Week 33

This week we had to do a lot of thinking. Paige has helped so many people and we wanted to try something new.

So we decided to send a big care package to the Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan. After doing some research, we made a list of all the things soldiers would like. We didn't have anyone in particular to send this care package to so we sent it to "Any soldier". This simply means that once the package is dropped off in Afghanistan they give this package to a solider (s) who may not receive much from home.

We stuffed the package with socks, gum, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, hard candies, tuna (and a can opener). We also sent baby wipes, Tim Horton's coffee, paper, pens and envelops. Jack, Emma and Paige each wrote letters and drew pictures. They all wrote something kind in their letters and then drew pictures of themselves. I am sure the package has not yet arrived to Afghanistan but I am pretty sure when a solider receives this package they will be thrilled. Maybe we will even get a letter back!!

We had a wonderful day together, and what a great feeling it is to give to someone you don't know!!

Week 32

Week 32 - While talking to Paige one day about what kind of things she would like to do when it was our time together…should we help babies or animals, or grown ups……without hesitation Paige responded with ‘I’d like to help some more grammies and papas’ so what else was there to do…..

I had recently met a mother at the park and we got to chatting about life, and about Meredith and Paiges blog. (This lady was a foster mother for babies who are born into drug families and we will meet her for sure later on in this blog).

Joanne told me about Maple Villa, a long term care center that would love some help, I talked to Paige about this and she decided that they would love some craft supplies, after all who doesn’t love to do crafts!! (right Mer?)

I contacted Maria who is the life enrichment co-ordinator and told her that Paige wanted to help out and donate some craft supplies, Maria was thrilled and so touched by the generosity!! A lot of the supplies come out of her budget, which isn’t very big so this would be fantastic!

Paige and I (and Oliver) went down to the local dollar store and loaded up on everything Paige thought they would need, paint, brushes, canvases, and even flowerpots (Paiges idea). Paige made sure that we had girl colours while Oliver was in charge of boy colours!!!! It was amazing to watch and listen to Paige as she explained what we were doing to Oliver, and how this was going to help other people. We talked about it after and how proud I was of them both for doing this.

When we dropped off the supplies, Maria greeted us with Rita who lived there and was an avid artist, they were thrilled by all that Paige had chosen. Rita told us that they have an art auction sometime in the fall and they would love it if Paige could come and see what creations had been made with her generosity.

Paige and Oliver loved helping out and I know Mer was very proud of Paige that day!

Thanx Paigee and see you soon

Mel xo

WEEK 31

Week 31 - There is no shortage of things to do in order to help those in need. People need you in your own community, so this is what I thought Paige and I should focus on. I think we are very lucky and fortunate to have healthy food at our fingertips. To open the fridge when hungry and make what we want. To start the day with a healthy breakfast. I can’t imagine having to function while hungry.
I came across an organization on the internet called ‘Halton Food for Thought’. Their endeavour is to take healthy food/snacks to schools that have students who are unable to have breakfast in the morning before school.
From their website:
“Students arriving at school hungry do not perform well in the classroom. They have more difficulty concentrating, display behavioural problems, are less alert and are often lethargic.”
”Our current goal for Food for Thought is to have a nutrition program in every school by 2013, as we believe that no child or youth in Halton Region should go hungry!”
So, I picked up Paige and bought some healthy snacks, breakfast cereal, granola bars, juice packs, cans of tuna, chicken.....ect. We stopped by Amy and Dons house to borrow their digital camera and headed out (FYI...after we left, Don went out and bought Paige her own camera to use for her 52 weeks of giving. So wicked!!!! Thanks Don). We headed over to Teresa’s, who runs this much needed program out of her home!!! We chatted with her for a while and she told us all about the basket program. So great!!!!
I know Paige was happy that she was able to help out in giving students a great start to their day!! She continues to make the world a better place. Go Paige Go!!!
Please have a look at what Halton Food For Thought is about. http://www.haltonfoodforthought.ca/
Such an amazing, pro-active organization that is helping children in our own community!Thank you Teresa...keep on doing what you are doing!!!!!

Susie