How many times have you done it ?

Hello everyone
 How many times have you driven down the street and seen a homeless person and pretend you didn't see them  ? A person panhandling at a traffic light and roll up your window and shake your head and say no change, Seen someone unkempt and standing in line in a fast food place counting pennies and say to yourself " I would never let myself get that way"! I assume most of you are nodding your head and muttering "yah I have" it's ok you are not alone , myself included. It wasn't until I was in my late 20's that I started to wonder less about how I would never get to a place of destitute and poverty and more about how did theses people I see everyday get to that point? What is their story?
We all met Barnard this week and I will admit I have seen him everyday for the past 4 years as I leave for work and when I am on my way home and I have never had the chance to stop and speak with him as he is usually on the side of a major road that has no place to stop. Barnard goes about his daily routine of traveling up and down the length of 264th pushing his bicycle that is overloaded with bottles.I am so glad that I stopped as I found out not only does he pick up bottles he picks up the trash on the side of the hiway, when asked why ? He simply said " it's where I live and I want it to be beautiful" this is a man that with the little energy he does have gives back to his community to make our world a better place. I don't know how he got to where he is at but I do know with an attitude like that he will go far if he chooses. I have so much respect for that man that I will make sure that if he needs a warm coat or a hot meal when I am near he will have it! We should all be not so quick to judge a book by its cover.if you are ever traveling on 264th in Aldergrove by the Zoo ,stop and say thank you to Barnard he has a big heart and a great smile.
This week we did manage to perform other random acts of kindness. There was an annonomous donation of $100 to Children's Hospital made due to a bet that FV Secret Santa could not get to 500 followers.thank you everyone for helping me get there. A Drop was made in Abbotsford to a very special and deserving person who always thinks of others. A drop in Aldergrove that was rewarding but disappointing,a $50 gift card and a personalized letter for a man that took time to ask me to help his sister when in fact he has been through some very tough times himself.Unfortunatly I do not know what happened but the card was not accepted at the Central City Brew Pub and I am currently awaiting word on why, yes there was $50 on the card of my own money !
We also have to thank and I encourage everyone to mention and thank @timhortons for generously jumping on the Santa train and donating lots of $10 gift cards so that FVSS and the helpers could do even more for the people in our communities. Amazing group of people from the summer camps to the smile cookie program we all thank you !
Last I would like to mention a man that is never selfish and incredibly talented,mr @ronb93 .Ron will be having a concert in Vancouver on Nov 10 and I encourage everyone who can attend please do . Who knows you just may catch a glimpse of Santa as well . All information for the show is available through his twitter profile page and follow the link to his site.
Support local artists who are talented and are chasing their dreams.

Priorities

Hello everyone. I hope that your week was excellent.

** Stay close as @Ronb93 and I are still planning a pre Christmas food drive for local food banks** 

I am not sure about you but when I plan my day I have to constantly prioritize what needs to be done, what’s pressing and what may be able to wait for another time . This should be common place for all that we do. It seems most often these days it seems people have lost what’s important to prioritize not just in our personal lives but the world in general.

I was looking at an article in the paper and on twitter the other day that described public outrage over the fact that Santa Claus is depicted as promoting smoking in children because in all stories he has a pipe in his mouth. REALLY? I am not sure about you but as a child I never once looked at a picture of Santa and said “hey lets go out back and light up a pipe”. Please don’t get me wrong I do not condone children smoking as YES it is not a healthy thing to do for any of us. My problem is why is all of this energy  going into a petty issue when we could use that kind of focus and passion to fill a food bank, help the homeless, advocate and fund raise to cure Cancer, MS, HIV/AIDS.

You turn on the TV each night and see story after story about shootings and arsons and another Rioter being sentenced to weekends in jail and needing to write an apology letter. What I would like to see is stories about the person who helped the victims of a shooting, the firemen that put out the fire; the Good Samaritan that tried to stop the riots in Vancouver. If all we see on a daily basis is the bad side of society that is unfortunately what our kids and the generations going forward will see also and become even more desensitized.

I wish there is some way that  a weekly hero from a community is highlighted, show that person/persons to the world and make sure that you, your kids and all the people around you could see what a role model should look like.

