Stories by greenurlifenow (36 matches)

My Heart Went Out To Him

It's a sad reality that there are many homeless people in the city which I call home.

People huddled on the sidewalk, struggling to stay warm, with no shelter or food. As I got off the bus near my workplace this morning I saw someone who was sleeping on the sidewalk.

I went to the convenience store to grab something for my breakfast and I got a warm drink and a sandwich for the stranger in need. I left it by his side. I hope it was a nice surprise for him.

Giving from the Heart Always Works

I work downtown and every morning, when I walk from the SkyTrain Station (our version of a subway) to the office, I usually see people who are sleeping outside, in business doorways and on sidewalks. It is truly heartbreaking to see so many people who are homeless. Most people will just walk by and few will stop to offer a kind word or any help of any kind. When I talk with others about the homeless situation, most people will tell me that most of them are drug addicts or dealing with mental illness. While some of the homeless are suffering from an addiction or mental illness, many may have become homeless due to an illness or sudden job loss. Today, I brought a bag with a toque (warm knit hat), pair of socks, bottle of water and a mini first aid kid with me. I saw someone sleeping outside of the Tim ... Read Full Story >>

Seeing the Homeless

Every morning, when I am on my way to work, I see people who are homeless, who are sleeping in doorways and on sidewalks, clearly in need of help. I feel very sad to see this, and most people walk by, pretending they don't exist and don't offer any help at all, not even a word. Recently, it has been extra cold in Vancouver, Canada, where I live and work. So this makes things extra tough for those who are homeless. Most of the time I arrive at work first thing in the morning, around 8 AM. Those who are homeless in the area are usually trying to sleep, shivering, so sometimes I am not sure whether it's a good idea to leave something like food or a useful toiletry bag for them while they are unaware, as it may get stolen or they make not even want it. Today, I spotted someone, who ... Read Full Story >>

Righting A Wrong With The Missing Post-It Notes

I recently posted a story about my coworker whose bright coloured Post It Notes had been taken by someone from her desk. She had bought them with her own money, and she was not happy to return from a day away from the office to find that the Post Its had disappeared. Someone had taken them. When I learned about what happened, I told her that I had some similar Post It Notes at home that I would bring in and give them to her, as I wasn't using them. When the items had gone missing from her desk, she had sent an email to all our staff to advise that someone had taken her items and that if they were found, they should be returned to her. Today, she told me that the missing items had magically reappeared on her desk, no note from the person who had taken them. She ... Read Full Story >>

She Was Given A Second Opportunity At Kindness, Nothing Stopped Her This Time Around

It's not uncommon to see someone who is homeless or down on their luck asking people who are walking by for spare change. I have seen the same woman in need several times. I recently approached her and introduced myself to her and asked her if I could get her anything to eat or from the Dollar Store. She said she was okay, but was trying to save up for dinner. I don't feel comfortable giving money to strangers. I guess it's a societal stereotype that when you give money to someone in need, they will use it for drugs or alcohol or something else that we may not approve of. I didn't give anything to Laura (I asked her name and told her my name.) that time. I felt bad after that encounter with her because I didn't help her that time. Yesterday, I saw her again. I decided to go ... Read Full Story >>

In The Right Place At The Right Time

I went out early today to do some volunteering and after my event was over, I went for lunch at a place I don't go to that often. Usually, I would take the bus home from there, but I decided to walk home instead of taking the bus, to get some exercise.

On my walk home, I saw someone's student ID and transit card had been dropped by the bus stop. I decided to get home and try to track her down online so I could get try to get them back to her as soon as possible. I sent her a Facebook message and I am making arrangements to meet up with her to get them back to her.

Christmas Card Collective

A few years ago, a local woman decided to start collecting Christmas cards with messages of love and encouragement inside them to be distributed to people at local shelters at Christmas time.  She called this project the Christmas Card Collective.

This year, she is trying to collect 10,000 signed cards from the community, to be given out to people at shelters locally and in other cities in Canada and USA.

