For quite some time I have felt that my life is a little too self indulgent. I’ve felt a need to give more in order to help people less fortunate than myself. I like to think that in my own little way, I might help others through what I share here on my blog. However, it has not been enough to quell the feeling within that I need to do more to make a difference in this world, while I am here.
I became aware some time ago of the World Vision Australia Blog Ambassador Program. Ever since, I have wanted to become a part of it but wasn’t sure if I were the right type of blogger or personality for it so I’ve sat on that thought for quite some time. My inner voice/critic was at it again, saying things like: Oh you’re probably too old; You’re not one of those hugely big and successful bloggers so would you still be able to make a difference?; You’re too much of a quiet and introverted type of person. You’re not loud and out there enough! Eventually, I gave myself a good kick up the backside. Stop being silly Min! Just enquire and see!! Who says there is a certain prototype of person that is best suited to being a World Vision Australia Blog Ambassador anyway? Diversity is awesome is it not and everyone has something a little different to offer, and surely the most important factors are that you have empathy, compassion, a genuine desire to help where you can, and that you have a blog! I do have those things, so I did eventually enquire, and …
I’m thrilled to now be able to say that I am a World Vision Australia Blog Ambassador! Yay!
You’ll see that badge above now also proudly displayed in the sidebar of my blog [over there on the right].
So what does being a World Vision Australia Blog Ambassador mean?
- It means that I will become a lot more informed and knowledgeable about the areas of need by different cultures, countries and communities around the world.
- It means I will be a lot more aware of all the wonderful work that World Vision Australia is doing [sometimes in partnership with other organisations also]. Being a lot more informed means I will be a lot more aware of ways and means that I and others might be able to help.
- It means that every now and then I will share a blog post informing of the work World Vision Australia is doing. I’ll share the good news and I’ll share areas of need where maybe we could help.
- It means I am now part of a group of other World Vision Australia Blog Ambassadors who I very much look forward to getting to know and to meeting at the annual conference they have in Melbourne each year.
- It means my heart will be expanded as can only be the case when surrounded by kindness and compassion and care for other human beings.
- Who knows what else it might mean, but I sure look forward to finding out and I look forward to sharing all of this with you!
You can read more about being a Blog Ambassador HERE.
Christmas Gift Ideas
Since we’re getting very close to Christmas, and as my very first little contribution as World Vision Australia Blog Ambassador, you might like to consider sharing the spirit of generosity this Christmas with a life-changing World Vision Gift.
These [below] are just some of the wonderful gifts that you could give that last a lifetime – for you, the person who receives it, and communities around the world. Click HERE for more information and to see more gift options!
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- School pencils – $5
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- Chicken and eggs – $1O
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- Childhood immunisation – $3O
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- Blankets to keep warm – $4O
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- A goat – $4O
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- Vegetable garden starter pack – $5O
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- Clean drinking water – $6O
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- Tools for farmers – $7O
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- Handwashing station – $9O
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- A bicycle for a girl – $1OO
51 Years of Change
A year ago World Vision Australia [WVA] was celebrating 5O years of change. It’s now been 51 years of change. I’m a true blue WVA Blog Ambassador newbie. I have some reading to do and some ropes to learn but I am very excited to learn more about all the wonderful work that WVA is doing across the various countries and communities, and to play my own small part in this change! I look forward to finding my own voice and way of doing my bit to help children and communities break free from poverty and to have brighter futures, and I look forward to sharing with you!
Ciao for now,
Link up here at WOTM or with another of us in the Lovin’ Life Linky team:
Leanne of Deep Fried Fruit
Lyndall of Seize the Day Project
Kathy of 50 Shades of Age
Deborah of Debbish
and Jo of And Anyways
It doesn’t matter where you link up as it will magically appear on all six blogs.
32 Comments
Congratulations Min – and well done for following something you believe in. There are some great gift ideas here – ones that will do some good rather than contribute to landfill. #TeamLovinLife
Thanks Jo, they are wonderful gift idea’s aren’t they? I’ll be doing this this year as Christmas gifts for some of my relatives.
Good on you for becoming a World Vision Australia Blog Ambassador! I look forward to learning more about World Vision through your posts.
