Jennifer Curleigh
Leadership Development
Friday 50's
How can we help?
For me, this initiative is humanity in action.
It is deeply personal, and heavily centered in my purpose: to remind people they matter.
In February 2018, I set out with a couple of friends with the intention of delivering 50 brown bag lunches each to some of our less fortunate citizens in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. This community is home to the largest homeless population in Canada. As of March 2020, 2,095 people were recorded as being homeless here in this beautiful city.
Friday 50's
Friday 50’s started with a couple of hundred lunches and evolved to as many 700+ lunches, delivered one Friday each month.
My community is fully on-board and clients jump in on a regular basis. It became apparent to me early on that our effort was less about providing food and more about connecting with the members of this community.
Making eye contact, pausing to chat, listen, & laugh - we create critical Human Moments each time we head out on delivery.
As the years have rolled by, we have added much needed items to our deliveries: socks, hygiene items, wet weather apparel and shoes.
Conscious Kindness
There are definite psychological benefits to giving in a deliberate way. This is referred to as Conscious Kindness.
Studies show that acts of altruism can decrease stress and contribute to feelings of positivity.
I have witnessed this in many of the amazing people who have continued to support this effort.
Our deliveries end with smiles, reflection, gratitude and sometimes beer!
How can you help?
Well, if you know of a community who could use some extra care and support, please let me know. And if you feel that a little conscious kindness would add value to your life, the door is always open for participation.