I am writing some cards up tonight to be mailed to her this week, in time for this holiday season.

Hoping to bring some joy to a stranger who truly needs some kindness and inspiration.

The Gift Of Warmth On A Wet, Rainy Night

Last night was a rainy, cold night. I was going to the ATM machine to take out some cash when I saw a man curled up on a nearby bench, trying to stay warm. I had a new scarf and knit cap with me, so I gave them to him. 

I was then going to head home right after this happened, but I decided to go get him a warm sandwich and warm drink. It wasn't planned, but I was so glad I could and did help this person in some small way. We may not be able to help every person in need, but we can usually help one person who needs help.

Words Of Comfort At A Sad Time

I spoke with a coworker of mine today, and she told me some sad news. Her beloved dog is not in good health, and to spare the dog any further suffering, she is going to put the dog to sleep.

I knew that it was very painful for her to go through this loss, so I gave her a card with a note to tell her how sorry I was for her to lose her beloved dog and also thanked her for her help at work. I included a gift card for the 711 convenience store, so she could get herself a coffee and a treat.

I hope my words provide some comfort to her at this time of sadness. It is never easy to say goodbye to a beloved pet.

 

She Received Someone Else's Mail, But Turned It Into an Opportunity For a Random Act Of Kindness

I was processing our incoming mail at work today, and there was a piece of mail that had the wrong address on it, and it was sent to my office by mistake.

It looked to be a utility payment that someone was mailing to their gas company. I called the company to verify their mailing address, and I will correct the address on the envelope and send it off in the postal mail.

I spoke to the woman at the gas company and asked her to contact the sender (name was on the envelope) to advise customer of the correct address, so this doesn't happen again. She said she would, but she said that it was up to the customer to make sure they used the right address. I told her that I was trying to do a good deed to help the customer, who just happened to use the wrong address and whom I do not know at all.

Think I did the right thing.

Bringing More Awareness To My Day

I take transit to and from work every weekday. Needless to say, it can be stressful due to full trains and buses, and the riders can test my nerves every day.

Today, I was riding the train on the way home. I wasn't really paying too much attention to the people around me who were standing on the crowded train.

Then, I noticed a young woman standing by me, who looked quite pregnant. I tapped her on the shoulder and offered her my seat. She was grateful and thanked me as she sat down.

It really is true that when you do something kind for someone else, you do feel good about it, and it lifts your mood. I often get impatient with others, which I will try to work on improving.

Let's all work on being more patient and kind. One day at a time.
 

Lost Tourists Set Back On Right Path

They didn't know they were lost.

I was waiting at the bus stop for my bus yesterday, and I noticed a man and a woman who looked like they might need help with directions.

I approached them, and asked if they needed any help. She indicated that she thought they were okay and knew which bus they needed, which was 7 bus. She told me the street they were trying to get to. It turns out that they were headed in the wrong direction. I told them to cross the street to catch the right bus on the other corner.

Whew! Glad I took a few moments to help them.

That Was Awesome

Went to McDonalds this morning to get some breakfast and saw someone sitting outside the store, leaning with his head in his hands and a ball cap for change in front of him.

Used a 2 for 1 coupon to get him a breakfast sandwich and also a large cold drink.

Gave it to him and he thanked me.

Was walking up the street afterwards, and someone walked by me and said: “That was awesome by the way.”

I had no idea that anyone else was paying attention.

I am going to try to keep an eye out for acts of kindness that others are doing. :)

Breakfast for a Stranger In Need

This morning, before going to work, I went to McDonalds to get something for myself for breakfast. As it turns out, I wasn't there for msyelf, but for Bevan.

On my way in, I saw someone sitting outside the door who appeared to be houseless. When I asked, she said her name is Bevan. Unfortunately, Bevan is one of many in our community living without shelter. I felt moved to serve her in some small way. When I asked if she would like something to eat, she responded with "anything would be fine." I went inside and got her a breakfast meal with a hot coffee.

