October Make a Difference Challenge: Sponsor a Needy Family For Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for your blessings and the plenty that you enjoy, but not everyone has plenty and many are going without at Thanksgiving and every other day too. The true meaning of gratitude is being able to share what you have been blessed with and showing a grateful heart through giving to someone less fortunate. This Thanksgiving be grateful for what you have and be willing to share with others. Go together to the grocery store and put together a hamper. Fill a box with all of the food necessary for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Discuss which family you will give this hamper to. It could be someone you know, or if you are not sure you could call the Ministry of Children and Family Development or Children and Family Services in the phone book and ask if they know of a family in need.

If your Thanksgiving is in November, no worries, this is still a great thing to do at anytime.  But, I have an alternate challenge for those who may want to save this one until next month.

Last night my boys were jumping on our new trampoline which is so bouncy.  We have had endless hours of fun on it, but my oldest son was having his individual turn with his dad when he got an extra high double bounce.  Next thing I know his dad is looking very worried carrying Teagan in his arms.  My heart stopped, I hate that look and immediately knew something had happened.  We gave Teagan some tylenol and got a bag of ice for the trip to the hospital.  Right away my youngest, who is three, started saying a little prayer.  Having three boys I know these trips are inevitable, but it doesn’t make it any easier.  I called my mom, who was skyping my oldest brother at the same time, technology is so amazing.  He heard of the accident and within minutes had emailed us sending Teagan his love.  My brother lives 14 hours away and we do not get to see him as often as we would like.  But, love knows no boundaries and whenever I need him, he is always there.  This touched my heart, it was a simple email but it meant so much to me to hear that he was concerned. 

This reminded me once again of the importance of keeping in touch with loved ones.  When was the last time you called your grandma, or aunt?  Have you talked with your siblings, your cousins?  Have you taken time to connect?

Once Teagan arrived home from the hospital I had him send an email back, which he thought was very cool!  

Get your children to call someone atleast once a week this month.  Write a letter and mail it.  Have them skype or email distant relatives.  Our family is what matters most and we keep it strong by showing we care through small and simple things. 

Enjoy, and I would love to hear from you! 

QUESTION:  When was the last time you spoke with one of your siblings or you parents?

CHALLENGE:  Make a commitment to connect with extended family on a regular basis.

 

About Chantelle Adams

Chantelle lives in beautiful British Columbia with her husband and their four children. Together they enjoy many adventures, boating, skiing, motor-biking, camping and hiking, to name a few. But the little things are just as important: the pillow fights, dancing around the house, the late-night talks and snuggling up together to read a good book.

Her passion is educating kids, parents and educators about leading by example, making a difference, and living a life based on key values. Her company, Foundations for Success, has given her the perfect outlet to share this passion with the world.

Ever since she was a little girl, she has wanted to make a difference in the world and knows that raising four strong, responsible, compassionate children is helping her achieve that dream. Giving back in simple ways is one thing that has drawn her family closer and has provided countless moments of joy. Currently her children are spending their spare time raising money to build a school in Africa with Free the Children. Her desire to make a difference led her to become involved with The Power of Moms as the Director of Family Volunteering.
Motherhood moments that make it all worthwhile are scattered throughout each day and keep her going. The whispered, “I love you, Mom,” the belly-laugh of her four-year-old, and those beautiful moments when her children offer to help without even being asked are simple things that truly make life grand. She is grateful to cross paths with other mothers as we “struggle, laugh, cry and enjoy this journey of motherhood.”