I have decided for those who read this post each week that I will single a person or persons out that deserve to be recognized for their contributions to society or their community. I ask that if any of you would like to, please submit each week a short story about the person and why you think they should be recognized to FVsecretsanta@gmail.com. I will not be able to post them all, but I will make sure that a whichever story is chosen that week a personal letter is written to the individual or individuals from myself and on behalf of the followers of @FVSecretSanta thanking them for their contribution, and for  being someone we consider being a role model in their community.  

This week’s role models in my opinion are 2 people that are known for their faces on TV but I am not sure that people know exactly what they do for their communities.

@ChrisGalius &@Sophielui

These two people come into our homes each day on the news cast and tell us about the struggles of our world and the despair that people face. When their shift is done and on the weekends these two individuals make a concerted effort to better out communities by using the notoriety that they have to advocate for causes all over the Vancouver area.

Chris Galius :

Outside of the newsroom, Chris actively supports the BC Children's Hospital, Canuck Place Children's Hospice, and organizations that support research and treatment of Diabetes and Arthritis. Chris and his wife Jane also encourage the adoption of animals and have one dog (Dottie, a Maltese) and one cat (Mocha, a mixed breed)I have had the personal pleasure of interacting with him on more than one occasion regarding a family issue and he is a kind and considerate man.

Sophie Lui

When Sophie’s not reporting on human-interest stories, she’s busy being a part of them: She makes up to six public appearances every month. “You develop relationships with non-profits,” she says. “I have a hard time saying no to something I think is important.” One cause that’s close to her heart is HIV and AIDS awareness, for which Sophie has become an advocate. “It sounds corny, but I don’t like to see people treated differently,” she says. “There’s been a progression in research, and in our attitudes toward HIV and AIDS, but it’s still easier for people to talk about other diseases. There’s so much misunderstanding about it.”Sophie often ditches her self-imposed 10 p.m. curfew to emcee fundraisers for various causes, although she pays the price the next day.

Special thanks to those two and the rest of the Global BC family. Find them on twitter, tell them Thank you and give them a follow. Our community is lucky to have them.

Have a great week everyone and let people know they have lots of time to jump on the Santa train 

Special helpers this week are the incredible @energyworks333 @gypsy_mamma @sweetestnagel

@danieldafon and so many more

FVsecretsanta

FVsecretsanta@Gmail.com

Dream BIG

To know that I have now opened myself up to the lower mainland and the world is kind of a scary situation, I knew that when I took @FvSecretSanta public I would be in for ridicule, hostility and most of all doubt! This is the reason that I post all the drops that happen and provide Photos for people to see. I want people to know that if I could help everyone that that needed help I would. This is why I do this Secret Santa thing, I want more people to join in and help and who want to be there for a total stranger and for their community wherever that may be.  I do not play favorites I do not choose people that I know for gift surprises, I simply try and make as many people smile as I can. When I revealed to a friend of mine that I was trying to get the number of followers so high that maybe I could make a difference in people’s lives by encouraging donations of  time, food, money or a smile, he plainly said to me “you will never do it people just don’t care about anything but themselves, I would be surprised if you got to 500, I bet you 100 bucks you don’t” I am not so worried about my numbers anymore, as soon as  I DO get to 500 that $100 will be taken straight to the BC Children’s Hospital. I see too much good in people that I know we can get there.

Drops made / Community events

• ·         Tim Horton’s cards to the ARH

• ·         Weekly staple of purchasing a person’s beverage in a drive thru line up

• ·         Donation to the SHARE food bank food drive in Pinetree village

• ·         Paws for a cause was this week and we ALL helped to promote that event

• ·         Calgary city food bank had its annual food drive –promoted

I wanted to make mentions of people and places that have helped Santa along the way. I wish I could name them all, but that is what I try and do with my “ALWAYS FOLLOW” at the beginning of each day. Follow these people and show them that you appreciate their hard work in helping.

·         @mukmuk069

·         @tweet_vector

·         @gypsy_mamma

·         @sweetestnagel

·         @ @EnergyWorks333

·         @FMSPCA

·         @ModernSECalgary

·         @C_o_l_e_K

·         @KyleGarbitt

·         @Ronb93

These are just a few of the many, if I have missed you I am sorry and I will be promoting all of you as I go along.

