Watching the band

"You know this is a charity event, right? The donation box is over there".

I'm shooting a bunch of bands for Junos Fest & it's actually slipped my mind that one of my 'extra' shows is a charitable event.
I hang out for a bit, take just a few photos and on my way out, I stuff a bill into the jar, ignoring the sale girl's shouts to give me a commemorative wrist band.
I could have been an arse and just walked out without making a donation, but I'm really working on being more aware of things.

This is the fourth act of quasi-kindness, but only the second that I've actually done. Two of the acts were requested donations (one from my now ex co-workers and one in lieu of a gift card that I'd only misplace somewhere in the apartment).

I'm just working on settling into a few major changes, but once I (kinda) do, I'll start with the volunteering and lay off of the monetary donations.

This project is about me DOING more than I have in the past few years. Giving money is great, but I'd much rather give my time.

Sometimes it pays to quit

And it's (officially) on

So today I turned 36. Feels a lot like 35. Heck, it feels like 30. But with more tattoos.

I'm excited to challenge myself to do something that is so simple, but so easy to forget to do.
I've mentioned my project to some friends and they've expressed interest in volunteering at some of the places with me. I think having company will motivate me for some of the volunteer experiences.

My office is throwing me a surprise farewell party tomorrow (yeah, I know). In lieu of a corporate gift, I've asked that they make a donation to the charity of my choice. So the first official act of (quasi) kindness will be a donation to CAMH.

I figure that sure beats a gift card for a place that I'd never shop at. And everyone who contributes gets to feel better for making a donation and making a difference in someone's life.

A week early

Unless you're living under a rock, you've heard about Japan and the tsunami.

I've been fixated by the videos, photos and first hand accounts of what's been happening there. It's all so scary. My baby brother lived in Japan for a few years and I feel a connection with Japan via him and his stories.

Instead of waiting until next Wednesday to start my "project", I'm starting today.
I know it's not volunteering, but it's something. And that's got to be an act of (quasi) kindness.

Americans: Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate. Canadians: Text REDCROSS to 30333

Here goes everything...

It's been an interesting 6 months. A lot of changes in my life. Some great, some good, and some just downright heartbreaking. So with my birthday around the corner, I've decided that it's time I focus portions of my (adult ADD) energy elsewhere & share the proverbial birthday cake with others.

I'm going to volunteer the beejesus out of the next year. Do all the things I said I would do. Things like head back to working in a food bank, driving cancer patients to their appointments, helping seniors do stuff, y'know, things like that.

My hope is to document what I do on this blog. By publicly announcing my intentions I hope it keeps me on track. There's nothing worse than making a loud pronouncement and then quietly wandering away from it. Hell, I'm giving myself 12 months to do 36 things. I visit that many bars and restaurants in a 5 month period!

Well, here goes everything...