Thursday, December 19, 2013

Pajamas for Christmas


Reese Shelly, age nine,
head of the Pajamas for Christmas Drive,
in Vancouver, B.C.
photo by Mark van Manen, PNG

In Canada, as the Ho Ho Ho season draws ever closer, our news channels tend to bring us Good News Stories, to make us feel better and encourage us to share with those less fortunate. 

Last night, I was so warmed to hear about a young lad, whose family lives in Vancouver, B.C. Reese Shelly is  only nine years old. When he was SIX, Reese began a life of philanthropy. At that time his dad, Todd Shelly, wanted to impress upon his young son that there were other children in the world who didnt have what he had, not even the basics. He wanted to develop compassion in his son, and if that were all of the story, it would be wonderful enough.

But "Not even PAJAMAS?" asked young Reese, incredulous. He decided with the clear wisdom of his six years on the planet, that he would begin to gather pajamas for children who needed them, "so every kid can have pajamas at Christmas." Says Reese, "I needed a little help, so I asked my family and friends". 

Reese is nine now, and has collected and donated a few thousand pairs of pajamas in all sizes, in those three years. Each year the goal gets larger. His father, on the news last night, said, shrugging his shoulders, "This year Reese aims to collect 3000 pairs, so I guess that's what we're doing." The movement has gone national now, so Reese is likely to reach his goal. This is how good ideas spread.

His dad, Todd, offered a 50% discount yesterday in the family restaurant, for diners who donated a pair of pajamas. All pajamas are donated to local charities and bureaus for distribution to under privileged kids, of whom our province has an abundance.

Way to be a human being, Reese. What's that quote? "A little child shall lead them". 


15 comments:

  1. Nice story, Sherry. I like to hear this kind of grass roots venture that really helps people with the basics of life....like pajamas. This warmed my heart on a cold evening here, my friend.

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  2. A fine story. A child does lead.

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  3. That is why we say charity begins at home and this is the perfect example of it:)

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  4. What a wonderful story...the beauty of a child's heart is they don't see impossible

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  5. Very sweet tale. Thanks, Sherry! Have a lovely holiday. k.

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  6. that is way cool...and what a way to raise a family...and a son than to teach him to have a heart for others...very cool....

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  7. cool. I have another friend in Whistler, a professional writer and journalist by trade (in the ski industry) who is decidedly on your side of the political spectrum, with a keen eye and a good heart. he might be interested in Reese if he's not already heard. ~

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  8. this is heart-warming....my best wishes to the little angel.....

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  9. this is so heart-warming...my best wishes to the little angel....

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  10. I love the pajama giving. But even more I love that the whole family has joined in such an amazing project. Thanks for sharing this Sherry.

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  11. 'our news channels tend to bring us Good News Stories' ~ my dream for our radio ~ What a wonderful story, thank you for sharing, Sherry!

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  12. Oh, so heartwarming is this boy! I love that you shared this with us~ A child will lead them....so true! Inspiring and the way Christmas should be~
    Thank you Sherry!

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  13. Most inspiring! It just needs a start and it will have a life of its own! Thanks for sharing Sherry!

    Hank

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  14. Very heartwarming to read ~ Cheers for the love and innocence of the children ~ Thanks for sharing dear ~ Merry Christmas ~

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