Ingrid
http://www.fabulousandfunlife.blogspot.com.au
Thanks Ingrid. I look forward to learning more too!
That’s great Min, I’m an ambassador as well but very slack in sharing posts about the work of World Vision – though I think the organisation is great. I sponsored a child when I couldn’t really afford it back in the 1980s and then had a lot to do with them when I worked in international development. I visited a lot of their projects when I lived and worked in East Timor as we (Aus Govt) funded them, and it was great to see.
You’ve reminded me I need to be better at sharing their work.
Yes I knew you were an ambassador Deb and I remember all that you did when you worked in international development and lived overseas. I’m not sure that I’ll get to see what is done to help first hand but I’ll do what I can anyway. Still got my training wheels on! lol
Congratulations! And great ideas for xmas.
Thank you Lydia! Fabulous Christmas ideas aren’t they? I’d much rather do this than buy something as a gift just for the heck of it!
Congratulations, Min! What an inspiring project to be a part of. I will remember the gift ideas this Christmas.
SSG xxx
Thanks SSG. Yes, I hope I can contribute in some small way at least. The Christmas gift ideas are fantastic I think! xo
Congratulations, Min! Look forward to reading more about your new ambassador activities.
Thank you Natalie!
Great work Min! I love the idea of getting people to think about ethical gifts for Christmas, and not just retail mass “stuff”. Good on you.
Thanks Vanessa ~ I’m loving the ethical gifts too. Such a fabulous idea!
What a fabulous piece of news Min!!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks Jodie! xo
This is a great news post and I congratulate you on your ambassadorship. I sure do remember when Eden Riley opened up my eyes to the plight of the people in the African countries she visited. My then 14 year old granddaughter was taken with Eden’s trip and together we produced a book of her (GD’s) inspirational photos and words to be sold (on line) for World Vision. It was a pleasure to be involved and see my granddaughter’s hobby turn into a donation to World Vision Australia. She received thanks from Tim Costello too and Eden. Denyse x
Thanks Denyse. Yes I’ve seen many posts and videos from Eden in her ambassador role. She’s seen and done some fabulous stuff. It’s so lovely that your then 14 year old granddaughter was so taken with Eden’s trip to Africa and got involved! I’m not sure that I’ll have the opportunity to do and see all that Eden has but I’ll try and do my best to contribute and do my bit. Of course in a very different way to Eden. She is super fabulous but our personalities couldn’t be more different! LOL xo
Good on you Min for putting your hand up for this wonderful charity organization. I think you’re perfect for the job! I have several friends who sponsor children through World Vision and they find it very rewarding. I have yet to find in what area I’d like to give back to the community. I’m thinking of taking my dog into aged care homes or hospitals, but haven’t got around to it just yet. #TeamLovinLife
Thanks Kathy! You say such nice things! I think taking your dog into aged care homes would be perfect for you! I intend to also continue to support organisations like Share the Dignity and others that interest me.
That’s fantastic Min, what a great project to be part of.
Thanks Jenni ~ I’m looking forward to it!
Yipee!!!! Well done. That’s exciting and I’m sure it will be very rewarding. #teamlovinlife
Thanks Leanne! 🙂
That’s awesome Min, and I’m sure the people at World Vision would agree that you are never too old! Like you I’ve been thinking about how I can use my blog for the power of good … an ideal match for me would be an organisation that helps homeless middle aged women (you’ll understand why if you read my post https://www.middleagedmama.com.au/homeless-women-in-australia/). Share the Dignity or perhaps a Domestic Violence charity would be the best fit for me – it’s something I really need to check out!
Share the Dignity is a charity I supported last year and will again this year … with regards to their ‘It’s in the Bag’ campaign. It’s such important work they do!
How worthwhile, good on you Min.
Thank you! Hope I can make a difference even if in a small way.
Congratulations on becoming a World Vision Ambassador Min! Well done 🙂 x #TeamLovinLife
Thanks Lyndall! I’m feeling a bit guilty with all the congratulations and well done wishes. I haven’t done anything yet! Hoping in time I will feel that I have made a difference at least in some small way. xo
This is wonderful Min and so rewarding. I love the gift ideas. Thanks for sharing x
No problem – thanks Sue! xo