Friday, January 28, 2011

A heart-warmer in a cold winter's night


What makes a cold wintery day, warm? Well, there could be tons of reasons- a visit from a friend; a surprise gift from a loved one; or even a hot chocolate drink in your favourite mug!

Today is exceptionally special—we threw a celebration to a very special person who has made a difference in the lives of our children. All our kids were supposed to have their regular practices in the different programs that this wonderful lady has been leading in the past several years but all the moms (including me!) have something special to give to this person—a baby shower!

In the dark, we huddled—hushing the younger kids to be quiet; it was quite a feat but everybody else was trying their best to remain silent and keep their hands and feet to themselves. It seemed like the excitement was brewing and we simply can’t contain ourselves not until the door was unlocked and there comes our ‘director’. The lights were switched on and then we said “Surprise!” with such enthusiasm.

A program was given starting off with warm greetings and special prayers for this wonderful lady and her baby-to-be. Then we presented her a ‘gift’—a newsletter-magazine that we prepared which is a collection of our best wishes and blessings for this new family. I am happy to be part of it because I got to design, layout and edit the material. In fact, it was my idea to come up with this memoir that she’ll remember us by—a memoir of warm wishes and blessings from all moms to a mom-to-be and her hubby.

After the presentation of our gift, we had a couple of games for the kids. It’s amazing to see all the children having so much fun and the look of innocent anticipation from their young eyes. Many of the younger kids looked on while the others came close to our director and touched her growing baby belly. After the games, we said a prayer and soon right after, we helped ourselves with a buffet of various food and snacks. Most of the kids helped themselves with a plateful of sweet treats and chips, while the older ones grabbed some fudgy brownies and pizza slices.

The highlight of the night came when we presented to her a table full of gifts. It’s wonderful to see those sparkle in her eyes which reminds me of the time when I was about to open gifts from friends who care for the coming of a new member in our family. It took some time for our director to open all the gifts which range from baby clothes to baby carriers, and even a cute blue bathtub and baby bag which matches the taste of our wonderful mom-to-be. Right after the party’s over, I left the place with such joy in my heart. It’s a good thing to give our best wishes to someone who is expecting; for the coming of a new baby means life and the birth of a new hope.

It was a cold night but it was warmed by the love of all mothers who extended their love and warmest regards to a young woman who is about to take on the new journey known as motherhood.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Art is for everyone, even the homeless


For all of you who have been following my blog, I'd like to let you all know that I am organizing an event to benefit Winnipeg's homeless and impoverished population. Homelessness and poverty respect no one; it doesn't respect any background, gender or age. There certainly are many root causes to homelessness such as drug or alcohol abuse; domestic violence; sexual abuse; abandonment; loss of a job; and even the loss of one's support system.

My event is called "Colours of Hope"- an art exhibit and auction event to benefit Siloam Mission. Through this event, I would like to raise awareness on the issues of homelessness and poverty, and how Siloam Mission's Expressive Arts Program helps the homeless express themselves in a creative way (through writing, crafting, painting, etc.) which can be a very useful tool to help the homeless regain his self-worth and rediscover himself. The arts program could also help usher in the healing process.

I know that I am not alone in helping our city's homeless and underprivileged; we know that through the programs at Siloam Mission, one is not only given with a hot meal or a warm bed at night but as well as helpful transition programs that help the homeless get his life back together- but first of all, he has to get and know his self-worth.

Please help me in my campaign to support the homeless through Siloam Mission. Support my event by coming to the art exhibit on February 18-24, 2011 (except Sunday) at The Edge Gallery on Main Street. Donations (both monetary & in-kind) will be accepted at the gallery. This exhibit is for FREE. The exhibit is suitable for all ages. If you wish, you can also make a donation online to Siloam Mission. Please indicate "Colours of Hope" at the commnents box as your referring site.

A fundraising auction night event will take place on February 24th (Thursday) at 7:00 p.m. at the same place. Artworks created by our supportive and compassionate Winnipeg artists will be auctioned to help raise funds for Siloam Mission. Tickets to the event are priced at $30 each. Proceeds of all ticket sales will go to support our beneficiary.

Three weeks from now, our event will start. Please support us and let's make a difference. Together, we can make change happen.