To the Editor:
In today's fast-paced world where kids text their parents instead of calling them to let them know they will be late for dinner and twitter is where they get their daily news, why not give as well as get from the social game? Here are some fun, rewarding and easy ideas.
Why not 'pay it forward?'
Next time you are getting your morning coffee or paying at a drive-thru, offer to buy a small coffee for the person behind you in line and bring a smile of surprise to their face.
Be the difference - click a button - change a life:
Maybe instead of buying that coffee you could put that dollar towards a charitable gift in the name of a loved one, like school supplies for a child in need, or even the life-changing gift of child sponsorship costs little more than a dollar a day. Charities like World Vision offer a catalogue (www.worldvision.ca/gifts) full of charitable gifts that let you be the difference in the life of someone far away.
How about volunteering?
Visit www.charityvillage.com and see which charities in your neighbourhood need a few hours of your time. Become more aware of issues related to poverty and injustice.
Explore the world around you:
The next time you use the Internet to check the local weather or your bank balance, try visiting a site that you have never seen before, perhaps to learn about another culture or part of the world. Then share what you have learned with others in your social network so they too gain the benefit of understanding something new.
Alicia Periera, World Vision Canada.
