Thursday, May 7, 2009

To Unsung Heroes


Earlier tonight, I was catching up on last Saturday's Globe and Mail (our National Newspaper) before tossing it out for recycling. Not really known for it's sports section, I just gave the front of it a cursory glance before flipping it over to see what was on the back page. There in the bottom half of the paper was the obituary of a woman who recently passed away from cancer at the young age of 51. Her name was Laurie Normand-Starr and from what I read, she led a pretty fulfilling life. But what fascinated me, wasn't what she took from her short life, but what she gave back.

Having been successful at a fairly young age, Laurie combined her organizational and communication skills with a genuine joie de vivre in creating a spin off charity event. The event, held annually in Montréal, was called Taste of the Nation. The original concept was created by an American brother and sister, Bill and Debbie Shore. And for the next 14 years, with her hard work and a loyal following, Ms. Normand-Starr was able to amass over 2 million dollars for charities which helped to ease child hunger.

You know, we probably have a world full of unrecognized heroes who help the less fortunate. But sadly, other than the rich and famous who attend these functions, we don't usually get to hear about the heroics such as Laurie's until sadly, they pass on. I know that most people who perform these kind and generous deeds are doing so out of the sheer goodness of their hearts. And not for any personal or monetary satisfaction.

So, as a favour to me (I will pay you back any time you ask), but mostly to honour the actions and short life of Laurie Normand-Starr. The next time you go to the grocery store, pick up an extra something for your local food bank and donate it with a little prayer to Laurie and others like her. Thank you .

Speaking of unsung heroes, how about the journey Lori Times Five will be taking very soon to help continue to promote responsible and sustainable ecotourism in East and Southern Africa. As well as the handknit little gifts she will bring along with her. This is the kind of world I want to be a part of.........don't you?

9 comments:

Natalie said...

Yes indeed I do!
Lori is a gorgeous soul, full of love and humanity. There are plenty out there, we just have to join together to be a force to be reckoned with! Blogging is a wonderful way to do this,don't you think? To raise awareness and to join together whenever possible?

I saw it in you too, Bogey. :D

Anonymous said...

Bogey, this was a wonderful, socially conscious, thoughtful post! And beautifully written. Thank you for taking the time to spread some much needed awareness to the acts of human kindness.

You know, it is often the little things that make the biggest differences. It just takes a little courage and determination to help create a better world for millions and millions.

Great post!

Michelle said...

Indeed!

Thankyou for your lovely comment on my blog.

xx

James said...

Boggey said -"unable to get any quality pics at night over the lake. Any suggestions?"

I have to tell you that I just started this picture taking hobby this year. :-)
Funny you should mention taking night pictures. I have a canon A610 and last night I went for a walk and saw a big white egret standing in the shallow part of a lake, I must have taken 12 or 15 pictures before he flew away. There was only one picture that was barely clear enough to see what it was but still bad, the rest were horrible.
So If you get any suggestion please pass them on to me.

I have a feeling I just might need to upgrade my camera.

James said...

Great Idea about the food bank and prayers are always good. The last two or three years my was a fund raiser and she oganized food drives for the North Texas food bank. Very worthy cause. It helps so many people.

Rosaria Williams said...

We all hail Lori and people like her. Our true heroes.

Nancy said...

I love Lori, too. She is a dear, and her blog always makes me feel good.

This post was beautifully done, and I agree about all the unsung heros. I will definitely send a prayer up for Laurie when I donate to the food bank. Great idea.

Bogey said...

Together we have the power to make changes amongst ourselves and move them into our own communities. We can do it without government interference and we can pick and choose what and how we want to particpate. It still amazes me that we can do this while sitting on our butts. Initially anyways. Take care everyone.

Lori ann said...

Oh my gosh.

I am so um. wow. It's been so hard with our fires Bogey, I have not been reading too much, just catching up today. I am so close to tears all the time, the fire, the uncertainty of our trip(we'll go as planned)but it was shaky for a minute.
Anyway, you have honored me very much, but I am just a small person, doing one small thing. Thank you. Really. Wow.
♥ Lori