I remember as a child being completely blown away by the whole thing - almost everyone would get into the spirit and wear a colourful bandanna in some way. I think it's a wonderful cause, and one of the few things that is easy to get involved with even if you ARE too lazy to make a huge contribution. This is why I was utterly disappointed by the lack of support for it yesterday! I don't know if it was a lack of advertising for the event, or the sincere disregard by today's society, but it was simply another day. I was in town all day and the only time I saw a bandanna was when I looked in the mirror, and at the stall set up by volunteers. It made me wish I'd donated more than $6! (I bought two - one for myself, and one for lover girl who was charitable enough to wear it around her ankle :)
This whole deal made me wonder - what has happened to charity in our society? The gap between rich and poor is growing exponentially, and it seems that the gap between the needy and those who CAN help but choose not to is also expanding. It doesn't speak very well for the conscious of civilisation that volunteers are becoming a rarer breed than ever.
Admittedly, my bank balance is currently regretting that I gave $20 to a busker the other day and now find myself with $9 to last the next 2 weeks - but it was a good feeling, and I'll survive. I have shelter, food, and love. Some people have nothing; or they appear to have everything, but secretly live with a disability or sickness that hinders their happiness. I know a guy from high school who recently gave up his life for a few days to live in a cardboard box and actually earn his worth for survival, just to experience what it was like. I'm not too proud to admit that I honestly don't think I could do this, but I admire him so much for doing it. This is just one way of showing care for people living in lesser circumstances.
*Bandanna Day was established in 2004, and almost one million bandannas are sold each year to support the cause. Get involved at http://www.canteen.org.au/
Peace out x
2 comments:
I can't agree more, although I have to admit, I had NO idea it was bandana day.
A lot of people seem to want something 100% tangible for their money these days, and I guess giving to charity isn't always like that. People can't see the proof that their money is making a difference so they don't bother giving it.
Perhaps an issue of trust? but i'd say more likely one of greed.
I'm actually a little pissed off about the fact that i didnt know it was bandana day. Every year I used to buy one and this year it didn't even cross my mind.
I was horrified today though, rememberance day. We've been selling poppies at work all week and the amount of people who had to ask what they were for (including the people i work with), made me sick to the stomach. Now i don't support the first world war, and i think it's bullshit that we were even involved but thousands of Australians lost their lives and our generation is completely oblivious to the entire event.
I understand exactly where u're coming from, but as ive just demonstrated, people have different things they arc up about.
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