Have you walked for a cause?
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
Canada
June 9, 2007 11:46am CST
I know many people who do fundraising walks for breast cancer and MS and, last night, my family attended our community's 5th annual "Relay for Life" for the Canadian Cancer Society. We were actually invited because, last September, when my younger daughter was 12, she decided she wanted to raise funds for cancer research in the name of her Grandma (my mom) who succumbed to the disease in Nov. 2004. She has pledged to raise $100,000 no matter how long it takes... a lofty goal, we know, but we are behind her 110%.
So far, in 9 months, she's raised almost $3,000... which is pretty cool for a kid her age. At last night's event, they acknowledged her efforts and gave her some nice items like a tshirt and pins and such. It was such an amazing, emotional night that we now hope to put together a team, as a family, to do the walk next year and to help my daughter towards her goal.
Have you ever participated in a fundraising walk or event? I'm sure your experiences have been emotional and touching ... and I'd love to read your inspirational stories!
2 responses
@tammyr (5946)
• Etowah, Tennessee
10 Jun 07
I have not walked for any cause in quite some time. Our troop is usually the ones that are handing out cups of water, or goody bags to the walkers.
I am very proud of your daughter and the rest of your family for getting behind her.
Sorry I don't have inspirational story but we do a lot for a lot of people. Mostly only a few of our troop shows up and my daughter an her friend, and myself are always there. Last year we did a flower bed for a local handicap pre-school. I loved helpng at the Special Olympics. We have done Meals-on -Wheels, community events, and nursing home caroling.
We love helping others, and we are paid in the good feeling you get from knowing some one will be happy because of something you have done.
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
11 Jun 07
Being a volunteer is such an important role and such a good lesson, especially for the young people! I think there's nothing better than for a person to see the value of their contributions... whether it's directly helping someone or contributing to the greater good. At the relay, there were many people shaving their heads for the cause and my daughter wanted to do that too! She said "but people are giving more money if someone goes up and shaves their head! I can do that!" I admit that I reined her in on that one because I needed to know that she wasn't just getting caught up in the moment! But I suspect next year, she'd be right there in line. Meals on Wheels is something I've thought about getting involved with myself or else joining the volunteer driving team that gets people to their medical appointments. If I'm in a position to help another person, I really try. Keep it up tammyr!! You, your daughter and your troop and doing great things! :D
@tammyr (5946)
• Etowah, Tennessee
11 Jun 07
Shave her head! Oh my!!
I loved doing he wheels on meals! There was one lady that got hers last so no one had to wait in their meal. She was such a talker and was so great, we wanted to be able to sit for a few minutes with her. It is rewarding to know that you may be the only conversation they have during the day. My only fear was to show up to a home with a person in trouble. A friend of mine went to a home of two invalid people and found the home burnt. She really freaked! They were able to find out that the couple had both been to the doctor at the time and were safe. My friend was badly shaken to find the home destroyed. She was afraid they had been inside.
@whyaskq (7523)
• Singapore
10 Jun 07
I have joined some such walks for charity purposes. I am a supporter of the Terry Fox run too. Participating in such walks/runs are convenient for me as they are often held on Sunday mornings which coincide with my exercise routine. Besides benefitting the charitable organisations, it did good to my own health too. As for fundraising, I did man a food stall in a food and fun fair for a hospital.
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
11 Jun 07
Oh! The Terry Fox Run is another one! My girls have participated in that via their schools. You make a good point, whyaskq, that there are always events that people can do and not even have to ask for time off work or anything to participate. Some companies even encourage their employees to do these activities. Congratulations to you on getting involved :)