 

A Dignity Donation To Homeless Women

Many women in our community are struggling financially (some are homeless) and they can not afford the costs of hygiene products like pads and tampons and must often choose between buying food or those items for their monthly period.

Donations of purses, pads, tampons and other toiletries are being collected locally (Vancouver BC) at several locations across the city, and they will be given to shelters and women's organizations who will distribute them to women in need. 

Today, I donated some new underwear and a large package of Kotex pads. I am fortunate enough to be able to afford these items, so I wanted to do my part to help women who can't afford them.

Let's help others when we can. It really does makes the world a better place.

Caught in an Act of Kindness

Today, as I was walking home after work, I walked by a parking meter that only had a few minutes of time left on it. I decided to put a coin or two in the meter, to add some time to the meter, so that the person did not get a ticket for an expired meter.

As I was doing this, a couple of men walked towards me. It looked like one of them had a oxygen tank. One of the men asked me if I was putting money in his meter. I said, "Yes." He seemed surprised, in a good way.

It was just a fluke that he came out right then, just as I was putting money in the meter. A few seconds later, and he would have missed me. Serendipity!

A Free Movie Ticket For A Stranger

I had the good fortune to recently receive a free double movie pass through a contest. I was not able to find a friend who wanted to join me for the screening tonight, so I was planning to go alone.

My plan was to ask the ticket person at the box office to give the extra ticket to someone who came to buy a ticket for that same screening. Went I went to the theatre, there were two women ahead of me in line. I heard one lady ask for a ticket for the same movie I was seeing. I offered her the extra free ticket. She was happily surprised and accepted. She offered to buy me a treat, like popcorn, but I said No.

I asked her to Pay it Forward and she said she would. I'm so happy that I was able to offer this ticket to her. It made us both feel good.

Get Warm Project!

There is a very kind local lady who has organized an initiative called the Get Warm Project in Vancouver BC (Canada). All the donated items such as socks, gloves, blankets, toiletries are bundled into bags and then handed out to people in need in one of our country’s poorest areas. This morning, a group of volunteers got together to bundle each bag of items in preparation to hand them out to people in need. I signed up to help bundle the bags this morning. It was so nice to see people truly caring about poverty, addiction or homelessness which many people may just ignore or disregard, due to their circumstances. ... Read Full Story >>

Take My Seat!

Sometimes we make think that a small act of kindness may not mean much to the recipient, so we may hesitate to do anything. Eg. Offering your seat to someone on a crowded bus or train going to or coming home from work. This morning, I offered to give my seat to someone who was standing. She did not take the seat, but I felt good for offering. You can never go wrong when you make an effort to spread good karma in the world.

Coffee Time!

I grabbed some breakfast on the way in to the office today. It came with a free coffee, so I gave the coffee to my coworker when I got to work.

She has helped me at work when we were short staffed in recent weeks, so it was nice to give her a treat. Remember to express gratitude to others on a daily basis and see how it makes you and the recipient feel.

Welcome, Tourists!

Stopped by McDonalds this morning to grab something to eat before work.

I had some soon to expire coupons, so I asked a lady who was waiting in line if she would like some. I gave them to her and turns out she and her friend were tourists from Germany.

Summer time is high tourist season in many places, so if you do encounter visitors to your community, offer them a smile, help with directions and a chat, if you have a few spare moments.  It will brighten their day and yours.

Let's do a kind deed or two or three.

Blankets And Warm Clothes For The Homeless

Years ago, a local man (vancouver BC (canada) named Gregory Ould encountered a homeless man, and approached asked him if there was something he could do to help him.

Greg was expecting the man may want something like cigarettes, but the man in need said he could use a blanket to make it through the night on the cold streets.

Greg went and got a blanket for him, and since then, Greg and his young son started an organization called Blanket BC, which collects blankets and warm clothes to be distributed to shelters that help the homeless.

An annual Drive on the Line event was held this past Friday and Saturday, with “Blanketeers” collecting the donations at select Canada Line stations (our local version of a subway) .

I have been a Blanketeer in years past, and dropped off 2 warm jackets on Friday.

