F51
Would you stop to help?
June 09 2014
Comments
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Smilingwithfun
11 years ago
A First Class thing you did. I own a Business & a few years ago started to give to a few chosen causes. My mother did for years. Whilst we can't change the world we can do something.
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RHP User
11 years ago
Beautiful - Posted from rhpmobile
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RHP User
11 years ago
Well done we all need to help others in need but as you seen so many people just walk past. Its those type of people that make the world like it is. Yes i would have helped her as much as i possibly could after all, simetimes that little piece of humanity does make a world of difference. Unfortunately in some areas of the united states its now a crime to be homeless and you will be arrested thrown into a fema camp. So sad.
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RHP User
11 years ago
There is a little café in Fremantle I go to a lot - mainly great music and coffee. The manager there has started a little thing where you buy 2 cups of coffee but that extra coffee is put into a "bank" and homeless or people in needs can ask for a "free" meal or drink or both. I always buy 2 cups of coffee and any small change I have I ask for it to be put in the bank. But last yr I was approached for money in the Mall in city Perth, I asked what was the money for and guy said smokes. I asked had he eaten and got a no not for days, so rather than give money for smokes, I took the guy to a café, hand over x amount of money to the staff member and ask to give the guy a meal instead of having money for smokes. In this country we should not have this but we do. For what ever reason we have people in this situation and it terribly sad. I also support the charities that have soup kitchen. At least they get one meal a day.
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RHP User
11 years ago
If you ever speak to a homeless person it's heart breaking how they ended up there, society often stereo types the junkies and alcoholics . There are a lot of kids that feel the streets are safer than home, sickness has struck and while not being able to work and medical bills has eaten at their savings, leading to homelessness . I always give money, homelessness doesn't discriminate, it's like cancer that it touches all levels of humanity. Hard times falls on all of us, for some who don't have any family or support in tough times can lead to this in humane way. I hate feeling cold and hungry, they r no different.
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Missb4u
11 years ago
All kinds of special! That gave me goosebumps. For me this thread is a reminder to do more and be so grateful for what I have - Posted from rhpmobile
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RHP User
11 years ago
You are awesome and I wish there were more people in the world like you! Pusscat xxx
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Lovinit28andKC72
11 years ago
You have bought tears to my eyes. Your simple, but beautiful act of kindness, would have given that woman faith, helped her believe there are still good, gentle, kind people in this world and when she probably had very little faith left. You can never truly know of someone's story or struggles, unless you've traveled down a similar path or you take the time to ask....good for you lilyorchid, you truly have a beautiful soul....💋 Oh and yes I would have stopped also, I couldn't, nor would I want to, walk past and not offer a helping hand......💋
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RHP User
11 years ago
Passed it on to our kids too. From animals to adults, from helping someone find something on the shelf in the supermarket (people have done that for me plenty of times too LOL), to helping her get home after hearing an errant young girl crying out in the dark at 3am after drama in our suburb. Random acts of all sorts have been just wonderful and mostly rewarding on the inside for us. . Nothing as beautiful as I visualise your story though Lily. . There's a movement called Suspended Coffees which has a page on facebook, they encourage and share stories of random acts of kindness, as well as encouraging businesses to 'suspend' coffees as described by MatureDale about her cafe in Freo. Meals can also be brought and put aside. <3 . There are so many wonderful stories of people who put their whole lives towards what they believe in. I follow a few pages on fb to get a daily dose of feel good and good deeds can range from helping people finish collecting sets of Woolworth's Collector cards to putting a whole life into supporting the beings you believe in. I have an awesome group of friends too. :-D As I write, I can see a post on my feed where a 'Street Store' has been set up along a fence... The write up says, "In South Africa, an unusual clothing store has just opened on the streets of Cape Town. In this outdoor “boutique”, passersby fill the hangers with their old clothes, so that homeless people can browse to choose new ones. So far, nearly 1,000 people have benefitted from this project." . It's a man in the mirror thing isn't it? From small gestures to large, we do each and everyone make a difference.
