Growing up, my parents incorporated charity work into our daily life. My Father and both Grandfathers were members of the Rotary Club and my Mom volunteered her time at the Hospital Auxiliary. Each year, I remember looking forward to the long weekend where my parents would volunteer their time and skills to get a Camp for Youth in Need ready for the Summer. I can still picture sliding down the huge water slide (which was probably about 6 feet tall, you know HUGE).
Changing the World One Person at a Time.
Since losing Alexander, I’ve had a real conscious sense of giving back. The thing is that I didn’t know how to change the world. I mean, I’m a SAHM Mom who doesn’t have a lot of extra time. And, we have a single family income so I felt limited in what I could financially contribute. Then, I realized that I could.
A smile doesn’t cost anything.
Nor does shopping at my non-profit local thrift shop, House of Lazarus. The best part is that the proceeds go towards feeding people in my community.
And, you can’t put a price on the pride that I receive from planting an extra row or two of vegetables in my garden.
But, people can’t live on love alone. That’s why donations and community support organizations are so important. And, I got a chance to experience this first hand. I was fortunate to be a part of something big today.
The United Way Ottawa Campaign Launch
- Terry that gave me an extra slice (or 12) of bacon,
- Clarissa from Youville Centre is living proof that motivation, education and support for young mothers can change lives.
- Carolyn and Kathryn from the Ottawa Network for Education that run a School Breakfast Program that feed 12,000 Ottawa children a nutritious meal every.single.school day.
- Susan from Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend that provides a forum in which people can raise funds for charities and do what they love most at the same time; run,
- Jessica from the Distress Centre that provides a 24-Hour Non-judgemental Confidential Helpline for those in need.
- Corrina from Dress for Success Ottawa that provides professional attire, a network of support and the tools to help women thrive in work and life. This non-profit has 125 offices in 13 countries and Mexico (Mexico City) just happens to be one of them.
- Anna, Jennifer and the gang from the Ottawa Public Library. Did you know that even if you’re a non-resident, you can obtain their services for an annual fee of $50. And, they’re hosting a flash giveaway to WIN 1 of 5 Sony ereaders.
- Cathy that blogs at Cathy Thinking Out Loud who is always helping others. Well, except when she’s coming up with ideas on how to help others.
- Amanda that blogs at The Maven of Mayhem that says it like it is and isn’t fazed by much. Except maybe Tim Hortons that are closed.
- Sarah that blogs at It’s All About Me that volunteers more than she works, supports others more than she volunteers (and she works and volunteers a lot) and gives me hair bun envy.
- Sherrie that blogs at PR Mom Ottawa who is the Queen of Twitter Selfies, has the largest collection of capes (even more than Superman) and might just know everyone in the World (or Ottawa at least).
I wish I’d had more time to learn about and speak with every single company and group associated with the United Way Ottawa because there are more people that want to help. Way more.
I want to be a part of it.
I will be a part of it.
Looking to get involved and help change one of 61,500 peoples lives? Contact Volunteer Ottawa, tell a friend (or two) about how United Way Ottawa is Changing Lives or Donate.
How Are You Going to Change the World?
Disclosure: Journeys of The Zoo was invited to attend this Campaign Launch however, there was no expectation of any promotion.
What a great movement! Totally agree! It all statrts with one person!
yes changing the world starts with one person. I think it’s tremendous that so many people are willing to devote their time and effort to helping others, I take my hat off to everyone of you. A smile a day helps the world go round – amazing how you can brighten up someone’s day with something as simple as that. Or hold a door open for someone or let people cross the road instead of whizzing past them but always remember to acknowledge this and say thank you too.
Was thinking of volunteering at my local food bank now that both my kids are in school full time.
I don’t volunteer anywhere but i should be. One random act of kindess per day I say! Thanks for the post, cheers!
Incredible story, especially involving Ottawa…it is too bad there is no money to get this out to every Canadian who could just give what they could afford
What we are doing to make our world better by shaping the way we volunteer and give our young people the benefit of helping themselves and others by adding credits for service that education requires is going to change us all for the better and people and places everywhere. Great article.
I really believe that we could change the world -one person at a time-if we all did our part. I believe in being courteous and kind to everyone because, as I have told my daughters, we have no idea of how people we meet are feeling. We may be the only person who smiles at them this day. We all wear social masks and a lot of people are, what I call, walking wounded. Thank you very much for this post.
I dont have much time either to volunteer; as I work 2 jobs and one casually… but I do try to make time to do things like donate old clothes – old bridesmaids dresses to a program that gives them to low income families witha girl going to prom/graduation who needs a dress… things like that; on my last holiday to Mexico I volunteered with a local church bringing food and water to some very poor colonias – it was very humbling and rewarding.
My workplace is involved in the United Way campaign every year – I can’t wait to be a part of the excitement!
Unfortunately the library contest ended Sept 18 – but I am at the library every week anyway, buying books from the sale cart which helps them to raise money! Win-Win!!
I also strongly support volunteer work. I volunteer for a kids and teen’s crisis line. United Way is one of their supporters. They do so much for so many people!
Dear Nena,
Thank you so much for giving your time, energy and heart.
Besos, Sarah
Sarah recently posted…Boston Pizza Foundation $5 Kids Cards Are Back! #Charity #Giveaway CAN, 10/10
I donate to United Way every year. I also volunteer locally in Rapid city.
Dear Marnie,
Thank you so much for donating your precious time to those in need. It’s great that the United Way is everywhere.
Besos, Sarah
Sarah recently posted…Boston Pizza Foundation $5 Kids Cards Are Back! #Charity #Giveaway CAN, 10/10
Since my early teens now 56 I have always tried to do at least one good deed per day. As a grandmother of six I have volunteered for Homefront Cancer Services for the past 12 years or more, my children, husbandand grandchildren help out any way they can as well
I love the way the United way gives back to the community.I donate any way I can
What a wonderful organization!
What I do randomly is complement someone daily to put a nice smile on there face, this can include a family member, a friend or a stranger. I think it makes you feel good and also the other person receiving the compliment. That way everyone is happy and happy I like to be. It could also be quite amazing what effect it could possibly have on an individual who may be having a rough day to hear a nice compliment. I wish I had something to give financially wish I had more to offer but since I dont i do this everyday and will continue to do so as long as I can.
Dear Lorraine,
I truly believe that what you’re doing is of great service to the world and those around you. You can check off your list of making someone smile today because you definitely made me smile.
Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your good will.
Besos, Sarah
Sarah recently posted…Boston Pizza Foundation $5 Kids Cards Are Back! #Charity #Giveaway CAN, 10/10
we should try to be a little nicer everyday
This is one of my favorite posts. I have supported a foster child for many years-first a little girl in India for several years, the a boy in Central America for several years; and now a new 8 year old boy in Bolivia who is so cute and looks about six. His favorite thing is soccer-maybe another Pele?
He has such a quizzical look on his young face. I hope my support helps him and his family.
Mostly I practise being kind and considerate of all-sometimes even myself. I don’t always succeed but I don’t intend to give up for so many people need a smile and kind word. I know how a smile can uplift me and I would like others to feel happy as I usually am. i am very lucky to have been born with a happy disposition. One of my daughters is the same. She smiled at a week old and she still smiles all the time.
Dear Elva,
When you smile, the world smiles with you. Please keep on smiling.
Besos Sarah.
Sarah recently posted…Adoption Does Not Define Me #AdoptionAwareness