On Tuesday, September 23, our class visited
Canadian Food For Children to volunteer our time and lend a helping hand.
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| We arrive at CFFC after a 12 minute walk from Long Branch station |
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| Chris, one of many volunteers and former Dufferin Peel school administrator, provides us information about CFFC and it's founders Dr. Andrew Simone and his wife Jane |
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| Dr. Simone worked with Blessed Mother Teresa who encouraged him and his wife to start their own mission work |
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| These are the needs that exists in developing countries and it's CFFC's mission to address these needs |
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The Simone's have a large extended family
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| On one of his mission trips, Dr. Simone traded shoes with one of the locals. An example of pure generosity. |
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This says it all. We're ready to work!
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| Today we are filling a container that will be shipped to Peru |
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Dr. Simone's warehouse ships donated items to 34 different developing countries
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| Companies and individuals can drop off their donations to the warehouse |
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| Companies and individuals can donate food, clothing, furniture, school supplies, candy, building materials, medication, and money. |
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| We bring or own donations to donate to CFFC |
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This is the container we need to fill today. It's 40 feet long.
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| We have until noon to make sure that every nook and cranny of this container is filled |
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| It's time to work! |
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We're broken up into small groups to do different tasks
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| Task 1: Load up container |
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| Task 2: Unload donations from arriving vehicles |
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| Task 3: Stack and move unused skids |
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| Task 4: Sort and fold clothes (take note how low these piles are at the point) |
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| Task 5: Fold newsletters and stuff envelopes |
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Task 6: Seal envelopes and prepare to mail
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| Task 7: Move bags of beans and fill skid. A 100 lbs bag can make 400 meals (3 cents per meal). |
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| What a cool use of milk bags! |
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| Half way through we got to rotate jobs and get a new experience |
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| Many hands make light work! |
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| Clothing piles are getting higher! Good work Redmond. |
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| Container is almost full. CFFC sends approximately 480 containers a year to different developing countries. |
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| Can you see what Mr. Consul's shirt says? |
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It cost a minimum of $2000 to ship a container. Just a few more boxes to go. Let's make sure we fill it to the top!
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| All 40 feet of this container is full, ready for Peru. |
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| Just gotta clean up and we're all done. |
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| We did it. Great team work. From Toronto with LOVE! |
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Before we leave, Sal (former Redmond teacher and chaplain) debriefs the day with us. "Proclaim the good news. Goodness breeds goodness."
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| After leaving CFFC, we find a place to sit down, relax, and have lunch. |
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| It feels good to give! |
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| To conclude we reflect on the day and close with a prayer. |
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| Thank you Dr. Simone for the work you do and giving us the opportunity to be the change we want to see in the world. |
"You don't know the children at the others side of that container
Right a short reflection below and answer the following questions within your comment:
- What did you learn today?
- How did it feel to help people that you will never meet?
- How can you continue to support Dr. Simone's work?
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1. I learned that dr. Simone's warehouse sends out 480 containers per year to different countries in need and each container is $2000 each with 40ft worth of items.
ReplyDelete2. It's satisfying to know that we are making a difference in someone else's life that is in need of things that we take for granted. Realizing that the things we find usless and things that at not mean much to us, means a whole lot more to those in developing countries that they could cherish and make their day, and it feels good to help families in developing countries out by just giving.
3. Instead of throwing out the things we find useless, donate those items to the warehouse.
This trip taught me many things, whether it be useful and relevant facts about the organization, or how to be a better person. For example, I never would have guessed that a meal can cost as little as 3 cents, or that 100 pounds of beans can make 400 meals. I also learned that opportunities to make a difference in the world everywhere, and that changing the world can be as simple as showing up ready to work. Helping other people that I will most likely never meet was a gratifying experience, and it felt good to do something for others without getting anything material back in return. At times it was easy to forget that we were packing a container bound for Peru (sometimes I felt like i was helping a neighbour to move) but the staff did a great job at reminding us jus how important our work was. I will continue to support Dr. Simone's work by telling my friends about a great volunteer opportunity close to Redmond, and try to donate unused items from my house whenever I can. Usually my parents donate to Goodwill, but I will try and convince them to drop by CFFC instead.
ReplyDeleteWhile on this trip I learned that there's enough food for everyone in the world, the issue is the distribution. It felt really great to help people who I did not know because I knew that all the hard work that I was doing was contributing to an important cause. Today in society, if you help someone out they feel obligated to repay you, but it felt nice to know that you don't have to expect anything in return, you just did it because you truly wanted to help. I can continue to help out CFFC by donating any items that aren't in use in my home. As well, if I ever have a day off from school I can spend it by volunteering for the organization.
ReplyDeleteDuring the trip to Dr. Simone's warehouse, I learned that one meal cost as little as 3 cents in a developing nation and that each of the 480 containers sent to developing nations by the CFFC each year, cost $2000 to send. It was gratifying to know that I was helping someone that I will never meet because often when you help someone, they feel like you owe something back but in this case, the people that will receive these containers don't owe me back anything and knowing that was humbling for me. To continue Dr. Simone's work, I will spread the word about his organization to friends and family and if I have any old clothes/belongings that I don't need anymore, I'll try my best to bring it to the warehouse so that CFFC can send it to someone who needs it more than I do can make use of it.
ReplyDeleteThe trip taught me all about charity, and using what we have to help others in need. Dr. Andrew Simone has used pretty much everything he has made as a dermatologist to help others in need, and that example has taught me that giving to others is perhaps the most important thing in being a good person. It surprisingly felt great to help people I have never met, even if you don't get to see the fruits of your labor in person, firsthand. We can continue to support Dr. Simone by giving him donations and continuing to volunteer for CFFC.
