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Patricia Sands

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New Circles

A meaningful message from Thailand and other thoughts on giving …

December 18, 2013 by Patricia Sands 8 Comments

My friend Susan Baldwin Mayfield posted this on Facebook. If you have not already watched this brief video, please do. The message is strong, touching and a good reminder to each one of us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS_EqmoRvns

Really, how much effort does it take for us to be kind to each other, no matter what the circumstances?

My friend, Amber West, talented author of The Ruth Valley Missing, started a #GoWithout Movement on her blog some time ago. This video reminded me it was time to get involved again.

Last weekend, The Adorables (our youngest grandchildren ages 4 and 5) were here for a sleepover with Nana. (My husband was away.) First they unpacked and set up part of my Santa collection. It was so much fun watching them be in charge and listening to their comments and questions.

photo-33

Then we took two gifts down to the tree in the lobby of our condo building, where gifts are collected each year for needy families. The Adorables wondered why the gifts were going under that tree and not theirs. A very lovely conversation with them ensued. Young children can be such a source of hope for the future! Their innocent thoughtfulness washes away the skepticism we adults often harbour about the world around us.

photo1989When we went back up to our condo, we looked through the Save The Children gift catalogue and they chose to send chicks to a family and a goat to another. They have piggy banks that have a special section to save money for “giving” and they will put their savings toward these gifts. I told them I would give up my Starbucks visits for a month. That will more than cover it and, come to think about it, why do I need to go there so often … okay, I’m addicted to skinny mochas! A month without them will do me good.

19This year our family decided not to exchange big gifts at our family party this weekend. Instead we all (with seven kids plus partners that can add up!) donated a certain amount to send one cheque to New Circles , a wonderful Toronto organization that provides clothing and opportunities to families in need. We received more joy from doing that for a change than exchanging amongst ourselves! We’ve attempted, in the past, to volunteer to serve Christmas dinners at shelters but the volunteer list always fills up quickly. How good is that? Obviously many people are way more organized than we are.

There are so many opportunities to give back to our own communities and those globally. I know many of you are involved in numerous ways. Share your ideas and let’s kick Amber’s #GoWithout Movement into high gear for 2014.

Christmas Day is just one week away. I know we will meet here again before then but in case I miss you, please know I am sending my warmest wishes for a peaceful and joyful Christmas. May 2014 bring us all the best of health and happiness and the opportunity to help provide the same good fortune to others.

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Filed Under: Blog, News Tagged With: #GoWithout Movement, Amber West, Christmas, kindness, New Circles, Patricia Sands, Save The Children

The little engine that could …

September 5, 2013 by Patricia Sands Leave a Comment

These days it is easy to become discouraged and sad about the state of the world when we read or watch the news. However, if we look beyond the headlines, there are many good news stories about everyday people working to help make the canstockphoto8136400world a better place.

I want to share one of those stories from my hometown of Toronto and offer a standing ovation to NEW CIRCLES founder Cindy Blakely and her dedicated staff of volunteers. September is going to be a special month for them!

Here’s the  NEW CIRCLES  newsletter, so you can be properly introduced. Next week I will add more to the story … with pleasure!

Take a moment, when you can, to click on their link and add to the “likes” on their Facebook page today.  Feel free to spread the word and then post about folks in your community doing good work. It’s one way we can help pay it forward.

__________________________________________________________________________________
September Strong 
starts today!19

Dear friends and supporters,

Sept strong student

As you may know, New Circles is the “little engine that could”, a powerhouse agency driven by hundreds of volunteers, donated clothing and financial support from a caring community. Last year, we distributed 200,000 items of clothing helping over 25,000 people, many of whom are new to Canada, to meet their immediate needs, make new connections and move forward with their lives.

This month, we are launching September Strong, a social media campaign to raise awareness about the wide range of programs at New Circles and expand our circle of support. We hope you will help us to spread the word.

It’s easy, just “like us” on Facebook and share our updates with your friends.   Each day we will post new content created just for this campaign.  Learn about our Seniors Mobile Mall, volunteer programs, friendship circles and so much more.  Our goal is to reach 350 likes by the end of the month.    And don’t miss “Cindy’s Corner” – a video series profiling our founder Cindy Blakely.

Today, we’re kicking off September Strong with a video “Helping Hands”,created by New Circles volunteer Georgina Graham, a third year English/film student at Bishop’s University.  [Click here to watch video.]

Please join us in spreading the word.  With your help, we can build strong and caring communities where everyone has access to basic necessities.

Stay September Strong,

 The New Circles team

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Filed Under: Blog, Social issues Tagged With: Cindy Blakely, New Circles, Patricia Sands, September Strong, Toronto, volunteer

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