Donnelle Christian – Author
It truly melts my heart when I see people who are disadvantaged or disabled in one way or another fight for something they believe in.
One event in particular, which really caught my undivided attention, was the BBC One Show’s Rickshaw Challenge in support of the Children in Need Charity. Six young people who are also being supported by the charity’s projects, along with one of The One Show’s host, took on a 411 mile journey challenge by alternately riding the rickshaw from Llandudno, Wales to London, England in 8 days. The journey concluded on Friday (Nov. 16) with the team raising just over £1m. For those who are not aware of this charity fundraiser, you can visithttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b008dk4b/features/rickshaw-2012-about to find out more.
I was immensely inspired by Ciaran, who has cerebral palsy. This brilliant 17 year-old kept going despite being fatigued by the task and while battling his own physical challenges. This young man rode the rickshaw with relentless zeal, in a bid to raise money, not only to aid his cause, but so that other young children and teens can benefit from charity projects. That spoke volumes to me and it makes me ask myself: what am I doing or can I do more to help others who are disadvantaged or less able to do things in the way I can?
One woman appeared on the show and raised funds just to have her lovely head of hair shaved. Her hair was also donated to children who may have lost hair due to cancer or other illnesses. Others are undertaking similar individual or group initiatives to raise money for the charity.
I am always of the belief that I can make a difference in the lives of others, no matter how small or insignificant it seems. I have learnt that the good you do in life doesn’t have a size label! I have been involved in charity work for some time and realized that it is the passion you have for giving back that serves as both the driving force and the reward- as long as it comes from the heart it will never matter what or how much you do or give. You can make a huge difference with small gestures and it doesn’t have to be made public either! Sometimes we forget to do the little things and instead aim for the big charities, while those closest to us are in need.
Team Rickshaw
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk
What has been reinforced in my mind by these six young people is that sometimes we take for granted the many things, talents, abilities, and, at times, the people we “advantaged or abled population” have around us. These six are starting from “home” by doing something as small as giving moral support to as large as riding the rickshaw for miles.
What are you doing for your family, community, country, and world?
I sure will try to do more, especially at “home.” That morsel can make a difference in someone’s life, even if you don’t think so.
So cheers to the Champions of Charity who keep fighting for the cause of charities, especially those themselves who are disadvantaged or disabled!
Here’s to a timeless WordsofNelle. You may contact me at: [email protected]
