don Valley North Toyota and the York Region Toyota Group to give a vehicle to be raffled. When you can get a car dealership to give a $20,000 vehicle for a fundraiser, that’s incredible.
“I’ve also learned that the hospital is more than the building itself. It’s the people, it’s the Foundation, and if you have enough like-minded, dedicated, generous and selfless people involved, success is guaranteed.”
Well-known personalities such as Erin Davis can be inundated with charitable requests, and with a family and a career to attend to as well, balance is the key. Maintaining that balance can be difficult, even for women who appear as calm and organized as Erin Davis.
“At the end of last year, I got really burned out to the point that I was going to a naturopath and getting vitamin IVs twice a week just to keep going. I had to pull back, say ‘no’ more often and prioritise my life a bit more. It’s a matter of family, job and then anything else I can do. It was a difficult decision, but a worthwhile one. If you can maintain a balance between requests to do things and keeping your own batteries charged, then go for it and do all the good
you can.”
Is there a typical Erin Davis day?
“Weekdays I’m up at 4am and out of the house by 4:50. I live close to the radio station and I’m on the air at 5am for four hours. Then there’s a post-show meeting, and three days a week a trip to the gym. Twice a week, I’ll have a speaking engagement, MC an event or do some charitable work. I have an afternoon nap most days to make sure I can stay up until at least 10pm to spend time with my husband and daughter.
“On Fridays,” she adds, “we leave at 10am sharp for the cottage. To live and work in Toronto, and then to be able to escape to the cottage as well, is truly the best of both worlds.”
Erin attributes much of her success to her husband, Rob. “Rob keeps me organized. He’s been my partner for life for the past 21 years. He makes sure, as he puts it, that I show up and shine. He decided many years ago that that was going to be his career. It’s a complete partnership and I could not do this life without him.”
So how did she get involved in radio?
“I was 17, nearly finished Grade 13 and didn’t know what I wanted to do. On Careers Day, the two speeches I wanted to hear were booked so I ended up listening to a professor talk about radio. From that moment, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I enrolled in the course in September and I was on the air professionally by November.”
TV or radio – which does she prefer? There is no hesitation. “Radio,” she says, “for its immediacy and intimacy. When it’s done, it’s done. There’s no going back. Radio is a tightwire without a net, and it’s absolutely what I love.”
Of course, volunteering is also dear to Erin’s heart. “Volunteering is the price you pay for the space you take up on earth. That’s one of many favorite quotes. We all have this responsibility.”
What advice does she offer people thinking of volunteering, but not sure if it’s for them?
“No matter what your talents, there is always a use for what you can do. It may be something behind the scenes, on the front line or taking part in a walk. Whatever you’re good at or whatever you’re interested in, just get out there and do it.
“I ask anyone reading this – what have you done to help out your hospital? What can you do?”
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
