"Comfort doesn't change things"

Today I had the pleasure of volunteering with Future Possibilities for Kids ~ an organization I've been following closer since making a donation.  Geri Berholz, the co-founder and executive director, sent me a very encouraging email and after connecting with her team they invited me to help out at an Activity Day.

Meeting so many people involved in the positive change for kids futures' was incredibly inspiring.  As soon as I was introduced to Geri her warmth was immediately felt.  Her staff of four had a lot of work on their hands but controlled the stress very well and made it engaging and fun for everybody ~ bravo!  Most of all, seeing the volunteer KidCoaches - whom support their Kid for the better part of the year - exhibit leadership on Graduation Day was powerful.

The work was fairly straightforward behind-the-scenes type of stuff; setting up tables, chairs and displays, food preparation and catering, directing the flow of traffic, taking down and packing things up.

(before and after)

Two things especially made my heart melt.  Setting up the Goal Gallery and seeing the projects each Kid and Coach accomplished - there were so many, diverse and for the betterment of the world.  These projects included book drives, rhino poaching prevention, cards to SickKids Hospital, stop bullying, etc.

The second was actively participating with the Kids while they wrote thank you letters to their Coaches, who were doing the same but in a separate room.  Some kids were a bit rowdy while others worked more solitary.  Seeing their progress, helping them with spelling and just asking them how their Coaches have changed them and why they are thankful was very special.

I feel very good about getting involved today and I'm looking forward to committing more of myself with Future Possibilities for Kids as well as other organizations.  Like I've said before, it's simply just a matter of choosing to do it and I'm tired of making up excuses.  Donating money and creating awareness only goes so far.  Same with fundraising and running +25km ~ that's easy compared to being present with a charity.  I'm ready to do more.

I encourage everybody to help support their Indigogo campaign!