To be, is to be able to give

Today, I learned of the tragic news that one of my very good Vietnamese friends had been killed in an accident on the Mekong. Quan was a wonderful spirit, who was always providing a giving hand to anyone and everyone who needed help in his hometown of Ho Chi Minh. I remember fondly our drinks at Yoko, the card readings, the milkshakes, cookies, advice on where to buy the best shoes and get one’s nails done… Quan was always there – as advisor, tour guide and friend. He will be terribly missed!

This news has brought great sadness. But it is also a reminder that life is finite. And with that, a message of giving: to oneself.

Dedication

Travelling alone provides one with plenty of opportunity to reflect on those people who have touched our life. In the past three days I have traversed the Cambodian countryside on buses, motodups, tuk tuks and taxis for a total of 19 hours. This morning, everyone else seems to be nursing their Saturday hangover, so I sit alone enjoying my fruit salad and rice muesli. No one to chat to, but plenty of time for reflection.

A beary giving story

Here is a ‘beary’ beautiful and I trust a refreshing story at a time of bewilderment and sadness in our lives.  I hope it brings a small smile to you as you visualise the happiness a very dear friend of mine will know and feel when she hears about it.

Twelve years or so ago when I went back to college I met Lyn. I cannot even remember how it came to be that ever since then I have been ‘bear- sitting’ Lyn’s teddy bear.

Lyn and I are the same age and we both have the exact same type of teddy bear from our childhood. Lyn’s bought in Melbourne and mine in Perth.

Give thanks

As Australians are faced with one of the worst tragedies in peace time history, it is also a time for us to recognise the dedication and commitment of volunteers across the country who are supporting the community during this time.

Please add your words of thanks and stories of giving during this time.

All comments will be passed on to the CFA.

Click here to see all the ways you are able to give to Australians needing your support.

Thank you for taking the time to give thanks.

Australians need you to give

As a former Queenslander now living in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, my life over the past few days has been deeply affected by the impact of floods covering my home state, and fires continuing to ravage communities across Victoria. As the death toll continues to rise and thousands are left without fresh water, food and shelter, the country’s emergency services are stretched to their limits.

The impact of this devastation will continue to be felt long after the flood waters recede and the last ash has been blown in the wind.

Many families and their communities are in need during this time and at www.give.com.au, we want to keep you informed of all information available so that you may be able to give during this time.

The story behind give.com.au

The seed

I don’t recall my dreams very often, but on this occasion, I woke up with a jolt. I went to the computer and searched the availability of give.com.au. To my astonishment, it was available, so I processed the registration and within 48 hours, held a small seed in the palm of my hand.

Two and a half years later, the seed has sprouted. It took me that long to work out what to do with it, as I believed it needed to be more than just a website. It needed to be able to give – holistically and in every definition of the word.

To deliver freely

To grant opportunity to

To assign someone as their right

To provide

To make a gift

How do you translate all of this into one website? How do you ensure that it does all of this, and reaches as many people as it can in its efforts to give?