Remember

Remembering the fallen.

To give your life for your country is one of the most noble and courageous things that you can do. I am positive that each and every one of use is affected in some way by having a family member serving in a war present day or in the past.

Every spring for a couple weeks We are encouraged to wear the poppy as a symbol of our appreciation for the men and women who have served in various conflicts around the world over the last century and beyond. I have the feeling that a couple weeks is not enough to honor those who risked their lives and lost so that I would be able to be free to write these words each week.

I was appalled and disgusted by a news story this week that informed us of people stealing the poppy donation boxes from various locations and from various cities in our communities. Do the cowards that stole these boxes realize that the funds generated by the poppy program are used to support the men and women who have been injured, have lost limbs or have had to endure the traumatic event of losing a family member who fought for the freedom of our basic rights? I may be in the minority but I do believe that the persons responsible for this act should be called out in the public and be made to learn, study and educate  the youth of our country on  just who the real HEROES are.

Let’s not forget our veterans who have come home injured and seem to be left on their own and only get our recognition once per year. No person who has fought for my freedom and who has given me the ability to choose my own path in life will ever be forgotten. I encourage you to do the same. If you pass a veteran on the street or encounter someone in your daily travels simply say “thank you”  

The greatest man that I ever knew W Moir, my grandfather was a veteran.  Even before he passed this man was proud of his efforts during the WAR, not because he loved to fight, because he was able to see his children & grandchildren grow up in a land that valued opinions, cared for the poor and not just the affluent while enjoying the ability to live free. He and the countless others did not fight for themselves they fought for you, me and our children.

 Although we may not always agree with the reasons for conflict, let’s not have the brave men and women who are in harm’s way be the ire of frustration. Embrace our men and women service personnel let them know you are proud of them as HEROES.

To the entire veteran population in Canada and countries around the world I extend a big thank you

LEST WE FORGET

Mom

There is one word in the English language that can stir up more emotions than Oprah's book of the month. This word can make you angry,frustrated,happy,sad,proud,cry,laugh and grateful just when spoken,it's all in the interpretation.The word I am talking about is Family.
I am not sure how you feel about your family but mine is all the above plus a few more.This is a normal feeling.
Seeing Granny Santa this week has made me realize that the moments that we have with our families should be cherished and remembered.
I was thinking back to when I was young and how I wanted to be on my own left alone with no rules no responsibilities,man have times changed! As I grow older I find myself thinking more about granny Santa and what she has taught me.The life's lessons that a mother or father can teach and In still in you at a young age are key and last a life time .
As I raise my own kids I understand what granny was trying to teach me ,respect ,freedom of independent thinking and the ability to make my own mistakes.My sons are at an age that they can express how they feel and we encourage that.so many of the worlds brightest minds are silenced because people don't take the time to listen.I am not saying that my kids are the next Einsteins of the age,but they just may have an idea that could lead to peace or a cure for Cancer you never know.
I watch Mrs Santa as she raises my children and I think I am a very lucky man to have a patient and caring woman who shares the same values as I do surrounding our children.
Mothers around the world have the most thankless and difficult job and deserved to be recognized more than once a year with burn toast and concentrated orange juice in bed!
I want to personally thank not only my mom and my wife but all mothers around the world for being the most amazing and special people ever placed on this earth.
Even if you have the gamut of emotions towards your mom call her or see her when ever you can and tell them you love them.
I love the mother of my children and the mother of me .

Why do we Bully ?

As most of you know when I was younger I had a serious neck accident and from that point on I became overweight due to the inability to be able to work out from pain and migraine headaches. I was teased and bullied and fortunately I overcame the hurt with the assistance of a strong family and 2 of the best friends you could ever imagine. Just knowing that I had someone to depend on that would not judge me for my actions and just love me for who I am was KEY.Be that person for someone. There came a point as I matured that I realized that I don’t care what others think of me this is who I am , and not to sound full of conceit , I love who I am. You know not one person ever asked me why I was the size I was and just assumed that I was an over eater.

