It all started with handing out some change to a roadside person-in-need we would come across on Saturdays. Call it superstition or just a family-proclaimed day to give back to the community- Saturday were the days to donate. Saturdays were a must but we would donate whenever possible. Back then, circa 1980’s, there were not many charity institutions, so my family would donate to mostly orphanages or blind schools.
Giving back to the community was a major part of my upbringing, to an extent that when I moved to US, I would occasionally do voluntary work at temples, food banks, hospitals and so many places. It was my way of giving back to humanity. Charity doesn’t always have to be monetary, giving your time, a simple gesture, sharing your knowledge, there are so many ways to give back. So, when Ms. Riri was born we were really keen at instilling this ‘giving back’ mindset in her and I think so far hubs and I have done a decent job. Last year she raised funds for one of our favorite charity organizations by selling handmade envelopes. Currently she is working on starting a dog walking business where she would like to donate all the proceeds to a local charity of her choosing. Today it is a Virtual fashion show for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital ( peek my Instagram stories for some BTS ) ……..KEEP READING!
Hubs believed in charity and donation but his beliefs became even stronger after he lost his mom and his favorite cousin to cancer in a span of four years. By God’s grace our families had the resource and manpower to sail through these tough times, but there so many people who have neither. This family tragedy made us realize how important it is to be a caregiver, a helper, a supporter. It reaffirmed our belief in being that helping hand, in being that connecting bridge between humanity and self. Ever since then we have been a part of a few charity organizations. Some we donate annually and some we actually volunteer to prepare and serve meals.
There is nothing more exhilarating than being able to help and give back. Being involved in charity work gives you a new perspective, it teaches you humility, you inspire others, it connects you to society, it makes your feel good about yourself, it makes you look at the world differently and above all it acts as a catalysis in making the world a better place. So when St. Jude’s reached out to us for a virtual influencer fashion show and style their “ THIS SHIRT SAVES LIVES ” T-shirt – we were overjoyed. ( #forStJude #StJudeHeartofFashionDC ). We annually donate to this organization and couldn’t say no to another opportunity to spread word and awareness about their mission- ” The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of their founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay. ”
Some other organizations that are really close to our hearts are St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital , The Children’s Inn at NIH , Vibha , PreetiRang Sanctuary, Hope Marietta Foundation, Isha Education and Emergency Aid USA.
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