Editor, The Times:
The article in a recent Times titled, “Gift-filled shoe boxes brighten children’s lives worldwide” has caused me to reflect on what it means to give.
Having participated in six overseas educational projects in the last 10 years I have an appreciation for the huge amount of giving that is going on in our world by people in “have” countries, assisting those in “have not” countries. I have witnessed projects that help people with their education, health and economic wellbeing.
In Uganda, I met teachers risking their lives to bring distance education to folks in the war torn northern part of the country. In Sierra Leone farmers were working cooperatively and with assistance from European countries to create sustainable fishing lagoons. Habitat for humanity builds houses in many countries including the United States, Canada and Mexico. Doctors Without Borders brings medical treatment to people living in dire situations.
The giving comes also from the “have not” countries to the “have” countries. What folks in developing countries lack in material goods they make up for many times over in their generosity of spirit.
Developing countries also give us an opportunity to look at our own community and ask the hard questions. What do I need to give to my community to make it a better place?
I wonder how long a child in Clearwater would be satisfied with a shoebox filled with things from a foreign country if his basic needs were not met? We have children here in Clearwater who fall into that category.
Our good fortune in our community is children are helped in their lives by the clean drinking water we depend on and the reliable sources of food ... yes even the Food Bank is available when life becomes difficult. Education is free as is a visit to the doctor. Household and personal items are available in community giveaways and Thrift Stores sport a wide variety of items for a very reasonable price. In most developing countries there are no safety nets to catch folks who are out of options for life sustaining basics.
I can assure you a shoebox filled with things is not the answer.
As we approach the Christmas season when many charitable appeals will be made, I urge people to think carefully about their giving and determine the best way to support others at home and away.
Sandra Holmes
Clearwater, B.C.