The Garden Bench
My father was always helping people. He was involved in service groups, church groups, and various charities – not for any recognition but because it made him feel good to help others. He never did anything expecting to be “paid back”. It was from his heart. In the weeks and months following his unexpected death on New Year’s Eve 2008 many people have come to realize how much Dad gave of himself to help others. I don’t think he knew the impact he had on so many lives over the years.
I am a big believer in helping out those less fortunate. Sometimes people need help with a physical presence or need a volunteer for a fund raiser or to sit on a committee. Being a small business owner, we get several requests for donations to support local and national charities. Sometimes it is overwhelming the amount of requests we receive and unfortunately we can’t support them all. The Garden of Beadin' actively supports “Run for the Cure”, the Canadian Mental Health Society and several causes for the protection of animals.
Last week we had two amazing women come into the store to tell us about an orphanage they were working with in Kampala, Uganda. This orphanage is presently home to 23 children. Current funding for this orphanage is approximately .36 cents per child, per day. Imagine – 36 cents….
Natalie and Liz brought in amazing paper beads (beautiful) that are made by women in the village. Natalie bought the beads and brought them back to Canada to sell, with 100% of the proceeds going back to the orphanage. Not only did I fall in love with the beads – the plight of these children, and the work Natalie and Liz are doing for them, made me realize, we can help out in a very real and very easy way. We simply buy the beads from Natalie, sell them in the store and give money from our sales to help support the orphanage.
So when you come into the store and you see our display of paper beads – and there are more coming – remember the purchase of one bead will help make a difference in a child’s life. One bead at a time. One life at a time.
The Garden of Beadin' will continue to support local and national charities, not for the publicity or for the praise, but in memory of my Dad (I miss you Dad, XOXO) and just because it feels good to do for others – just because we can.
Lisa
Do you have a story to share? Send it to lisa@gardenofbeadin.ca