Having been born in South Africa and having survived everything from poverty to riots Nirasha, known as Niri, shelved her desire for writing in a turbulent time to pursue a career in software engineering. After just barely dusting the remnants of Apartheid off, Niri set for the shores of USA to be a techno-geek by day while pursuing philanthropic interests by night. Fast forward 12 years later and a baby in tow Niri traded the rat race for her rug rats and turned back to her passion of writing at MommyNiri.com. Niri has been featured on Boston.com, Syracuse.com and India New England; and has worked on several charitable projects while harnessing the power of blogging like ending teacher funded classrooms, Rwanda Path2Peace, building playgrounds with Kaboom and the End Child Hunger campaign. She has also been nominated for the Nickelodeon Parent’s Pick Award.
niri submitted a way to: Give back
way to be well created 11.21.10
Think of neighbors in need!
|
|
So often when we think of giving back we think of charities and while they certainly deserve our attention we may be overlooking someone right under our nose. With the economy not looking like it will make a sudden jump for the better it means that there are more and more unemployed people in our midst.
That also means that there is a pretty good chance every one of us knows someone who has lost their job. Along with losing a job, faith and self esteem too take a knocking. While applying for the limited of positions out there and trying to make sure that their resume floats in the sea of applications, pressure mounts and bank balances sink.
A year ago we were in a the same dilemma and when friends just turned up without asking with basic grocery items we felt uncomfortable at first but that was soon replaced with gratitude. We had an upcoming festival and it is especially on days of jubilation that you feel the penny pinch while all are spending extravagantly in merriment. I still remember a friend turning up with a huge celebratory meal and goodies for the kids.
So take a look around you, there must be someone who hides their financial woes behind their smile. Even if it means babysitting the kids to give them some space - as we all know during tough times tensions mount.
Make someone's day and who knows, maybe when you need it - help may just be around the neighborhood.
That also means that there is a pretty good chance every one of us knows someone who has lost their job. Along with losing a job, faith and self esteem too take a knocking. While applying for the limited of positions out there and trying to make sure that their resume floats in the sea of applications, pressure mounts and bank balances sink.
A year ago we were in a the same dilemma and when friends just turned up without asking with basic grocery items we felt uncomfortable at first but that was soon replaced with gratitude. We had an upcoming festival and it is especially on days of jubilation that you feel the penny pinch while all are spending extravagantly in merriment. I still remember a friend turning up with a huge celebratory meal and goodies for the kids.
So take a look around you, there must be someone who hides their financial woes behind their smile. Even if it means babysitting the kids to give them some space - as we all know during tough times tensions mount.
Make someone's day and who knows, maybe when you need it - help may just be around the neighborhood.
Comments
Candelaria
1 year, 5 months ago
I so agree that "charity begins at home." Sometimes people are more comfortable giving to strangers or causes and there can be need within their own families, colleagues and neighbors. This summer I bought a bouquet of flowers and gave them to an elderly neighbor across the street who stays in a lot because she's taking care of her husband who's not very mobile. She won't accept rides to the grocery store and she knows all the senior agencies I recommended to her. She didn't refuse the flowers, however, and a couple of days later brought me tomatoes from her garden. I plan to give her a poinsetta (sp?) with the Christmas card I give her this year. Maybe one day she'll let me know her birthday.
At any rate - your point is well taken. Thanks for writing this down. We all will need and we all can give.
I love this! I think we've all been in a position where we need help whether it's meals after a new baby, or a babysitter in a pinch, it means a lot when our community and friends support us.
My family will definitely be doing as much as possible to help within our local community this holiday season. One great thing our daughters' school does is create a gift list and accept donations for families in need in their school.
1000 characters left
Please enter a comment before you submit.
Your comment is too long