My challenge to Beyond members

[picmerollin]

I hosted a Christmas party (ugly sweater competition) and requested everyone bring a food back donation - hauled in ~ 100 lbs of non perishables. The idea was very well received by our guests.

[Freeskier]

Well said Kloubek. People definitely don't understand the issues behind homelessness and addiction and write the less fortunate off as drunks who just need to get a job.

I'll accept your challenge. Just got off the phone with a lifeguard friend of mine, gonna go volunteer with a program that teaches swimming to mentally handicapped kids from low income homes.

[Hakkola]

Originally posted by adidas
Would anyone be up for a beyond group volunteer session at the mustard seed/drop in center?

It would be nice to go during the xmas break from school.

I've never done anything like that but I've thought about it, I might be down.

[gts_gurl]

My family has adopted families in the past for Christmas, and it turned out to be a scam - the family was no way in need of anything, just used it as an easy way to get free stuff.

So this year, I researched and researched until I found a legit agency that actually screens their families and are in fact, people in need. This was the only place I found that you could buy and wrap presents from "Santa", as well as get them gift cards for groceries, which I love because it seems so much more personal.

I had my parents, a few of my parent's neighbours, work and my boyfriend and I all adopt a different family. Drop off is this Thursday, and I'm pretty excited that 6 families will have Christmas this year.

This was the agency if anyone is interested.
http://necaafs.com/programs/christmas.asp

[Ven]

Usually the wife and I give work boots, or work jackets to guys who are making progress at the Drop In Centre.

I have a friend who's worked at the DI for years and get a lot of information about it from him. There's a lot of people on here who could use a dose of reality as to why people can get into those situations. Get out of your comfort zone, help, learn.

[Kritafo]

My family and I give all year long. My husband's step-brother is mentally and physically handicap. He is one step away from the homeless shelter, and was lucky to get into a building near Chinook Centre through a city program. Someone took advantage of him and left him nearly nothing in an apt they shared. He is on AISH, but I can say he barely gets by it's hard. He doesn't really work well with others and has anger issues which prevents him from being employeed long. But honestly they government just cuts back on his disability as soon as he earns. Through my BIL I have met a number of street characters he is friends with. Through kijiji, freecycle and our own pocket we pickup buy, deliver items that he needs himself and others are in need of. My BIL is giving to a fault. If one of his friends moves into a Rent Controlled building he will give his furniture knowing I will do everything in my power to get him more. I often laugh when I read stories on here about the homeless or people begging for change wondering if it's someone I know or even my BIL. He just gifted nearly all his pots and pans to a friend just starting out I am on the hunt for pots and pans if anyone is getting new ones for Christmas. I try to not spend too much money on items as so many people throw away. We try to keep the money aside for new coats and boots and shoes and things he would never normally buy for himself because of the cost. Congrats to everyone for trying to make a difference it is an important life lesson for our children and for our peers. Being aware of others that go without. Listen to their stories, they are incredible.

[CUG]

I'm editing papers for some first years...

[Guillermo]

Originally posted by CUG
I'm editing papers for some first years...

wow dude, that's just cruel, especially at this time of year

[austic]

I helped organize a casual dress week at work for my department. gathered $1000 in donations that is going to the Children's Cottage Society.

[SlickA70]

I've basically sold everyone in that photo a phone lol.

Its been a while since I did some sort of charity, might be good to start up again.

[Mar]

I would love to do something like this, was it a special Christmas meal or just ordinary? Do I just go in there and ask how I can help?

[LollerBrader]

Originally posted by Kloubek

So anyway, my challenge to each and every one of you reading this is to do something that is outside your normal comfort zone for the needy.

What a wonderful "challenge". I will take you up on it and look for the opportunity to do a good deed that I may not normally.

Kudos, Kloubek.

[Kloubek]

Originally posted by Mar
I would love to do something like this, was it a special Christmas meal or just ordinary? Do I just go in there and ask how I can help?

This particular dinner was put on via a woman who lost her husband - and it was his dream to sponsor a meal like this. It was 50/50 her and her family, and the parrish. (I will add that I am not at all religous - but it didn't have a bearing on my willingness to help)

It was certainly Christmas themed - but may just have been the time of year. My understanding is that they offer meals regularly. I'm sure if you contact St. Mary's parrish that they will be happy to have you help out some time soon.

[Mar]

Originally posted by Kloubek
It was certainly Christmas themed - but may just have been the time of year. My understanding is that they offer meals regularly. I'm sure if you contact St. Mary's parrish that they will be happy to have you help out some time soon.

So do I ask the parish or the homeless centre?

We should have a mega thread where people post their random good deeds. If a good deed gets enough positive response, user rating is offered as a reward.

[HyperZell]

What might be a good idea, for next year, is a Beyond charity drive. We could, as a group, either collect food or money or maybe even pick a day and all go to an organization like Operation Christmas Child and help out. It would be great exposure for the community and a chance for us to get together. Plus, when you have friends doing the same thing, you're more likely to contribute...I think it could be a big thing. What are your thoughts, guys?

[Artega]

I am running a marathon and raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. I have a personal connection with Leukemia and I want to channel my efforts to help those struggling with blood cancer.

We each have something we strongly believes and I think it's great for the OP to raise awareness and challenge this community to do better.

Shameless plug:

If you know anyone who has been afflicted with Blood Cancer or you wants to show your support to those who are fighting to find a cure, please give generously to the link below. Your donation will go to help researchers and support staff to help families who are battling Leukemia, Lymphoma and other blood cancers.

[Kloubek]

Originally posted by Mar

So do I ask the parish or the homeless centre?

We should have a mega thread where people post their random good deeds. If a good deed gets enough positive response, user rating is offered as a reward.

Contact the Parrish. I don't think it is a homeless centre, per sec.

I did my good deed. Do I get a user increase even though I spent no money except for gas to get there? Come on Kenny/Rage... hook a brother up.

Originally posted by HyperZell
What might be a good idea, for next year, is a Beyond charity drive. We could, as a group, either collect food or money or maybe even pick a day and all go to an organization like Operation Christmas Child and help out. It would be great exposure for the community and a chance for us to get together. Plus, when you have friends doing the same thing, you're more likely to contribute...I think it could be a big thing. What are your thoughts, guys?

I think this is a great idea - and really hope our members would support it. Of course, you'll get people saying that other charities are more worthy - but which one we attend could be voted on.

[mugensix]

a fellow co-worker and i donated a combined $500 dollars in cash, 2 NDS's and a bunch of clothing/misc toys to the Adopt a family. The children had the NDS'S on the list and i figure even though i dont celebrate Christmas, its for a good cause!

[jdmXSI]

On Friday I helped stuff 3 MINI's with over $5000 greatfully donated by Crowfoot Sport Check which will be going to the Sherif King Home and the YWCA. I don't think that would have been possible if Kool 101.5 didnt have the airtime and the continous contributions from the MINI Club of Calgary. Here a couple pics:










On a side note, every pay cheque I've been buying some "warm" clothes With the intention to give them to homeless people. Does anyone have any recommendations where or to whom I should give them to?

[JRSC00LUDE]

Originally posted by Modelexis
Some broke asshole helped himself to my GPS and a pair of shoes in my trunk last night, you're welcome!

His parents likely never spanked him as a child.

Nice thread Kloubek, you're a better man than I.