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RHP User
11 years ago
A guy asking for money at the truckstop I used to frequent. I asked him what the money was for....he said food.... Ok cool....I ordered him some fried rice and veges plus a bottle of water.... All up about $15. His smile and gratitude - PRICELESS :) Would I do it again?? Hell yes :) - Posted from rhpmobile
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Lovinit28andKC72
11 years ago
Nothing better than helping someone who could do with a break, to see them smile, be thankful, to see some faith restored and to see it all in their eyes, without a single word being spoken. It's an amazing feeling to know that you've helped put it there for them. The smallest things can mean so much to someone and you should never take what you have for-granted, because there is always someone that's far worst off and would be grateful to have just a fraction of what you have...💋 Bless all the lost souls trying to find their way again and the beautiful, kind, thoughtful souls that are trying to help, wherever possible.....💋
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Lovinit28andKC72
11 years ago
Nothing better than helping someone who could do with a break, to see them smile, be thankful, to see some faith restored and to see it all in their eyes, without a single word being spoken. It's an amazing feeling to know that you've helped put it there for them. The smallest things can mean so much to someone and you should never take what you have for-granted, because there is always someone that's far worst off and would be grateful to have just a fraction of what you have...💋 Bless all the lost souls trying to find their way again and all the beautiful, kind, thoughtful souls that are trying to help, wherever possible.....💋
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RHP User
11 years ago
full of empathy and kindness. The world would be a much nicer place if there was more people that saw beyond the dirt and grunge of people who are homeless. Last winter a man took residence at the back of our local shopping centre. I saw him one morning and he was freezing, I went into the Deli and got him an egg and bacon roll and a coffee and gave it to him, then went home and grabbed an old warm jacket of hubby's and went back and gave it to him. When I got to work I went and chatted with my manager who had contacts with some of the shelters and he had a mental health worker sent out to him. I never saw him again, hopefully he got the assistance that he needed to survive the winter.
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RHP User
11 years ago
To have such a compassionate and caring heart. In this world of taking care of number one, it is a trait that is often overlooked and even mistaken as weakness...kindness. One night I had dinner with a friend and when we finished I suggested we do something random...I suggested we get a takeaway and go and find someone to give it to. There is a guy who is a homeless fella in town. He gets pushed away and avoided and people just ignore him....much in the same way the lady was ignored in your story. Because I work in the gardens in town I see this guy a lot. He doesn't speak. He just goes about his way. He's in a bit a messy state as you can imagine. I know he's still switched on because when I say hello to him he says hello back. Well anyway we got the takeaway and I knew who to look for. We walked for ages because I went to the place where he usually camps but it turned out he was moved on. Eventually we found him. He was laying down on pieces of cardboard. We walked up to him and introduced ourselves. Then when he sat up a bit we handed him his food and sat with him for a while. He asked about the weather and he said that he didn't have any money. I nearly cried when he told me this. In his situation he was still concerned about being able to pay us for the meal. Goes to show what kind of man he is underneath the hard unkept exterior. The kind of heart he had. We all talked for a bit and I think my friend was nearly in tears too. He inspected the meal and he tucked right in. We left and we wished we were able to do more for him. It was as if it wasn't enough. But I know there are a few groups joining up to start a shelter for the homeless...I sure hope that gets going soon because this town really needs it. And I feel there needs to be more awareness as to the people in this situations and ways they can seek help and for others to help them. I ran into a young man who was severely injured in the street and he to,d me he had been kicked out. He yelled and swore. But when he calmed down he apologised. These people are just like us. The only difference is that no one takes notice of them and no one cares for the ones who fall behind. If we stop and take notice we can give a person who has lost there way some hope in this world. Because its hope that gets us and keeps us going.
