I believe it takes many kinds of people to make this world. Some are clever, some are not while there are the rich and poor, ugly or pretty. Same goes with charity. As I see some might like only kids, while some love helping the elders, I believe .. why not do a charity that no one can judge?
Thus, last year Christmas, I have decided to organize a "Secret Christmas mission" which is not a usual charity drive. It cannot be judged as we all do not know what it is.
Experience Charity with your hearts, not your eyes.
Experience Charity without Barriers for Christmas.
That was the tagline.
Some signed up willingly, while some signed up for curiosity.
While those who were unable to go, were given a chance at charity too - through donating items to a box which I labeled "The Box of Hope".
A week before the charity event, they receive an anonymous letter.
In it, they find out "what's the secret about"
Upon opening the letter, they will be showered by fake snow, cheekily inserted by me.
The first letter is topped by a charitable quote and kind words of thanks.
The volunteer will then unveil the secret at the next page.
During this charity, all volunteers will be given a nick name to provide an element of "fun".
This name will be used during the entire event :)
Reindeers are the drivers! :)
Prior to starting this charity, I asked "So what do you think".
Most said "Why are we helping the homeless?", "They are lazy"
"They should get a job or something"
"They should get a job or something"
That was before.
Group Picture of the Volunteers
Us carrying the Box of Hope!
Picture with Kechara Member, Justin
and the next, was hard-but-exciting labour!
Diner Dash Time!
And the crowd keeps coming :)
And a few playful moments
At the end of the day, I asked again "So is it alright?"
And they said
"I always thought homeless people are bums. But after today, I have realized that most of them are of elderly age and have worked very hard during their time. Some sacrifice their life saving for their children education, only to be shunned and kicked out of their homes. Most were not accepted to work as they were too old. And some, were just there looking for company"
"I have never done this type of charity before, but after this
if there's another charity event - i am in!"
"It brings us down to earth and lets us know that we should appreciate life
and not waste food!"
So I guess, it did not turn that bad after all :) And to me, that was a plus for my charity event. It's not about "corporate responsibility" all the time trying to make a company look good, but to me, what is most important is that we manage to make a change in other lives - including our own.
If you are interested to donate to Kechara, please find out more here.
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