Finding His Calling
Darcy never pictured himself working in the nonprofit world. He remembers being surprised to learn that leprosy still exists. “I didn’t even know it was still around,” he admits.
Yet, what truly drew him in was the faith. “Meeting the team, seeing their kindness and passion — it felt genuine. I’d never worked in a Christian organization before, and this felt like a practical way to live out my faith every day.”
Taking the Leap
After receiving the job offer, he wasn’t sure what to expect. “I thought, maybe I’ll give it two years and see if it sticks,” he recalls. “That was almost seven years ago.”
He laughs, remembering how quickly he felt at home. “Once I met the people in the office, I could picture myself working with them. Everyone was so smart, so committed to serving God by serving others. I didn’t have much experience in fundraising, but they took a chance on me, and I was eager to learn.”
Working in a small organization turned out to be a gift. “You learn a little bit of everything,” Darcy says. “I love collaborating with the marketing team or chatting with our international programs staff. There’s so much opportunity to grow.”
A Role Rooted in Connection
As a Major Gifts Officer, Darcy’s work is all about people. He spends his days getting to know donors — learning what moves them, what they care about, and how they want to make a difference. “My job is to connect people’s passions with impact,” he explains. “To help them see how their generosity changes lives. If someone is passionate about supporting nurses or medical care, I find opportunities for them to give where their heart is,” he says. “It’s all relationship‑building.”
No two days look the same. One morning might start with thank‑you calls and handwritten notes. “My wife teases me that I’m writing to my pen pals,” he laughs. “But a handwritten note goes a long way.” The next day could involve planning donor visits or reviewing updates from the field. While often on the road, he visits donors across cities and provinces. “Face-to-face meetings are the best,” he says. “People welcome me into their homes, offer coffee or baked goods, and share stories about their families. That trust means everything.”
The Heart of Relationship‑Building
Darcy believes that genuine relationships are the foundation of fundraising. “People are often surprised when I call and don’t ask for anything,” he says. “I just want to check in, see how they’re doing, and let them know how much they’re appreciated.”
Some of those relationships have spanned years. “There are people I first called back in 2020 when we were all stuck at home,” he says. “Now we catch up over coffee, and they tell me about their families — a new grandchild, a niece’s baby.
He sees himself as a bridge — connecting donors to the stories of people whose lives are transformed through their gifts. “When you support an organization, you want to know your money is being used well,” he says. “My role is to put a human face to that impact.”
A Mission That Connects Generations
Darcy’s inspired by the loyalty and diversity of Effect Hope’s donors. “We have people who’ve been with us for decades — some since before I was born,” he says. “And every year, new people join. There’s something magnetic about this mission.”
He’s seen the work resonate across generations. “I’ve spoken at seniors’ luncheons where people ask incredible questions, and I’ve met teenagers who tap their debit cards to donate. This is work that connects 80‑year‑olds and 17‑year‑olds alike.”
Lessons in Generosity
Working with donors has changed Darcy’s perspective on giving. “I’m constantly in awe of people’s generosity,” he reflects. “It makes me think about my own life and how blessed we are. Seeing how deeply people care — it’s inspiring.”
Darcy recalls one event that perfectly captured the spirit of Effect Hope’s donors. “A couple came up after hearing about our work and decided to give several thousand dollars,” he says. “Then, moments later, a man who was visually impaired dropped a single coin into the donation box — everything he had. Both gifts meant the same thing. They came from the heart.”
He’s seen countless gestures like that — donors giving inheritances, giving out of unexpected funds, or sharing what they have because they believe in the mission. “Every dollar makes a difference,” Darcy says. “And I know God sees that generosity as something precious.”
A Message to Our Donors
Darcy’s gratitude runs deep. “I just want every donor to know that regardless of the size of your gift, it all makes a difference,” he says. “Every time you give, you’re restoring a life, a family, a community. The act of your generosity has more power than you realize.”
He pauses, then adds softly, “You’re partners in this work — more important to it than I am. And I thank God for you.”
