Stranger

     Today I was given a shopping cart by a man in the Super Store parking lot. I already had a loonie coin clutched in my hand. It’s one of the negatives of shopping there; you always have to have a dollar to get a cart, which is not always convenient but there you go. I tried to give him my coin and he refused. He indicated that he had been given the cart and it was now mine. It was a pleasant exchange and I did my shopping feeling a bit more upbeat. With the price of food, grocery buying is never fun, right? After my purchases were complete, I saw a woman parked near my car who was heading for the carts. I stopped her and indicated that she could have mine. She tried to give me her loonie and I told her that I didn’t want it—- I had been given the cart by someone else. She gave me a big smile and expressed gratitude and surprise at the chain of events. It occurred to me then that I was a link in that chain. 

     All this is building up to the fact that the last week in November is National Talk to a Stranger week. (Is it just me or is it bizarre that we have to be encouraged to do the simplest of acts--- saying "hi" to someone we don't know?) According to the website, Talk To A Stranger Week is "an opportunity to build a sense of connection and community many need in a post-pandemic world. It is seizing the opportunity that many of us have each day to make a difference in our own lives and the lives of others by simply saying hello, smiling or striking up a conversation with a stranger." 

     I know that I am old and in the way but I regularly talk to strangers especially when I am walking the dogs and 99% of the time I am glad I did. As I am an introvert it is not always easy but I endorse this practice absolutely! My small experience at the grocery store is just one of the many that I have every week. I'm sure that you have them too--- unexpected interactions that leave you feeling more human, more humble and a tiny bit happier. If not, try it! I guarantee that most folks will say "hi" back. If not, their dogs will!

Walk 3

     As you are probably aware by now the Walk & Roll for Harmony 2025 was a massive success! Our team "Hearts for Harmony" more than met their goal of $5,000.00 by raising over $6,100.00 in support of Harmony: inclusive, supportive and affordable housing for all. So many friends and family members gave generously to our team members and we are all very grateful! A few of them also turned up for the run which was so encouraging. To top it off UNITI & Harmony more than made their goal of $100,000.00 by raising over $115,000.00!

     The walk was a festive affair with VIPs, dignitaries, sponsors and even Korky the Klown and associates in attendance. Doug Tennant, Executive Director of Semiahmoo House Society and host of the event welcomed us all. The icing on the cake was that the weather cooperated and we had perfect conditions for the day. Different teams had decked themselves out with signs and colourful accessories. There were friends everywhere we looked! Our daughter walked as many laps as she could in the time allotted, which was far too little as far as she was concerned. It seems she could have walked and walked....

     It was a beautiful experience--- a real testament to the impact of Semiahmoo House Society and UNITI in our community. As one participant's sign so wonderfully put it, "Every step brings us closer to home". What could be simpler or more eloquent than that? Because essentially that's why we were all there: to provide a place that any member of our society could call home, right here in our own community.