Doing good things

When Dan and I had kids, we dreamed about our children being peace-makers, do-gooders, kind, caring people who make a difference in the world.

In day-to-day life, this doesn't always feel like a reality. Sibling squabbles and childish selfishness can get in the way of ideals and dreams.

So, we endeavour to do good things with the kids, in very overt ways, so they can see how good it feels to do good for others.

Our kids get a generous weekly allowance but they don't get to spend it all. Some they have to put aside for savings and some they put aside for charity or (as it is known in this house) Tzedakah. In past years, we have taken the saved up Tzedakah and the children have chosen a large toy to place under the charity Christmas tree at our local department store. Their gifts have gone to children their own age who otherwise might not have received a gift at Christmas time.

This year, we did things a little differently. Jake expressed a desire to do something for the homeless and to be able to give a gift in person, rather than leave an anonymous gift. He wanted to make a personal connection.

So, inspired projects like this one,  we took the children's Tzedakah money (and some of ours also) and we bought five backpacks and went shopping for useful and nice things to put inside.

The big chop

Last weekend I took the plunge and shaved off my long hair for charity. Together with over 100 amazing sponsors, I managed to raise over $6000 for the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia. And I donated my actual hair to the Australian Alopecia Areata Foundation. I felt proud!!

Here's what my day looked like ....

It feels good to have done something positive in a global environment where so much of the news is negative ... horrific even!

Now I just need to keep my head warm until Melbourne's weather decides to be hot again.

Sending positive thoughts and wishes to you and yours.

Andi xxx