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giving happiness global impact

Day 16: Socks Anyone?

This GIVE is a team GIVE inspired and supported by my dear friend Mark. Thank you Mark for being so generous – this is your GIVE of the day today!

I was working yesterday at my paying job (event production) at a downtown venue call District 319. This venue is located in a very colourful area of our city – East Hasting. In about a 3 block radius, there is a dense population of homeless people. It’s almost shocking the first time you drive through this area as it so different than any other place in Vancouver.

It was easy to be inspired to GIVE working down here as you could do just about anything, buy someone lunch, give money, give cigarettes is always a big one. Over the years I have volunteered working directly with the homeless and have a good idea of some of their needs especially with the cold weather coming.

In comes my friend Mark who was in visiting from Toronto last week. Mark was planning to help me with shoes for my “Let Your Footprint Live On” GIVE but realized he didn’t have any old shoes here in Vancouver ready for the program. Mark generously went to Sport Check and got a gift certificate to use at my discretion for a GIVE. I knew exactly how I woud spend the money to help a few homeless people on East Hasting.

Day 16 / GIVE 16

Today’s GIVE was simple. I purchased half a dozen pairs of socks and a pair of shoes as gifts for the homeless on Hastings. Two items that are always in need on the street.

Off I went down the street and in about 30 seconds came upon a group of people that were happy to take the items and very grateful.

If you have the chance sometime soon, by a homeless person a coffee and muffin or just say hello. It’s easy to GIVE kindness when someone is having a difficult time in their life. Make it your GIVE one day.

Time Commitment: 20 minutes  Cost: 0 (generous donation)

What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
“Actions really do speak louder than words, which is why I believe the 365give Challenge has resonated throughout my community. Every give we do is so important to us and leaves us happier and appreciating our lives a little bit more than before.”
Mahina Niyozova (Tajikistan)
“After watching the 365give TEDx Talk, I was inspired to join and begin a daily giving program in India. Today, along with 12 other volunteer women, we provide 100 meals to local underprivileged children in Bangalore for school every day.”
Deepika Ahuja, Mom (Bangalore, India)
“My life has greater meaning now.”
Renate Jorge, @BeKindBrazil and 365give Member, Family Program (Brazil)
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MayLee, 365give Member, Individual Program
“This 365give Challenge has really injected excitement and extra enthusiasm in each work day as I think about what we can do. It has motivated me and the students.”
Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)