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".