The Giving Continues

We learned about some novel new ideas for random acts of kindness at last night’s meeting. My neighborhood RAK group continues to find interesting ways to spend $200 to the betterment of society and the planet.

We heard from our first 20-something member who had made her money go a long way, actually doing 3 projects. The most intriguing was her purchase of 50 reusable bags at Whole Foods, which she and her 2-year-old son then distributed to shoppers on their way in or out. We’re all trying to forego the need to stockpile plastic bags, but sometimes we simply need the impetus of a free colorful bag to make it happen. She brought the remaining bags to our meeting where she continued to find people who needed one.

My husband had devoted hours and hours to making his RAK happen, as he searched for recipients and a provider. Having seen the stress that his mother was under while she cared for his father who had suffered a major stroke, he wanted to provide massage for a caregiver and the recipient of her care. Through his doctor’s office he identified a couple where the man has had MS for 30 years. He and his wife were both so grateful to received a therapeutic massage. He also arranged for the same massage therapist to give 15-minute chair massages to 8 persons in an adult day care center. Even 15 minutes of luxury can brighten one’s day.

We unanimously concluded that the pleasure that comes from giving surpasses that of receiving. I’m already wondering what RAK’s next month’s spenders will come up with. There is no shortage of possibilities.