Many years ago, in anticipation of gifts and cash that I knew were headed my way for my birthday, I asked family and friends to donate to their local animal shelter or local HIV/AIDS organization rather than gift me anything. I have been thrilled to hear of all of the groups doing great work around the country receiving donations and in fact many of those same family and friends ask for the same thing now.
This year for my birthday I was thinking of the same thing. Now with this blog, and being connected to even more amazing people who want to change the world, I have thought of something different. And to be honest with you I am going to be 47 and asking someone to donate $47.00 is a little different than asking them to donate $25.00.
So this year I am asking people do donate 47 minutes. Everyone is busy, I know. And as I have written many times, 47 minutes can change the world. Will you donate 47 minutes of your day in the coming week to make someones day? To be a voice for the voiceless? To change the world for someone?
I am sure that many who read our blog already donate their time, so the thought process on what to do shouldn't take very long. Here are some ideas just in case:
Walk a dog at your local animal shelter.
Play with a cat at your local animal shelter.
Make a vegan pie for your neighbor.
Read a book at your local elementary school.
Bring vegan muffins or brownies to the staff at your favorite local non-profit.
Drop off dinner at a friends house.
Call someone you love who you haven't spoken to in a long time.
Write a letter to someone serving time in prison.
Go to your local highway intersection and clean up the trash.
Serve a meal at your local homeless shelter.
Gather used blankets from your neighbors and donate them to your local animal sanctuary.
Take a platter of baked deliciousness to the USO Welcome Center at your local airport.
Write a letter to an Amnesty International prisoner of conscience.
Whew. I should stop. As I write, my wheels are turning and I am imagining all who read this stepping out of their busy, maybe hectic lives and taking 47 minutes in service of others.
You don't have to do this alone. Do something with a group of friends. I promise you that your action will not only make someones day, but add a ton of cheer to your day as well!
Thank you for reading and thank you for being so amazingly supportive of our blog!
These are all great ideas except going to your local highway intersection and cleaning up trash! Only kidding! Great suggestions! Happy 47th & many more!
ReplyDeleteThank you Debby! I added that part in because I notice the growing amount of trash at the exit I take to get to our house!
DeleteWhat a great idea. I will have to share - I'm 47 this year too! Imagine if everyone gave a mere 47 minutes to Change the World? I run a rescue in rural Illinois (I'm from Chicago culture shock!) so this year I've started Acts of Random Kindness. No luck so far - makes me kinda sad, but I randomly helped a family (never met just random help) and it was wonderful. Love your blog. Here's my page. http://www.2ndhandranch.com/ark-acts-of-random-kindness.html
ReplyDeleteNancy! Thanks so much. Looking forward to getting to know you and your rescue.
DeleteI don't personally know you, I just happened to land on your blog through another blog I've been following for a while.
ReplyDeleteBut I found it such a great idea, I had to tell you.
I'll be 47 in a month, and I'm a volunteer in the local dog shelter here (Italy). I promise I'll dedicate my next 47 minutes of volunteer service to you; and in one month I'll be asking for my birthday the same gift as you did.
As strange as it may seem from a perfect stranger: I sincerely wish you a great great birthday :) Thank you for the much useful tip!
Welcome to our blog. And we will both definitely look forward to you asking us to celebrate your birthday!
DeleteHoly cow. I LOVE this idea!! I think I may borrow it for my own birthday. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteYes -- I will donate 47 minutes in your name. I'm helping a local sanctuary overhaul their website and I will happily do it in your name. You might even get more than 47 minutes out of it. :)
Happy Birthday!!
Thank you Katrina! We totally love you!
DeleteLove this!! I volunteer every week as the head coach for Special Olympics Rhythmic Gymnastics - this is my second year doing it and I LOVE it!! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday - glad to have found your blog!
Jessica! That is awesome! Glad to be connected with you and thanks for your support!
DeleteI love this idea, there is definitely a lot of good that can be accomplished in a short amount of time.
ReplyDeleteCheck out my newest post, I nominated you for a blog award!:
http://angieeatspeace.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/liebster-award/
Thank you Angie!
DeleteJust found you boys. You're fab!
ReplyDeleteThank you! We look forward to getting to know you!
DeleteWill donate 47 minutes in your honour. Have a wonderful birthday! Glad the job is going well. You certainly touch people around the world and get them thinking - how many of us can say that?
ReplyDeleteNarelle! We are totally grateful for your love and continued support. We feel fortunate to be able to connect with so many amazing, loving people.
DeleteHappy Birthday! I went and donated blood then headed over to our shelter to play with and bathe the new pit pups they just rescued (Eeek they were stinky but fun)! Best Valentines day ever! Great idea, I may use it this coming up birthday as well :).
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU! We are stoked. Especially because as gay men we can't donate blood. So we are even more grateful!
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