The last thing that I wanted to add was, as you may have seen me post there is a young woman who has recently had a diagnosis of MS in my cul-de-sac. This woman is 30 years old and recently delivered a baby at 26 weeks, the baby is doing great after a medical mishap took his right forearm and is now 6 months old. If this woman is as strong as her baby I know that she will do all she can to defeat and win in her fight. This family has been through enough this year. The father and husband is a local Fireman in Aldergrove who risks his life every day to make our world a safer place. I will be promoting the MS societies of the world and I ask that you do too. There are so many people suffering from this horrible and debilitating disease that we have to somehow find a cure to minimize the loss of life. This baby needs his mom. Please send her your positive thoughts and hope for a cure one day!

Thank you everyone it’s been a good week.

Now let’s get to 500 for charity #jumponthesantatrain

THINKING of others

   When I am retweeting stories or articles or people I do that because I enjoy what they say, I enjoy the message or I just agree with the statement. I would love to have the followers that @thegreenmen has or @justincaron this would make spreading good will or organizing a fun and energetic fundraiser easier (no one said this would be easy) but for now it will be a challenge to gain the followers needed, but when I do watch out Vancouver we WILL make a change for the good and impact the lives of many families that we probably will never meet.

In the hopes to create awareness for the less fortunate people/ animals in our communities I am feverishly trying to stage and promote a “Food bank before Christmas day”, as I wish to remain anonymous you can imagine this may prove to be a tougher task than anticipated. What my goal and vision is will be to fill a truck with food from followers, passerby’s or companies in the local area. I do believe this can be done if done right. What I need is followers to spread the word to make this as successful as it possibly can be.

I do not always agree with the politics that happen in all our daily lives. I have been through my share of turmoil in the last 6 months , but let it be known we live in the most beautiful place on earth and we are afforded so many luxuries that people don’t have. When we think we have it hard think of the children on the streets or sick and dying in a hospital somewhere. The mentally disabled that have to live with ridicule and torture on a daily basis because of an issue that is no fault of their own. The women of domestic abuse. Men and women who work hard each and every day to provide a small meal for their families while keeping the lights and heat on in the winter.

I will not preach to you regarding problems that I have with all of the issues listed. One thing I wish that I could change is how WE all can react to a person in need. Most of us started out as a product of love and affection, some were born into a situation that they never had to worry about where the next meal will come from and I do not condemn them for that, some have started with nothing and built their way up to be something, and some have just not found that niche that will put them over the top. As humans we need to think of others, just because you have 5million dollars or 5 cents. We all bleed the same blood.I have decided to post an "Always follow of the day" this will be a person who understands and wants to help in the changing of the way we all think about others 

When I sit down and write my blog each week I think of the accomplishments that we have completed together in the community and within myself. I have to feel good about what I have done. After looking back at the previous week there has not been many random drops, there has not been too much interaction with the community as I wanted to keep a lower profile.

I have had some people ask me via DM if I was just trying to get attention. the answer is NO! You do not see me in any of my drop photos; I do not stay for more than a couple of minutes. Most times I am long gone before a drop happens and I share my stories in hopes that someone may just be motivated by what FVSS is trying to do in our communities. I will not be deterred from what I am doing. Will I change the world? NO will I change my country? NO.  What I hope to do is just maybe incite change in one person that I may encounter.
FVSS

