Skip to main content

What it’s like, when #kindnessislouder


I have had the most extraordinary month.  I have not worked this hard, this many hours since I was 30 years old – and yet I feel invigorated. 

I was one of nearly 6,000 volunteers helping clothe Syrian refugees coming to the GTA.  While I participated as one of the drivers of the cause, I have never witnessed the level of empowerment all volunteers felt and acted on to drive this cause forward.

In just four weeks, we went from zero to:
  •  Over 30, 000 articles of clothing.
  • Nearly 6,000 active volunteers from getting the word out, donating clothing, to sorting, cleaning, inventory and various business services – there was no ego in this giving.
  • More than 20 media spots through TV, radio, print and internet news.
  • All of the infrastructure required to support a cause of this magnitude.
  • A free storefront open for business, where families can shop for their own clothing in privacy.
  • Over 60 people with starting wardrobes, ready to integrate into their new communities.
  • Thousands of hearts expanded as the spirit of compassion and kindness invaded all.





I experienced what it is like to walk into a room of people, work side by side without ever asking or knowing what they do for a living, their economic status, level of education, or their religious or political beliefs.  All we knew for sure is that we each cared and had a driving need to help other humans just because it was the right thing to do.

I know what it is like to have my 11-year-old daughter sacrifice time with her Mom, and be ok with it because “I admire what you and your friends are doing to help people”. 

I know what it is like to have my husband pick-up the slack at home, accept parking on the street as bins of clothing took up residence in our garage – because he too believes in giving and helping others when we have enough.

I know what it is like to have my 8-year-old son (who likes to sleep in) get up early with his Dad on a Saturday because he didn’t have a chance that last day or in the next to spend time with his Mom.

I know what it is like to feel we have made a small difference for people coming to a new country, searching for a way to make a life and feel they are safe, welcome and belong. 

And lastly, I know that when I look back on this time from my own finish line, history will tell the story of how we got it right this time.


Bless you all!!
www.theclothingdrive.org #theclothingdrive #kidsCARE
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Depression Lies

Depression lies to us about who we are.   It tricks us into believing negative self-talk, and then tries to make us too tired to fight back.   It makes our bodies ache to discourage the physical activity that would create endorphins so needed to quiet the negative noise.   Depression may tell us to either starve or over-feed our bodies, both attempts to skew our self-image. Depression lies to us, and sometimes we listen. I know depression.   I used to be afraid to admit our acquaintance.   In my 20s it would visit infrequently.     I called it something else until I met it more often and our relationship grew. In my early 30s it was called S.A.D. (Seasonal Affected Disorder).   Turns out my body likes sunshine.   Once I left my retail travel career with 4 Caribbean jaunts each winter, my Doctor noticed a pattern of symptoms and a subsequent treatment plan was initiated.   In my late 30s we became intimately acquainted, after ea...
Post a Comment
Read more

What do you do?

Preparing for my participation in the Refresh 2013 event, I kept thinking about the pivotal time in my life when a series of events forced me to refresh my goals and self image.  This story of my reinvention adventure was published in Chicken Soup, Finding Your Happiness .    What Do You Do? by Sheri Gammon Dewling “We think she has pneumonia again – you need to come get her,” said the Daycare provider who was caring for my eighteen month old daughter.   “I’m on my way, “I assured her and turned back to my computer screen.   Staring back at me was an incomplete sales proposal I was preparing for an upcoming pitch.   My first thought was, “come on ... how am I going to get this proposal done in time”. I got in the car and tears rolled down my face when I realised how wrong I was.   My baby was sick again and she needed me.   It was the second time she had pneumonia in two months, after six months of ear infections, high fevers and a per...
1 comment
Read more

A Mother's Circle of Life Love Song

What does a writer do with strong feelings .....write.  A tribute to my Mum. A Mother’s Circle of Life Love Song  ~ Sheri Gammon Dewling ~ Good night sweet girl, Mum said as she tucked me in each night. May my loving arms enfold you and protect you from the fright. I know you like to be awake and join in all the fun. Now it’s time for you to sleep. Tomorrow will soon come. Bless your heart, Mum told me as I learned, fell down and grew. May you face each day with kindness and continue to be true. I know the right decision isn’t always plain to know. Now it’s time for you to lead.   I’m proud to watch you grow. Good night sweet girl, I told her, as I watched her body fail. May the love of family guide you as your spirit starts to sail. I know you cherished life on earth, where your joy has always played. Now it’s time for you to sleep – no need to be afraid. Bless your heart, I said to her, as she took her last, slow breaths. ...
Post a Comment
Read more