Life is all about options and the choices that we ultimately make every day we are alive. One choice that’s made every day for the wrong reasons is the choice to become a bully. So often you hear of people that have taken their own life due to the actions of others. The case of a young girl Amanda Todd comes to mind. She made a poor choice to bear her breasts on the internet, because of the impulsive action this young beautiful woman was ridiculed mentally tortured, beaten up and eventually took her own life. Why are we so cruel? Have we all not made mistakes? It is heartbreaking to know that the same people that you see on a daily basis could play a HUGE part of someone wanting to live or die. Please view Amanda’s story  http://t.co/xN8WqoGd

You may remember that I am a mental health worker who also works with persons with all different disabilities’. On a daily basis I am subject to seeing the teasing, the stares, and the giggles and hear the whispers towards my clients.  Some of my clients do not have the capacity to understand what is being said or are oblivious to the stares, fortunately I am not. I become thoroughly disgusted at the way those persons who are different, people who have made mistakes and persons who just want to be different and express themselves in various ways whether it be clothing or sexual orientation. Who are we to judge? Next time you see a man in a wheelchair rolling down the street don’t assume “oh he’s retarded” think to yourself I wonder what could have happened? case in point there was a man at the football game that I attended that actually asked me what it was like to work with “retards” I kindly informed the man that this “person I am with tonight was struck by a Drunk driver and has irreparable brain trauma has lost his home , kids wife and entire way of life. I also said to the man that “he is one of the smartest individuals with the most heart I have ever met and he intends to walk and talk again just as you and I do”. in closing to the fine gentleman “when he does walk again I would love for him to meet you on the street and you call him to his face a Retard, have a great night and enjoy the game”.

Is the way we act a product of upbringing? Mob mentality, the overwhelming desire to be part of the IT crowd? Be happy to be you! Each and every person on this earth is an amazing human being who deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. If others don’t love you or say that everyone hates you! Tell them that is not true because FVsecretsanata loves you just the way you are!

Please support the following

Mindcheck.ca           all avenues that support NO hate and suicide prevention.

Be kind to one another life is short enough as it is

Special Thanks to Special People

Well hello everyone:

As I sit here and write this week’s post I am reminded and humbled on how #FVsecretsanta got started on twitter with my first 2 follower’s @gypsy_mamma and @kiatopia. Due to the belief of these two fine people FVSS has now grown to over 600 followers and have had a donation from @timhortons of 10x$10.00 gift cards, hats and team photos from the @bclions and just found out the other day a very generous donation from an anonymous follower who sent money to @ronaldMcDonaldhouse because of FVSS and will be sending money direct to a Santa Charity of choice. And countless people are performing Random Acts of Kindness. Thank you

Because of the generosity of others I have the chance this week to take 2 individuals to their first professional sporting event on Saturday night. The @bclions  have been so gracious in helping me to make this a special event for these gentlemen by arranging seating for them and their attendants (thanks LISA). I would like to thank Travis Lulay , Adam Bighill and Geroy Simon for taking a few moments to sign a team photo and personalize the autograph for my clients. As big fans of the sport but no funds to purchase tickets I know that this will be an event they will never forget.

Just as a small example to explain why these gentlemen cannot afford to go to sporting events or many community events at all. One of the clients I will be taking to the game is a fantastic 27 year old man with Cerebral Palsy, this man has seen his share of obstacle’s in his life and with the government cut backs, he remains in a home that he is supported and loved but now receives what is called comfort funds in the Total of $12.02 per month for activities. This is no joke but I am not sure who of us can live on $12.02 per month. So when you see me trying to fund raise and gather tickets or event passes this is why I am trying. Most persons with mental health or in the care of the ministry receive a maximum of $95.00 per month to live.

This week with the help of Tim Horton’s we have been able to Drop cards off to unsuspecting people in the community. I was able to meet with Travis Lulay and he has signed a couple of the cards so that the persons receiving them get a special extra bonus and maybe a smile that is a wee bit larger.

I have also tried to promote a Charity hockey game that will be taking place called Kevin Bieksa and Buddies

http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/hockey/vancouver-canucks/Bieksa+Buddies+lace+charity+game+with/7339039/story.html

The money will be donated to Canuck Place, fantastic event and a great cause. The NHL strike has not just affected us as the viewers and fans, but also the staff at the arenas, surrounding businesses and the local charities that hockey supports. Let’s not make the children suffer no matter whose side you are on in the NHL debate, please support this cause. @kbieksa3 follow him and keep updated on this game or possible games in your area to help local charities.

I will personally donate $100 to the @canuckplace on behalf of FVsecretsanta and friends when my follow account gets to 1000. Help us get there for charity.

The weather is starting to turn cold I would encourage everyone to have a quick look through your closets for any blankets or warm clothes that you may not wear anymore and find a shelter or drop off center to donate. Giving back is the best way to ensure that people don’t give up!

Thanks everyone and I truly hope that you all Build a Great week. Find someone you love and tell them they are an important piece of your life’s puzzle.

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