ReplyDeleteOn the trip I learned all about Dr. Simone and his wonderful charity and all the help they provide around the world. It felt very gratifying to be able to help these people across the world and to know that I helped provide them with things they need. It feels good to know that in some way, however small, I made someones life better. I can continue to help CFFC by donating food and any clothes I no longer wear and volunteering for them when possible.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I didn't attend the trip with this class I have gone with my class in the past. Dr. Simone's organization is an incredible thing that helps over 30 countries around the world that aren't as fortunate as us. From my own experience and the stories I heard from the class i've learnt that there is a way to reach everyone, it's just a matter of trying. It's incredible to know that an 100 lbs bag of rice can serve 400 meals and it's even better to know that there are tons of organizations out there who help. The feeling of helping people you don't know is always rewarding. It's nice to know that something you've done can make someone else's day 10 x better and they don't even know who helped make their day better. My family and I often donate to multiple charities and organizations. But aside from that I could spread the word about the work done by CFFC and try make more people aware of the circumstances around the world.
ReplyDeleteDuring this trip at Dr. Simone's Warehouse, I learned that one person can make a difference. I also learned that for every 100 lb bag of beans, you can make 400 meals, and each meal is as little as 3 cents. Also, that it takes $2000 to ship a container full of stuff such as clothes and food to the different countries Dr. Simone supports. It felt good knowing that i was helping someone I will never meet because I know that they really need the help and that it would mean a lot to them. Its also refreshing because when you do something, people will usually want to receive something back but this is not the case and that makes me feel good because I love to help people without expecting anything in return. Something I can do to continue Dr. Simone's work is to spread the word to my friends and to continue myself to donate to help support the cause. :)
ReplyDeleteOn this trip I learned several things, one of which was that the entire population of the world would be able to live in Texas with a comfortable about of space each and enough room for growing foods. Although we could be able to live like this, due to us wasting resources and poor distribution of foods and materials, many people live in poverty. It felt great to help people we will never meet because we know that these people need our help and that they will really appreciate what we give them. I will continue to support CFFC by donating unused clothing and other things to them and by telling others about them.
ReplyDeleteOur class trip to Canadian Food for Children was absolutely amazing and it truly taught me so much about both the generous organization itself and about how easy and humbling it is to help those in need (no matter what age you are)! In regards to CFFC itself, I learned about Dr. Simone's super inspiring life of kindness, extraordinary generosity, and the overall passion that him and his family have with giving their all to make as much of a positive impact on the world as they can. I could hardly believe hearing that despite his successful career as a dermatologist, Dr. Simone lives only with the bare necessities and gives as much as he can to others; even the shoes off his own feet! While volunteering, Sandra and I worked with a really sweet man named Al who told us about how much he loves volunteering at CFFC with his wife Chris every week; it was honestly so inspiring and I plan on spending many PA days and other days off of school helping out at the warehouse- and I'll invite lots of friends too! :) Helping those who I might never meet was such a wonderful feeling, because it showed me that simple, small acts of kindness are always appreciated much more than we may think! In the words of Mother Teresa, it felt amazing to "do small things with great love". <3
ReplyDeleteI learned many valuable things at Dr. Simone's Warehouse this past Tuesday. I learned that we can have a strong connection with children across the world with only a 10 minute street car ride. Also, I learned how easy it is to help. In half a school day, we managed to fill an entire 40 foot truck and help hundreds of kids in Peru. It felt amazing to help people I never met. My family often gives money to different charities and organizations. However, it doesn’t feel the same as packing the clothing for the children, or sponging the envelopes for the newsletters, ourselves. Canadian Food for children is such an amazing charity and I would love to continue to support them in the future. I plan to volunteer at the warehouse and also donate my old clothing.
ReplyDeleteThe Canadian Food For Children was a great trip to start off the school year. As I lean that, many wonderful kind hearted people, volunteer their time to help support this charity beings me joy. Everyone was so welcoming, and I just felt wonderful helping out, even though they may not know me, we both believe in God and that's all that matters, we have that connection through prayers. Today my neighbour was having a garage sale, and I asked them what will you do after the day was done, they responded, just throw it away in the garbage, and I told them my experience with CFFC and they were just thrilled to helped them, and told me they will drop the rest to the warehouse after the day is done.
ReplyDelete1) I learned that a 100 lb bag can feed 400 people which is truly amazing
ReplyDelete2) I felt proud that I was helping people even if neither one of us will ever meet. the whole trip is an eye-opening experience
3) I can continue to support Dr. Simone's CFFC by spreading the word to my friends and peers and encouraging them to volunteer. I will also donate/volunteer whenever I can
This trip to Canadian food for children was simply splendid. It eels great to help knowing that you are benefiting the struggling lives of those less fortunate. I learned about all the different ways i can support the cause. They include, volunteering, bringing in non perishable foods, and necessities like toiletries. Support can also include spreading the word. This can be done through various social media platforms or even by just telling your friends and colleagues in person. CFFC is awesome :)
ReplyDelete1) At CFFC I learned that a 100lb can be fed to 400 people.
ReplyDelete2) It felt good because I realized that when doing something good, you don't always need it to be acknowledged. Just knowing that I was helping for a good cause made me happy.
3) I can continue to help by volunteering at CFFC whenever I have free time and I can spread the word to my friends.