You can also download a PDF version of this report from our Distributions page.
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"Pay it forward"Faith Clark — Burlington, ON "Pay it forward," is a catch phrase to encourage us to reciprocate kind deeds not to the original benefactor, but to someone else who might keep the chain going. The concept kept coming to me as I prepared for my first experience as a travelling volunteer with Sleeping Children. I reflected on the love, support and good fortune of my childhood, working years and retirement and this trip was an opportunity to pay it forward in a developing country doing the work of SCAW. I can only hope that my efforts during this project have had some impact on those with whom I have come in contact because their impact on me has been rewarding. The response from the overseas volunteers, school personnel, and other local people to our team and our work has been encouraging, positive, and enthusiastic. It easily overshadows the heat, the early mornings, and the long days.
The bedkit recipients, aged six to twelve, often travelled long distances in less than ideal conditions to get to the distribution site. They wait patiently to get registered, they wait patiently to change from school uniforms to their bedkit outfit, and they wait patiently for the photo session. Then comes the ultimate reward, the SCAW bedkit, often bigger than themselves. What a privilege to be the travelling volunteer to present the bedkit. Imagine the joy of being the one to end the wait and reap the benefits of a big smile, a shy "gracias," and the image of a tiny child struggling under the bulk and weight but refusing any help to carry his or her precious load. Each donor has paid it forward. You have helped a child and his or her family and you have helped me realize the gift of giving. |
