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Day 70: A Box Full of Joy

I have discovered after blogging for 70 days, that the holiday season is the easiest time to GIVE. Opportunities are everywhere to GIVE that are low or no cost. It’s a great way to teach our children the true meaning of giving. Our family home is located near a remarkable Community Center that we use for children’s programs, swimming, child care and even a health club for me! We have a great sense of community at the club and you have a chance to meet people from all walks of life both young and the elderly.

There is a large Christmas Tree and a large Menorah in the huge center hall of the club so we are able to celebrate which ever holiday is appropriate for our families. The staff at the club are always terrific at taking advantage of many opportunities to GIVE to organizations that support our community.  Every year they coordinate a food drive around the base of Christmas Tree to make it easy for us all to GIVE over the holiday season no matter what religion, cultural background, or beliefs you may embrace.

Day 70: GIVE 70

Nicolas donating to the Food Bank

I would feel odd not doing this GIVE as it is both convenient and something our entire community participates in.  My greatest challenge to remember to put it on my grocery list and then remembering again to bring it with us to the Center one day.

My son and I purchased two jars of peanut butter for the local Food Bank drive this week. All I have to do is remember to bring it to the Community Center with us today and have Nicolas drop it into the boxes. Some days that is the hardest part as a Mom, remembering all the things we need to get done!

I discovered while doing my research for this post today, were the actual needs of  Greater Vancouver Food Bank.  I was instantly updated on some of those essential needs from their website. They were specifically requesting canned meat / fish, whole wheat pasta / rice and fruit and vegetables. Back into my cupboards I went to see if I could help a little more.

3 cans of tuna
1 can of fruit and
1 can of tomatoes
2 jars of peanut butter

These items would fit the bill nicely for our donation.

The Food bank is a huge resource for so many. They support individuals and families weekly with the food that is donated to them through different community events and personal donations.  I always like to see what an organization is about and what their mission to help others:

“The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society (GVFBS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing food and related assistance to those in need. The GVFBS collects and distributes food for up to 25‚000 people weekly through 15 food depots and over 100 community agencies located in Vancouver‚ Burnaby‚ New Westminster and the North Shore. THE GVFBS does not receive government funding and relies solely on the generosity of individuals and organizations willing to donate funds‚ food and time.”

That’s a lot of hungry people in our beautiful city and most of the cities across Canada as the Food Bank is a nationwide organization. We may be a wealthy country in comparison to other places around the world, but there is always a local need for assistance. There are times in our lives we all could use a little extra help and food is a basic life necessity we all should all have access to.

For those of us that have extra food in our cupboards, whether it’s one can or a bag full,  take the time to stop by your local community center, your grocery store (many have collection boxes as you leave) or your local Food Bank directly .

Let’s make sure no one goes hungry this holiday season.

Time Commitment: 2 minutes

Cost: $10 in food items

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)