A couple of weekends ago we heard on the news that homeless people in Halifax were in need of winter hats, socks and mittens.
Hearing the words homeless, no hats, mittens and socks, hit me in the pit of my stomach, and in my heart a real sadness came over me. Here I am sitting in a warm home, with more than one hat, and more than one pair of socks and mittens. I have so much when others have so little.
I was at a crossroads in making a choice, I could go on with my life as if I never heard about the need, or I could do something about it. It all came down to making a choice.
So, my partner and I let everyone know that we came in contact with, that there was a need and we needed help fill that need. It feels good to give and to share with others who are in need, and it brings people together.
The people in Wallace, Pugwash, Malagash, Westchester, Streets Ridge and all the areas between and around came together in making a choice and gave warm hats, scarves, sweaters, mittens and more. We had a trunk and back seat full of warm clothing and took it to two shelters in Halifax last Tuesday.
The people who took the clothing at the shelters were very grateful for the warmth we were providing, not just the warmth of the clothing, but the warmth of caring for others.
I remember when I was a single mom with two small children and our house was not very warm, a wonderful woman gave us two homemade blankets for the children’s beds. What a difference that made to us. My children appreciated those blankets - the weight from a homemade blanket adds so much comfort to a bed, to a cozy night’s sleep.
My children are grown now with their own children and they appreciate what they have and share with others.
What a better world we would live in if when we know of a need and we have a choice to make, that we all decided to choose to make a difference to make the world a better place for us all. When we do nothing we have made a choice, when we turn our head and pretend we did not hear or see the need, we have made a choice.
I am very glad that such wonderful people made the choice to take the time to go through their clothing and give to others who live most of their days and sometimes the nights outside.
When I give, I feel warmth in my heart. I know that we are all connected and the choices I make affect everyone.

Mary Purdy

Mary Purdy is a yoga and meditation teacher on the North Shore. She also writes a weekly column for the Amherst Daily News. Mary welcomes any feedback to her column and can be reached at purdy.mm@seasidehighspeed.com.