The Jane and Finch Corridor - Gangster Central?

Last Thursday, I went to Jane and Finch corridor to present to a group of children involved in an after school City of Toronto program. We have all heard about the shootings and gang activity in this area. I wasn't sure what to expect but I was prepared for an adventure. The kids were no different than any of the other kids I teach. They were enthusiastic and eager to learn and be entertained.

I had the pleasure of talking to one of the counselors. He was raised in Jamaica coming from a modest home. He got into some difficulty as a youth, but changed the direction of his life and decided that he wanted to use his experiences to help others. He now works with teens in a drop in program.

It's so inspiring to see kids of all ages wanting to better themselves and help others.

We need to focus on people's potential and not the reputation and image society puts on an area.

Do it Anyway

We are put on this earth to help others. We don't need to actively seek out opportunities to help others, as they will find us.

Have you ever noticed that when you offer help to someone in need that some people look at you as if you have a hidden agenda. They assume you are wanting something in return for your deed. This attitude might stop you from helping others. But....are you going to let it?

I say, do it anyways. When it's the right thing to do then it needs to be done. You can't control what other people think, however you can control what you think about yourself.

Do it anonymously. It feels great! A better world starts today.

This is dedicated to the elderly lady who died in the cold because no one bothered to help.