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init4thesex
11 years ago
A little over 18mths we connected with a couple on RHP we shared a few messages but since they lived in Qld and us in NSW not much chance of meeting in the near future. 12mths later Mr of the couple contacted us and said he was coming this way for work and wanted to meet over coffee. As it turned out we were busy when he came thru town so we said we would catch up on the way back thru on his way home. Approximately 9pm that night we got a call from Mr, he had broken down out the road a piece, said he was in a parking bay and his car wouldn't start. So Hubby and I grabbed a spare car battery and jumper leads and headed out the road to find him. Knowing full well the dangers involved we could not risk leaving him stranded on the side of the road. We eventually found him, said hello nice to meet you, changed his battery and got him on his way and have firm friends ever since.
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RHP User
11 years ago
As much for sharing your story as for helping that lady. You may just have prompted dozens or hundreds to follow suit. It's often those that are most in need who are most hesitant to ask for help. The idea of “suspended coffees” or food banks where the most needy can get a meal is amazing and I'd support any business that promoted this.A question though - how do you think you will go travelling in Vietnam and the Philippines? I spent a lot of time in recent years travelling for work in India and Indonesia. Poverty is rife and can be very intimidating and even overwhelming. The sad truth is that often the ones doing the begging are receiving very little of the proceeds and the individuals most in need continue to miss out. With some practice though, it's possible to pick out the ones that are truly in need and discretely slip them a few coins, which is often enough to buy a hearty meal. In my travel I was constantly reminded of a tale I once heard...An elderly man was walking along a beach where a storm the previous night had washed up thousands of starfish that lay dying in the sun. A young boy was running up and down the beach grabbing one starfish at a time and flinging it back into the ocean. “what are you doing lad?” the old man asked. “saving starfish” came the reply. But there are so many, you can't possibly save them all, so what does it matter?” Without even thinking, to boy reached down and picked up another starfish, throwing it as far out into the water as he could. “Well, it mattered to that one” the boy said. I wonder who the wise one really was.....Rocky
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RHP User
11 years ago
Like button Class act Yes I would have stopped to help I've been on the receiving end of some incredible acts of kindness, once by a complete stranger. I've never forgotten. I've never been able to repay these people but I've "repaid" in helping others. Pay it forwards always "The first to help you up are the ones who know how it feels to fall down"
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tamworthguy46
11 years ago
That was a really nice thing you did lily, It's certainly good to have a social conscience, that lady's story would be undoubtedly one of tragedy and sorrow, and she probably never pictured herself on the street at some time in the past. yet there she is ......we should all try to treat those people how we would like to be treated if we were in their shoes, I heard it once said ,that a truly civilised society, should be judged on how they treat their poor ! Love and peace Tam
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RHP User
11 years ago
Kudos Lily, Just recovering from the flu myself... It's bad one. Glad you're over it... It's nice to know there are people who think the same. I would certainly have helped. I may not have taken her 'to' dinner, being a man, it may have been misconstrued, but I'd certainly give her money for something to eat. I have a World Vision foster child and it's a wonderful day when I get the yearly report from his village case worker where they now, after 22 years, have a fresh water well, there own village girl who was trained as a nurse, another villager whom we paid for to go to agricultural school and become a 'harsh climate agriculture advisor'. Plus the monthly visits from a roving Doc, a village infirmary, inoculations for all the diseases we know as no longer a threat (smallpox, leprosy etc). My young bloke (the second one I've had in this village) is now 12 and he writes a little 'Thank you and a message in English' that he learns in the village school, complete with elementary level teacher (Primary). He doesn't do well at school but he loves it more than working in the fields... Typical, 12 year old... Which is WONDEFFUL. Nothing makes you feel better than seeing the result of the help you can easily give to so many... Thanks
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RHP User
11 years ago
Sorry, meant to mention that, although the sort of person who is as generous and empathic as yourself, would never consider any rewards etc, other than maybe the feeling of well-being and accomplishment when you've made a positive difference in a life. But the Chinese New Year calls for monetary gifts be given, without receiving. It's believed that what you give to your 'servants' or 'employees' and other underlings, you receive 10 fold in that year... A good philosophy, which would engender more charitable works and generosity on the part of people who may not normally think in this way... Ta.