Emotional highs and lows

To say that this week has been emotional would be an understatement !I have witnessed history and felt the emotion of 40 thousand people who did not know each other band together with amazing human spirit to help a person dig deep to find the energy to finish a race that is difficult to start let alone finish.I witnessed an 82 year old woman complete an Ironman Triathalon. It made me think if this woman can compete and swim 2.4 miles,ride a bike 180 Kms and then run a full marathon in 16 hours and 40 minutes , there has to be more for me to do in this world . I have been inspired and humbled with Sister Madonna and her courage to fight through adversity and achieve her dream.
I have also been a part of a different emotion and that's losing a member of our family.when you have to play god and make a decision on anyone or any things life ,you run a spectrum of guilt, content with your choice and then guilt some more. Could you have done things different?, could there be another choice ?I am positive that the right choice was made, this does not make the hurt feel any better.
I suffered the emotion of anger this week also as I had planned to donate a bunch of toys to a local charity ,just to find out they were stolen. You may have noticed I was not my usual cheerful self this week.
Now enough of that lets talk about the good that happened !
I was able to see the kindness of human spirit when in Penticton, as you know my son has a disability that hampers some of his daily activities . There was a young woman at Loco Landing amusement park that went out of her way to make sure that my son was able to jump climb and just be a kid while attending there . My hat is off to her for her patience and kindness. I promised her I would mention her as long as she did not tell anyone who I was . Thank you .
As for drops this week was not as busy due to all the factors listed above but WE were able to help an elderly couple cool off in the heat when ice cream was bought for them at the Ironman . WE gave out 2 more Tim cards for coffee .
On ,Monday we found out that the package that was sent to England for a young Autistic boy was received and apparently the smile has not come off his face and the necklace that had his favorite Soccer team on it is still around his neck.
Wednesday we were able to donate  bunch of school supplies for kids in need to the Staples store on King George HWY in Surrey. Also on Wednesday we found out a second package that was sent to England had arrived to a woman who lost her husband due to illness and was now raising 3 boys on her own , I made sure to let her know we all admire her for her strength and courage and was doing an amazing job with her boys , I included in the package a small item for each of the boys.
Thursday I over heard a young boy in the line up a he mowhawk explain to the lady that he was so proud that he saved his allowance money to buy ice cream for himself and his sister, the boy was crushed when he did not have enough money. After hearing his story and seeing his expression I asked the boy to put his money away and that I was proud of him for what he was trying to do. The mother was there , I gave her a Santa card and I paid for he ice cream. The young man smiled and used excellent manners in thanking me, that was enough for me.
The last thing done was not posted as it was a family donation to the animal shelter on behalf of our lost family member.
I have had an epiphany this week and I have come to the conclusion, why get frustrated, I can not make people follow me, I can not make people join in what I do , what I can do is my best while I continue what I have been working on for 5 years and will continue to do in the future.

I have been called a role model ths week on more than one occasion, for this I am flattered, Thank you.
I hope to inspire people to want to contribute and make our communities a better place to be and raise our children. Contributions do not need to come in the form of money, it can be a kind word a positive thought or time with someone who needs help.

If you know someone who could use an anonymous letter of encouragement or just to let them know that someone is thinking of them just let me know. I can not garuntee that I can answer all requests but I will do my best to help your friends or family and support them the same way you have done for me. 
Thanks everyone and have a good week.
FVSecretSanta















 George hwy

Who is Fraser valley Secret Santa

Hello everyone
As a young man who grew up with a single mom with 3 children who was also living with cancer, I learned at a young age that people and companies can be cruel and would rather see people suffer than extend a hand to help them.
I remember a time when we had very little food and even less money to buy more. My mom would make sure that she would pick up at least 1 extra box of KD and she would give it to the food bank.it wasn't much but she would always tell me that there are people even more sick than she was and even people more hungry and poor than us. I never understood that at the time .  truly believe that was the start of secret Santa.
Having to start work at 13 to help take a burden off my mom, I was able to better learn the value of a dollar and just exactly how far it didn't go. I appreciated all the sticks and equipment my mom had to sacrifice to pay for so I could chase my dreams of the NHL,after the fact I still remember 4am practices and her sitting in the bleachers watching me , sick, in her PJ's drinking coffee. She was the only mom there. She supported me in all that I did, she still does.

When I was growing up I had a promising career ahead in baseball and hockey, unfortunately at the age of 15 I suffered from a broken neck and my dream of a career in the NHL was over , would I have made it ? I don't know but I can still dream of what might have been. Never stop dreaming.
I met my first son just before his first birthday, he had a father that abandoned him because he was born different. My son was born missing a limb and 2 years ago was labeled borderline Autistic with a mix of ODD scattered in there for good measure . I saw how people would be cruel and react to him In public because he was different . The day I met him my life changed and Secret Santa took shape. I started making him smile and building his confidence, I know that if I make more people smile the way he makes me smile , bullying, starvation , attitudes towards helping others and the disabled
WILL change.
I have been a secret Santa in the Fraser valley for 5 years doing random good deeds for people in hopes that if the people are in a good mood maybe the next time they meet someone like my son or your child and maybe even you,they will be in better spirits and may not be so critical in their thinking. I have seen my son cry too many times because he was made fun of for being different. It's because people Are different it makes this world a unique and beautiful place. I stay secret for the fact that it's not about me or what I do , it's about what you do after I give you the gift of a smile.
 As I am now a father of 3 ,I want to set a good example as a man as a father and as someone who cares about the people that surround me .
My grandfather said to me once " find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life"  I get to play Santa all year round.
@fvsecretsanta