Info: www.blanketbc.org
 

The Replacement Banana

Today, a coworker of mine sent an email to staff about his banana that had gone missing from the kitchen counter. It seems that he must have put it down on the counter briefly, but when he went back for it, the banana was gone. Someone must have thought it was free for anyone to take. I decided to get him a replacement banana. It was an easy thing to do, and   I think that the gesture brightened his day!

A Bottle Of Water And A Banana

Brought a bottle of water and an extra banana with me this morning, just in case I saw someone who may be in need, especially since the weather is getting hot now.

Saw a man who looked in need, and gave them both to him.

Stocking Stuffers For Seniors

One of our local Drug Stores/Pharmacy has a holiday program called Stocking Stuffers for Seniors, which they coordinate with local seniors facilities.

The seniors request a few items that they would like, and the gift tags with their requests are placed on a Christmas tree in the store. 🎄

Customers can take a tag from the tree, buy the items that are requested and return the tag and gifts to the customer service desk.

I took one tag for a man and one for a woman, and I will be getting the items on their wish list. I will include a Christmas card with the gifts to spread some holiday cheer to them, as many are alone, without any family. 

Helping Hands

There is a local group that collects items like sleeping bags, socks, underwear, clothes and other items to distribute to members of the community who are in need.

I dropped off a couple of sleeping blankets, a couple of packages of new socks, and a package of new underwear today.

Housing is often unaffordable or unavailable and many are struggling to manage costs for necessities like food, clothes, toiletries and more.

It is wonderful to see people who care about and do so much to help those in the community who may be struggling to make ends meet,

A Sandwich And A Bottle Of Water On A Hot Day

I often go to a local restaurant to get take out food, and often notice a an older man sitting outside, with a baseball cap on the ground in front of him for people to leave spare coins or money for him.

This morning, I got an extra sandwich and then went to see if he was there.

He was, so I went to a nearby corner grocery store to get a bottle of water to give to him, as it is getting very warm this weekend.

I offered them to him, and he accepted both, and I told him to take care.

I felt so bad knowing that he likely did not have any place cool in which he could seek refuge. 😢

A Bag Of Goodies For A Stranger

On my way to the Dollar Store, I saw a man (who appears to be homeless) sleeping in a doorway.

I believe that is his spot, as I could see stuff nearby that seem to be his belongings.

I decided to get a few items for him, including a cold Lemon iced tea, a reusable water bottle, some Reese’s peanut butter cups and some other snacks (tuna with crackers, chicken with crackers).

I hope they brightened his day a bit.

I was thinking that next time I see him, I may ask him if there are some specific things that I could get for him.
 

Witnessing Stranger Kindness Warms the Heart

It is always nice to see someone perform an act of kindness for a stranger. Although I know it happens, it seems to be a rare occasion for me to witness it myself.

The other day, I went into a grocery store, and I decided to buy a bottle of water and a sandwich for someone (who looked to be in need) outside the store entrance.

When I was leaving the store, I saw a man offer some water and something to eat to the man to whom I was going to make an offering.

That was so lovely and also unexpected.

So I kept the items I had bought and was able to give them to another person in need, a short time later.

Holding The Door For A Senior

Went to pick up my lunch order today and there was an elderly lady using a walker who was on her way to the door to exit the place.

I went outside to hold the door open for her.

Nice to get a sudden and surprise opportunity to help a stranger.

🏡 Welcome! 🌲

Coffee for an Angry-Looking Young Man

Ripples of Kindless from Burritos for a Homeless Woman

She Ran To Give an Elderly Man Back His Walking Cane, And Received Far More In Return

The Man at The Cafe Who Showered Us With Kindness

Magic Of Listening

Seventh Graders Hold Bake Sales For Their Friend

Her eight-year-old son didn't want to leave anyone out since he knows how that feels

Just 35 cents

Satiated By The Little Kid's Smile

Female Judge Recognizes Male Suspect As Friend From 35 Years Ago, Does Unexpected Kindness Act

Kindness On The Underground