© 2007 Maynard Smith
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Expressions of Kindness
Most of the following photo-article was posted on
St. Valentine's Day, February 14, 2008
Canine Support Teams, Inc.
"Changing the way the world thinks about disabilities,
one dog at a time"
- Additional information-links can be found
after this group of photographs. -
Photographs courtesy of
Canine Support Teams, Inc.
To learn more about
Canine Support Teams, inc.
visit their website at:
And in January '08 they were awarded
'Charity of the Month' on Charity.com.
There is also an article about their 'Prison Pup Program'
on the California Department of Corrections
and Rehabilitation website.
===============
'Teaching Kids to Care'
A parenting book, created by the folks at Kids Korps USA.
(FOK thanks Shirl Thomas for this reference tip)
This book presents practical and effective ways of teaching children
the value of caring for others through community service.
Visiting the elderly, feeding the homeless, helping
with environmental projects, assisting with Special Olympics, these are
just a few of the many possibilities. And by being involved with
community service, children not only learn how to care about others,
but they also develop
leadership skills and self-confidence.
"This
book coaches us on the importance of parenting and shows us how to
raise 'kids who care,' by building a deep sense of character and
compassion in children and society. The concepts in this book can have
a dramatic impact
on children who will go on to influence the world around them.
The world can always use more leaders, heroes, and pioneers -
and this book can help you help your child be one of them."
- Larry King, Larry King Live
Kids Korps USA is an organization that teaches children
the value of serving others and their community.
===
( FOK thanks Lois Harmeyerfor this story tip)
Focus on Kindness wishes the best for Paul Potts,
a shy and humble cell phone salesman from South Wales.
He would like to be an opera singer. These two heart-warming presentations on YouTube originated on a show called, 'Britain's Got Talent'.
Video #1 and video #2.
===
We Give Thanks
21st Annual
Free Thanksgiving Day Dinner!
(FOK thanks Sue Lau for this story tip)
"La Casa Garcia, We Give Thanks, Inc. and the Anaheim Ducks will provide Orange County's largest Thanksgiving meal, feeding over 15,000 people."
Orange County Register (click here for event details)
Founder of We Give Thanks, Inc.
believes that Thanksgiving is a special day to give thanks
for our many blessings.
And 21 years ago, he decided to host a free dinner to the less fortunate
in the parking lot of his restaurant, La Casa Garcia.
Since then, the number of people being served has grown.
And in order to accommodate the large number of attendees,
the location of the dinners was changed to
the Honda Center (formerly Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim).
For more information about We Give Thanks ( click here ).
===
World Kindness Day (November 13, '07)
===
Thanksgiving Day
"At no other time in the history of mankind has there ever been
a society with so much to be thankful for." M. Smith
Let us be thankful.
===
"Bella"
Winner of the People's Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival
"True love goes beyond romance"
Bella the Movie
===============
Wheels for the World
to individuals living in developing countries,
where the cost of one wheelchair can be more than a years wages.
at various locations throughout the U.S. The wheelchairs are then sent to
a number of correctional facilities where they are restored to like-new condition. After they have been restored, they are shipped overseas.
Wheels for the World has delivered over 32,000 wheelchairs
to over 83 developing countries.
Three recipients are pictured below.
Romania Photo courtesy of Joni and Friends (Wheels for the World)
An Orphan in China Photo courtesy of Joni and Friends (Wheels for theWorld)
by Joni and Friends,
a non-profit organization located in Agoura Hills, CA.
The following links have additional information:
The Hindu - Boy gets a gift of mobility
(Online edition of India's National Newspaper)
The New York Times - Behind Bars, Reaching Out to Others;
Inmates Restore Castoff Wheelchairs for Third World's Disabled
History's Women - Joni Eareckson Tada - Founder of Joni & Friends
Joni Eareckson Tada
Founder of Joni and Friends
At the age of 17, as the result of a diving accident,
Joni became paralyzed from the neck down.
However, despite huge obstacles, she has been able
to help thousands of people suffering from disabilities.
Her dedication to kindness
has made this world a better place.
===============
"The power of kindness
can heal broken hearts,
rebuild burned bridges,
and sometimes prevent war."
M. Smith - Nov. 8, 2007