Giving back

Giving back
The guys were out celebrating their carwash earnings, deciding what to do with the proceeds. A simple lunch, lots of laughs, lots of ideas. The earnings paid for the lunch, of course – that part was understood. And they’d always wanted one or two little things for the clubhouse. But with the rest of it, the most of it, they decided to fund four micro businesses overseas. Which countries… they each chose a favourite country, either randomly, or because of a friendship connection, and sent the money.

Not a big deal, you’re thinking? What if you know that these guys live in what is described as the poorest postal code in Canada in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. They know what it’s like to go without, to be homeless. And still they gave a helping hand to someone else with the little money they earned.

They are members of an Activity Centre that serves the severely mentally ill, and have been diagnosed with illnesses ranging from depression to mood disorders, though you wouldn’t know it if you met them. They participate in community, locally and globally, encouraged by staff at the Activity Centre who have built relationships with the members.

And the micro loans? All have been repaid from that first investment. The guys have chosen other recipients of another series of loans, and continue to make a difference in the world.