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giving happiness global impact

Day 127: The Weather Outside is Frightful…

Winter is almost over here in Vancouver but the rest of Canada is getting slammed with a winter storm. We have even had a cold spell here in Vancouver with temperatures dipping below 0 for the past few nights. My son has been wearing all his winter gear including his winter coat, gloves, hats and boots. I feel very fortunate I am able to provide these items for my son.

Vancouver is not known for it’s snow but we are known for our cold damp rainy days that chill you to the bone. It makes me think about all the people that live out on the street and how they make it through the cold nights.

Vancouver has an a unique area called East Hastings. It’s home to many of our homeless. They gather and live in a 4 block radius on the street. It’s a bit shocking the first time you see it, as many of the people are suffering from addictions and mental illness. You wonder what their story is and how they got there.

Give 127 : Day 127

Today I have to go “over the bridge” which is the term used for Lions Gate Bridge. My son and I were taking my husband for his birthday lunch. Instead of just thinking about the homeless people and how they get through the cold nights I decided to do something about it. We have a local Salvation Army Thrift Store just down the road and a quick trip in yesterday had me prepared with a hat, scarf, gloves and clean fresh socks that will help keep at least one person a little warmer on the streets tonight.

It wasn’t hard to find a person that would be happy to take the warm items. It was harder not to get a line of people wanted the gift.

It takes just a few minutes to hep a person living on the street. I wasn’t enabling a person but instead giving them a gift from my heart. It is going to be brutally cold and snowy in many parts of our country over the coming weeks. The next time you have the opportunity, stop and help. A hot cup of coffee and muffin will go a long way to helping a person sitting on a wet cold sidewalk. You don’t even have to buy anything. Dig into your closest and find an old blanket, a pair of gloves, even dry socks help. It will change one person’s life for a moment and show the compassion we all have in our hearts.

Time Commitment: 15 minutes

Cost: $10.00

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)
“I just wanted to share that 365give really helped me. I am a better person now, thank you.”
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)