I don’t often get personal in my posts, but today, I will. Disclaimer: my son, Sebastian, has given me permission to talk about him and his ADHD and ASD. In his words, ‘That’s just facts.’
Back in 2011, I wrote a blog post called Mom, I Want to Be a Fundraiser! In it, I shared my vision for a future where young people don’t just stumble into fundraising like so many of us did but actually choose it as a career. Since then, I’ve worked to help make that vision a reality: raising awareness, promoting educational pathways, and encouraging aspiring fundraisers to see it as a legitimate profession. Around that time, we also launched Youth in Philanthropy, a task force at the Association of Fundraising Professionals Vancouver, to inspire the next generation to explore fundraising as an intentional career path.
And now, in the most unexpected (but completely awesome) way, that vision has come full circle in my own family.
Sebastian has always navigated challenges with traditional academics due to his ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). He gave college a real shot, attending two institutions in BC, but even with accessibility programs, the support wasn’t enough. It was frustrating to see a system that promotes inclusion yet often fails to meet the needs of neurodiverse students. The reality is that many, like Sebastian, require alternative approaches to education that truly support their strengths and challenges.
Then came fundraising.
Over the years, I’ve brought him to events, where he’s met fundraisers in my network. He loved the energy, the idea of getting out there, connecting with people, and making a real impact. (Also, if you ever need an in-depth breakdown of NBA stats, trade rumours, or why that play actually changed the game, Sebastian’s your guy. You’ll never watch basketball the same way again.)
The other day, he casually mentioned he had an interview for a face-to-face fundraising job. Oh boy, I thought. That’s a tough gig. Canvassing for donations takes resilience. It’s a grind, full of rejection, long days, and unpredictable outcomes. Well, he got the job!
That first week? Brutal. No monthly donors. I wondered how he’d handle it. But by the second week, he was on a road trip across Vancouver Island, and ended up as the top earner of the day!
I always tell people trying to break into fundraising: get a job on the frontlines. If you can prove you can raise money, doors will open for you. Education is important, but not everyone thrives in a formal academic setting. Fundraising is one of those rare professions where passion and experience can matter just as much if not more than a degree. I still maintain that the perfect combination is learning while doing. There are many excellent educational opportunities available to help you advance your education and professional development. You can find a variety of these options on the Phil’sJobs resource page.
I couldn’t be prouder of Sebastian for jumping into this world. Who knows where it will take him? But for now, I’m just excited to welcome him into the profession and cheer him on.
And hey, if he knocks on your door asking for a donation to WWF, UNICEF, BCCHF, or whatever cause he’s championing that day, be kind! These fundraisers are doing the tough, often underappreciated work of building relationships that charities rely on for years to come.
Welcome to fundraising, Seb!