Sometimes I wonder what the world has in store for our kids. What kind of world will it be when they grow up? Will they have compassion and understanding of the world they are living in? Will the world be treat them with dignity and respect that we all hope for and vice-versa? Will they have passion in whatever they chose to do? Will they be successful? But how do we define successful?
While my kids may still be young, I often reflect on myself …do I set a good example for them and for the future?
While my “mother bear” instincts kick in naturally to want to shelter my kids from doom and gloom, there are times that discussion and understanding comes into play. When growing up in the city my dad always taught me that each person is a human being…each person has a story and we respected that. It wasn’t just a holiday thing to give to charities. It was an ongoing support of the community we lived in no matter how big or small. He also taught me that it’s not just about giving… but doing.
So, while I’m trying to live by example, it was heartwarming to learn about two teens in North Vancouver who have committed themselves to serving their community.
Lindsay Rideout and Chloe Noel are grade 12 students who are passionate about getting involved with the homeless community in Vancouver. Each Tuesday night, they volunteer serving meals at the shelter and got to know some of the people who are in need of the service.
They also learned about an organization called Hope in Shadows that focuses on Vancouver’s impoverished downtown eastside. Their main project each year is a photography contest and calendar created and coordinated by the Pivot Legal Society. This contest gives low-income residents of the community an opportunity to take photos sharing what the community means to them. Of the hundreds of photos taken, 40 are selected to go into an exhibition and 12 are then featured in a calendar that is sold by community members. Selling the calendar is not only a way to create profit, but a more dignified, meaningful way of employment for residents.
Lindsay and Chloe became passionate about the project when they learned about it through their Social Justice class at school. They wanted to get more involved by expanding the project to other communities. An opportunity came up through a contest by Free The Children and TELUS. Kids across Canada submitted their video ideas on how they are making a difference with a local charity of choice. Lindsay and Chloe’s entry with Hope in Shadows was recently announced as the winner of the competition with $20,000 donation to Hope in Shadows to make their charitable dream of action come true.
Here is their winning video entry submission…
The competition for this contest must have been fierce! Link here at www.telusforweday.com to see a few of the other inspirational entries submitted by kids across Canada. As well, find out just how Craig Kielburger and the judging panel decided on the final winner. Must have been a tough job!
Congrats to all the kids who are making a difference – big or small!
OK, now I’m crying! So incredible.