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RHP User
11 years ago
In my line of work we saw many children in that situation and knew these children if they had a home to go to most likely did not have a decent meal and often returned in the same dirty clothes. We organized out of our own pocket a hot meal for lunch all funded by the staff. We often bathed and washed clothes. Some of the parents were way too proud to ask for help, and often not in a position to change their situation. Ms S - Posted from rhpmobile
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RHP User
11 years ago
My answer is yes, I have done that and will keep doing it. I don't usually give money, but I will offer food, coffee or dog treats (many beggars with dogs around here.) Keep up the great work, Lily, the world needs more people like you.
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Seachange
11 years ago
all for sharing your thoughts and your wonderful stories. How inspiring. Thank you. when I was little girl, no more than 5yo, my mother read me a bedtime story of the "Little Match Girl' by Hans Christian Andersen. It broke my heart and I cried so much that night. At that time, I was not sure why but now it is clear that I was angry at indifference of the people who just walked past the little match girl who froze to death - hungry and alone. Jenny was my little match girl that night. It surely does not take a lot to help out our brothers and sisters in times of despair. It is specially most needed during winter where the homeless have it harder in the bitter winds and freezing rain here in Melbourne. We can not save everybody but helping someone when we can is better than not at all. I can not be indifferent to my surrounding and it will be a constant challenge but I am willing and able to meet the challenge. My heart is full of love, my body is strong, my mind is sharp and my spirit is strong. I have everything to my disposal to help. I consider myself lucky in all aspects of my life and I pay it forward by giving my time and some of my resources to those around me. I have so much to be thankful for. Keep warm and healthy this winter and remember to PAY IT FORWARD. X x
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RHP User
11 years ago
Quoting 'Lovinit28' Nothing better than helping someone who could do with a break, to see them smile, be thankful, to see some faith restored and to see it all in their eyes, without a single word being spoken. It's an amazing feeling to know that you've helped put it there for them. The smallest things can mean so much to someone and you should never take what you have for-granted, because there is always someone that's far worst off and would be grateful to have just a fraction of what you have...💋 Bless all the lost souls trying to find their way again and the beautiful, kind, thoughtful souls that are trying to help, wherever possible.....💋 That's lovely Lovinit, and so true. :-) . Thank you for sharing the love in your heart here Lilyorchid.
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RHP User
11 years ago
What a well written piece..I travel to China regularly and am constantly approached by beggars, some of which I am certain are making a very good living from their pursuit.. Never the less I generally always top and listen to them.. Indeed I have made a long term friend of a shoe shine man who when ever I visit Shanghai always catch up and eat lunch together.. Lilyorchid I wish I had your way with words to explain the bond and connection I have found from someone at the totally different end of the spectrum .. - Posted from rhpmobile
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RHP User
11 years ago
I also had a pang of guilt walking past a homeless guy on Tuesday morning with my coffee and two slices of fruit toast. I turned back and offered him a slice of freshly cooked toast. To my surprise, he politely declined by advising three other people had shouted him food that day. I walked on, slightly bemused. Silva
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rupamohan
11 years ago
Sorry not a reply to OP as asked but curious, why do we have hungry people??
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RHP User
10 years ago
Cos they don't got food to eat maybe? - Posted from rhpmobile
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Seachange
10 years ago
Quoting 'silvangold' I also had a pang of guilt walking past a homeless guy on Tuesday morning with my coffee and two slices of fruit toast. I turned back and offered him a slice of freshly cooked toast. To my surprise, he politely declined by advising three other people had shouted him food that day. I walked on, slightly bemused. SilvaA nice compassionate act... all acts of kindness , regardless of how big it is, and the courage to carry it out, all adds up to alleviate some suffering and sadness in our society. Hunger is just one obvious aspect and there are more. but we do what we can to address the immediate needs and at grassroot level. Good man.
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Seachange
10 years ago
Quoting 'rupamohan' Sorry not a reply to OP as asked but curious, why do we have hungry people?? Is this a rhetorical question? How shall I answer thee . Philosophically? Physiologically? How? What is the answer to have in mind? Maybe for a another thread you can position and put forward in the forum... but Sir_stir pointed the obvious...thanks...
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