Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Inspired By A Moment of Trust


--by ICCM, posted Jan 6, 2011

In my line of work we often hold conferences and workshops. The university I work for kindly provides food for all attendants (and anyone passing by at the right time) but it bothers me that they throw away all leftovers - and there's usually lots!

Last week I finally made my point and was allowed to take a huge tray of very nice sandwiches away with me. They were yummy and healthy and it would have been a real shame to see them ending up in the bin. The guy from catering even allowed me to borrow a large tray to carry them on.

I went looking for the homeless guy that usually sits in front of our local supermarket. He was sitting there reading and petting his dog on a blanket, and was thrilled when I showed him the food.

He had nothing to carry the food in and offered to bring the tray back the following week. Although we had never spoken before I decided to trust him with it, and I was not disappointed. He brought it back squeaky-clean yesterday and we had a nice chat while sharing some oranges.

This has inspired me to share more with local homeless people and to share my own luck at having my own needs met and being able to do what I love. 

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Readers Comments

Spoonerism wrote: I'm sure we all recognise that initial moment of doubt. "can i trust him? " but well done for following your instincts and trusting him! May we all learn from your fine example! :-)
Joel wrote: Thankyou so much for showing such compassion. You not only helped the beneficiary but also planted a generous heart in him. The step of helping the organisation help an extra person is superb!
Cyndy wrote: There is so much waste in our world today. I was kind of her to ask for help for some- one else. If all of us showed that conviction all of the time.
Baly wrote: @kim: those programs are great, but they won't pick up for just 5 sandwiches or so at a time. I like that this person did this directly. It's one thing to donate to an organization; it's another riskier -- and more rewarding -- thing to share food with another human being.
clnemeth wrote: A wonderful story! Just a small thoughtful jesture can go such a long way. Inspiring for sure. Kudos!
Jenn wrote: This was a beautiful story about being able to commit truly with your heart in the name of trust. You could of easily wanted to take the tray and be happy with your good deed, but you went that simple extra step and created a beautiful relationship :)
ollie wrote: God bless you my dear soul , may you always have your needs taken care of
Kim wrote: There are programs operated by local food banks that will pick up leftover food from events like this, from restaurants, from food trade shows, etc. And take them directly to a homeless shelter that provides meal service. If you contact them in advance, they will be there as soon as the events concludes so the food stays fresh.
CharlieB wrote: How lovely of you to go two extra steps in kindness, first to ask for and claim the extras for someone in need and second to grant him the courtesy of trust.
pauliej wrote:

The offer of food, trust, and respect-beautiful!

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