Doris Olafsen: A Life Defined by Joyful Living and Joyful Giving
Meet Doris Olafsen, a true example of the transformative force of philanthropy. Her journey from modest beginnings to becoming the founder and director of DO Philanthropy Inc. is nothing short of inspiring.
Doris’s upbringing was marked by the lessons of generosity and community support. Raised by her single mother, she experienced firsthand how the kindness of others could make a significant difference in the lives of those in need. However, her most profound awakening occurred when she and her husband, Ray, embarked on a faith journey rooted in the belief of being "blessed to be a blessing." One story that would influence them early on was that of R. G. LeTourneau, renowned for his commitment to giving back. He chose early in his career to donate 90% of his income and live on 10%, a concept that deeply resonated with Doris and her husband. Together, they set a remarkable goal—to eventually tithe to the point of living on 50% of their income and dedicate the other half to charitable giving.
Doris is a visionary, gifted with the ability to dream alongside others and believe in the seemingly impossible. Her career path, much like a rocket's curved trajectory into space, was anything but linear. However, every step was interconnected by her vision of transformation, giving, and unwavering faith. Her journey took her from working as an EMT to an auto wrecker with a unique mission—rebuilding cars for missionaries, pastors, and students. Little did she anticipate that this path would lead her from missions to the campus of Trinity Western University (TWU). Serving in several roles from receptionist at the affiliate college, Northwest Baptist to being seconded to Spartan Athletics and eventually to the TWU development department. Doris was the first woman to be promoted into a senior executive role at TWU as the VP for Alumni, Development & Communication.
During her tenure, Doris worked alongside a dedicated team that witnessed a succession of remarkable events. These ranged from the initial transformative $750,000 multi-year commitment to support the university's operations to a historic Supreme Court ruling affirming the competence of graduates from the joint TWU-SFU teacher education program as public school teachers. Additionally, one particularly extraordinary and unforeseen moment occurred during a fundraising event in Edmonton. A gentleman in attendance wrote on his dinner napkin a heartfelt pledge to donate 77 acres of land on Salt Spring Island to TWU, eventually becoming the renowned TWU's Crow's Nest Ecological Research Area. Her time at TWU impacted not only her personal but professional life, as she participated and graduated with distinction from the master’s in leadership program.
Above all her experiences on campus, whether it was leading a monumental capital campaign or participating in the creation of a new vision for a generous donor, nothing would leave a deeper impact on her than when an alumna approached her, requesting assistance with a mission trip to Cambodia organized by Samaritan's Purse. Their objective was twofold: to visit TWU alumni who were actively engaged in Cambodia and to distribute shoeboxes on behalf of Samaritan's Purse. This expedition would turn out to be a gateway that would lead her to serve with an international grassroots organization dedicated to combating chronic poverty through the transformative mechanism of microenterprise development, subsequently recognized as microfinance, and today referred to as financial inclusion.
Over the next 17 years, Doris witnessed the incredible power of generosity firsthand. She connected generous Canadians with entrepreneurial women around the world that were working their way out of poverty.
Doris and Ray remained committed to their dream, ultimately deciding to give 40% of their income, renewing this commitment bi-annually. Tragically, Ray's battle with cancer ended in 2017, but his legacy lived on through the "Joyful Living Joyful Giving" foundation.
Unfortunately, in early 2016 Ray was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer, From the moment of his diagnosis until the day Ray was called home, he spent all his time sharing his dream about living a generous & joyful life. He loved well and was well loved. At 9am Monday, October 23rd, 2017, Ray & Doris received a phone call from their lawyer that their family foundation, “Joyful Living Joyful Giving” had been granted charitable status. Ray’s dream had reached its ultimate fulfilment at 6:58pm that same day Ray crossed over the threshold from this life to the next. His life mission was complete.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Doris received a new calling—to share not only her financial blessings but also her fundraising expertise. On February 14, 2022 (her wedding anniversary), DO Philanthropy Inc. was founded. This next step symbolized the partnership that she had in her marriage to be a “giver” for her whole life. It was the continuation of a shared dream.
DO Philanthropy Inc. believes that well-executed giving is just as important as gracious receiving. Whether it's individuals optimizing their charitable donations, charities enhancing their impact, or dreamers striving to change the world, DO Philanthropy is there to make giving truly great. Doris firmly believes that everything in philanthropy is connected to relationships. These personal connections drive change and progress in the world of giving. Doris Olafsen's philanthropic journey is a testament to the incredible power of generosity and faith. From her modest beginnings to her extraordinary career, she consistently demonstrated the ability to transform lives and communities through giving. As the founder and director of DO Philanthropy Inc., she continues to inspire others to join her in making a positive impact on the world. Doris Olafsen is undeniably a leader in the field of philanthropy, and her legacy of generosity will undoubtedly continue to change lives for generations to come.