It's 6:30 am and we are on our way to my daughter's second dance competition or as we like to call it 'the mortgage payment'.
Our children are lucky they have been able to participate in extra-curricular activities despite the fact we have had to re-prioritize our finances. Not every child is so fortunate. My children's school barely has any sports teams and with a community that has 1/3 below the poverty line that leaves a lot of children wanting.
I believe it is our job as a community to help and support each other in hard times not just as parents but as people. I am not saying in a monetary way but to show each other support. After all, financial security is a slippery slope and any one of us could find ourselves needing that same support. Things like keeping our eyes open for potential jobs, clothing exchanges, babysitting, and just being there to listen and support each other. It's during these times we need kindness the most and if we all pitch in we become a stronger community in the end and everyone benefits.
For all of my friends I give you my vow that I will do what I can to help you in whatever way I can. Call me when you need me and i'll be there for you. Every one of you have made me a better person just by knowing you and your friendship means so much to me. May you always have a roof over your head, food on your plate and clothes on your back. And always remember you will have a friend by your side no matter how bumpy the road gets.
This is so very true, and unfortunately I have found that many, many people don't have this frame of mind and could honestly care less outside of the bubble that is their lives.
ReplyDeleteI found this the most when I did my final placement at a community centre in an area of extreme need. My colleague and I reached out to everyone we knew for help -- whether it be their time, clothing and food donations or whatever and the response was less than favourable.
So many people just flat out ignored our pleas for help and some went even so far to verbally express their disinterest to the idea -- whether charity "wasn't their thing" or that "well I'm not poor so why should I help?"
I just found it very shocking as any of us -- ANY OF US -- could be in that position in a moment's notice. And the thing is, it's not even like we're asking for a year of your time or a million dollars. Just giving away material possessions that you don't use makes a world of difference to a family in need.
And yes, this goes with your own friends and family. I am constantly giving away things that I don't need or want anymore or picking up little gifts here and there that I think people will like. These random acts of kindness mean the world to me and everyone would be a better person if they engaged in them.