Week 14: My Week of Fabulous Finds (Good Deeds)

When we listen to the news, so much of it seems to focus on bad things that have happened. Too often, we hear of crimes committed, injustices and wrong-doings, hurtful actions, or disrespectful attitudes. Yet, that is not an accurate picture of our world. 

I truly believe that most people want to help others and do good things.

Gratitude.

Some bloggers write an occasional "gratitude post" in which they list the things in their life for which they are grateful. I enjoy reading these types of posts, because they invariably help remind me of the things in my life that I am grateful for as well. 

Good Deeds.

This is not exactly a gratitude post - but more of a good deeds post. I hope it will serve a similar purpose though, and cause you to think about the good deeds that are happening around you - and what efforts you might be able to make to support them. I used to think good deeds should be done anonymously. Lately, however, I have realized that good deeds tend to be contagious, so it is perhaps okay to let others know of what you've done!

September is an active month for some of the charities that my husband and I support. Last week we donated to a number of different causes - and marveled at the dedicated efforts some of our friends and family on behalf of the organizations we were funding. 

My List of Fabulous Finds is focusing this week on some examples of these good deeds.

Here are this week's links:

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~ ~ Walk to End Alzheimer's Disease.

You may have noticed this purple badge in the sidebar of my blog. I place it there to support
the efforts of my friend Rena and The Diary of an Alzheimer's Caregiver in the upcoming Walk 2 End Alzheimers. If you click on the badge in the sidebar, it will take you directly to the site where you can make a donation. 

In addition to raising money for this cause by participating in the walk, Rena's blog raises awareness and educates about Alzheimer's Disease, a devastating condition that affects many people.

• Alzheimer's Association

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~ ~ MS Bike Ride.

Multiple Sclerosis (or “MS” as it is commonly called) is a disease of the central nervous system that, according to the National MS Society webpage, is thought to affect more than 2.3 million people worldwide. The goal of “Bike MS” is to raise money “so people affected by MS can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what’s been lost and end MS forever.”

Quite a few years ago, my sister and two friends decided to participate in Bike MS. Their team has fundraised and completed the 150 mile Deception Pass Classic ride numerous times. Their team rode again this year on September 12 - 13, and so far this year they have raised $5875.00 - 118% of their goal!

• National Multiple Sclerosis Society

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~ ~ Swim Across America.
On September 12th, my daughter and some of her college teammates swam in the annual Swim Across America  - Seattle Open Water Swim event. This was the 4th year that her swim team has done this to help raise money for cancer prevention, research and treatment. Swimming in Lake Washington is a different sort of challenge than the laps they usually complete in a pool, but the team appreciates the opportunity to "make waves to fight cancer."

My daughter is a competitive distance swimmer, but she hasn't had a lot of open water swimming experience. While she was home for a brief time this summer, she did a practice swim around a nearby lake to help get ready for her 2-mile open water swim in Washington! 

• Swim Across America

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~ ~ Ride to Hope and Remember.
Since his death almost two years ago, Montana's pools and soccer fields have mourned the death of Jacob Wheeler, a talented young swimmer and soccer player. On September 10th, 2015 (World Suicide Prevention Day) the sun shone brightly in our big sky as Jacob's father Bill completed a grueling 135-mile bike ride, in memory of his son and all those lost to suicide. The purpose of the ride was also to create better awareness, with the hope that with it we can encourage people suffering from depression to seek help.

Montana's rate of suicide is twice that of the national average. Since Jacob's death, his family has put energy into trying to reduce those statistics. The Jacob Wheeler Foundation, (founded in Jacob's memory) provides scholarships, awareness, and support. Donations are accepted.

• News coverage: 130-mile Bike Ride for Suicide Awareness, Prevention.

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~ ~ Saying Thank You. 

Even if you don't have time or money to spare, there are things you can do to make a difference and show others that you appreciate their efforts.

Last week, I heard on the radio about an opportunity to thank local enforcement officers for their recent three days of hard work to catch a murder suspect - and for everything else they do for our community. The radio station was providing the public with an opportunity to sign a ten-foot banner. I immediately drove over and added a note of gratitude.

• KRTV news coverage of thanks given to law enforcement officers.

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~ ~ NAMI WALK.

NAMI, stands for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. According to the NAMI website, it is “the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.” NAMIWalks are fundraising events that raise awareness and about mental illness. My family has supported and participated in numerous NAMIWalks, and we are registered to be at the NAMIWalk Montana this Sunday. 

• NAMI - The National Alliance on Mental Illness

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~ ~ “No man is an island” ... but some people could really use one!

I have been reading a lot lately about the horrendous plight of refuges from the Syria and other places in the Middle East. Today, I read an article on UpWorthy by Parker Molloy about an interesting proposal for a possible place for many of these displaced people to live. Egyptian Billionaire Naguib Sawiris is wondering if he should just "buy them an island!" There has been some debate as to whether this idea is "crazy or genius" - but either way, I think it is a very generous offer!

• "A Man's 'Crazy Idea' to Buy an Island ... "

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Be sure to click on any of the colored links, to learn more about these stories and organizations.

What is your favorite charity to support? 

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog. Check them out!