A few little words

I am a very big supporter of the ideal a little help goes a long way. Mainly for the fact it's a matter I both practise and have benefited from. In fact without help over the last few years I would have starved at times, money got that bad due to my health. So I always try to give back when I can.

Over the last few weeks people have been put in worse situations than I could ever imagine and only by the grace of god do more not suffer. Yet what has really caught my attention in fundraising and all that goes with it was not the great campaigns etc, but the few words from one actor at a film festival and then the ripple effect it had.

The actors name is Sebastian Stan and it was at the TIFF film festival all the actors had to write the rest of the sentence "  I want to....." Now as expected most actors put something more personally identifiable or even self based. Instead though Sebastian wrote I want to help someone. A very simple sentence that has had such a ripple through social media that nearly $3,000 has been raised in less than a week by his fans for anti human trafficking charity he supports.

It's been amazing to watch I have to admit I have supported both that and the other charity he has put his face to, not to impress anyone but because of the fact he has left an impression on me. A celebrity/actor however you define them, to have such selflessness in a situation of self promotion is a rarity. A fleeting light in a tainted world, and yet there he was. Because of such action others will benefit.

But if you take it down to the grass roots values, if a person in the public eye can do it with such few words, what can anyone do with some well placed thoughts and actions.  Sure we can all give a few pennies here and there where we can, follow the lead or answer the call so to speak. But it's better balanced with actions that match. The need for help is always required in any society, there are always poorer, weaker, older, frailer members in any social situation. Not all of them will ask or even admit they need help, not just for pride reasons, but purely to keep hold of dignity and self respect. It is these people who could benefit the most from action rather than donation. From wheeling in bins to holding a door open, everything counts. Help doesn't have to be a big gesture, but a genuine one. For example I spend my life on crutches, yet I am fiercely independent. The greatest help I appreciate when out isn't people who try to take things from me or imply I need extra help, its the people who say good morning while holding a door open with a smile rather then sending me flying in their rush. Trust me I've experienced it all.  It's the genuine offer that gives me a choice, rather than overwhelming or dominating me. If more people were like that society would be such a nicer place.

So while we live with the very positive ripple from the actions of one person and I will leave you the links if you wish to keep it going, you can also keep the ripple of the words going just by looking at how you act in day to day life, and what more it doesn't cost you a penny, just a few little words.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/iwannahelpsomeone

https://www.generosity.com/fundraising/drive-for-a-cure