Caleb and Joshua's Friends

Simple Idea No. 21 - Ask Questions!

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 03:09:00 +0000

I know we haven't posted here much lately. Life sure can get busy!

My simple idea today is all about not accepting something because someone declares it to be true. Something doesn't ring true? Ask questions.

People get away with so much because most people today are just spectators. They don't want to get involved. They would prefer to watch from on the sidelines.

More people need to be proactive and stand up and say "hey, what's going on here?" or "why is this happening?"

Before you can make a change you have to educate yourself. Asking questions and demanding truthful answers is the best way to do that.

If you are willfully ignorant you surrender control.

Unsustainable Future

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Sat, 08 May 2010 04:06:00 +0000

An old post from my personal site, bradleyshea.com.

Our way of life is not sustainable.

There is a small minority using the vast majority of the world's resources. To bring impoverished people up to our standards will only serve to destroy us. The world cannot sustain that kind of load. We need to strike a balance by making some drastic changes to our lifestyle while helping improve the lives of others. For those of you who say, that is not my problem, that has nothing to do with me, I ask you, where did you buy your new shirt or anything for that matter? The follow up question is where did that shirt come from and does the person who made it bring enough money home to feed and house their family? If you have not done the research, for all you know, you have supported a manufacturer who paid their employees pennies for something they sold for much more. I look around my home and I realize that I have done this very thing I now know to be wrong. I am part of the problem. And so are many of you reading this.

The way to turn this ship around before we run aground is to educate people. For starters I am going to take it upon my self to learn more about ethical consumerism. This of course is only part of the solution. I have come to the realization that the solution does not just lie in making poverty history, it lies in making wealth history. I am an idealist and I realize that people are not just going to give up their wealth or their affluent lifestyle in my lifetime but I figure one idealist can turn into two and build into something much bigger than that. Am I the only one who thinks Bono was a hypocrite talking about making poverty history while he was planning on building a huge U2 tower in Ireland. Thankfully these 'hard economic times'(That phrase drives me crazy and I'll explain why in a another post) have prevented that, for now.

I grow more concerned everyday with what I see, but in the same token I see more people who realize something needs to be done and that eases my concern. We just have to keep on moving and we will get there.

What are your solutions? Do you think it is as bad as I think it is? Let me know!

Simple Idea No. 20 - Use Rechargable Batteries

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:10:00 +0000

Every year billions of disposable alkaline batteries are produced and sold. A very small fraction of these are recycled. Reduce the number of batteries you toss in the trash by purchasing a charger and rechargeable batteries.

Yes, rechargeable batteries require you to shell out more of your hard earned cash up front but you will save money in the long run by purchasing fewer batteries and less batteries end up in the landfill!

Take it a step further by recycling your single use batteries! In most areas there are companies that will take your used batteries and recycle them safely!

If you need assistance in locating a recycling center send us an email and we will do our best to help you out!

Now let's "charge" forward!

Collecting Milk Bags, Cell Phones, Ink Cartridges, and Glasses

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 01:07:00 +0000

Hi folks!

It's been a while since we've posted anything but we're still collecting all the items mentioned above. If you email us at bb@cjfriends.com we can arrange a pick up or a drop off. If you don't live in the Niagara region of Ontario I'm sure I could help facilitate a location for you in another region.

Have a good one!

Bradley

Simple Idea No. 19 - Wrapping Paper Alternatives

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:07:00 +0000

Use newspaper and/or magazines instead of wrapping paper. Some wrapping paper can be recycled but due to many wrapping paper having dyes, and other non-paper additives a number of them cannot be recycled.

Reusing newspaper and/or magazines as wrapping paper saves you money and allows you to recycle your wrapping as opposed to tossing it in the trash!

Using the comics section for children's gift has always been popular with children!

Another alternative is reusing any gifts bags you receive from other occasions.

Now get wrapping!

Simple Idea No. 18 - Solar Powered Christmas Lights

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:47:00 +0000

It has been way too long since we posted a new simple idea and with the Christmas season upon us there are a number of ways you can change the world around you!

Solar Powered christmas lights are not only better for the environment because they do not draw from the power grid, they also save you money on your power bills!

Sure they are a little more expensive than regular lights but you will save the difference and more when that aforementioned bill comes in the mail (preferably email if you have paperless billing)!

Update No. 4 - Milk Bags and Cell Phones

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:23:00 +0000

The word is out about the milk bags and collecting them is going well. I still have people coming up to me weeks after Caleb and I appeared in the paper asking about it. It is very encouraging!

We have also been invited to give short 'pitches' at a couple of different churches events letting people know what we're doing and there has been a very positive response! We're getting closer to getting some mats done! Hooray!

The cell phone and milk bag drive is ongoing so keep them coming!

Remember, keep sending in those simple ideas for changing the world! We'll publish the best ones here at cjfriends.com!

Simple Idea No. 17 - Less Fast Food Packaging

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:52:00 +0000

Eating out, especially at fast food joints, on a regular basis is neither good for you or the earth. As great as it may taste the food is awful for you and the packaging waste it generates quickly fills up the trash cans. We can work out the waste, but the earth does not have it so lucky.

To be sure, some places are getting on the recycling bandwagon and offering recycling bins but in most cases it is still the trash cans that are most conveniently located. One place we recently visited had one recycling bin by the exit while there were 3 or 4 trash bins located throughout the place. You may find this odd, why are there more trash cans than recycling bins when most of the packaging is recycling?

There are few ways to combat this. One is to mention it to the establishments in question. Ask them to consider less packaging. It does not make sense to order a sandwich and have it wrapped up only to take to a table 10 feet away, unwrap it and then throw out the package. Another is to start eating out at places who already use less packaging and offering more recycling options. Of course the easiest way is to eat out less. You can buy more food at the grocery store (and don't forget to use this simple idea) with the same amount of money you would use for eating out.

Instuctions for Milk Bag Mats

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 21:00:00 +0000

You will need scissors, a size 7.0 crochet hook and about 250-400 bags depending on the size of mat.

Preparation of Milk Bags

Store them flat. Scrunched up bags can be difficult to work with
Remove flap at top of bag and slit bottom
Fold bag in 4 length-wise
Cut across folded bag every 1¼ inches. Throw away fragments that do not measure 1¼ inches
Open the pieces and loop together, but do not pull the knot tight. The knot will work into the mat without a problem
Only wash them if they are smelly and sticky

Make the Mat

Loosely chain sufficient stitches to measure 34” or 38”.
Turn
Into 3rd stitch from hook, single crochet and into each chain to end of row, doing last crochet in first chain.
Chain 2 and turn
Begin with single crochet in 2nd stitch from hook and continue to end of row, placing last stitch in top of chain 2.
Chain 2 and turn.
Continue in same manner to reach desired length. Mats should measure 32” x 48” or 36” x 60”
When desired length has been reached, do a single crochet around the entire mat to re-enforce it.

If you have any questions during the process be sure to contact us.

Simple Idea No. 16 - Easy Ways to Give Money

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 13:05:00 +0000

For the some organizations the best way you can help is with money.

One of the biggest concerns is the lack of cash on hand to get the things they need to help out their cause. Sometimes it's buying bread, or to cover small administration costs. The problem is people want to help but do not have the cash on hand themselves.

Well here are a couple easy ways to help organizations out.

1. Gift cards with small balances on them can be given. When an organizations receives a number of these they can pool the resources.

2. Take your old videos, dvds, and cds and sell them at used media stores and take the money from there and give it to your organization of choice.

3. Small change around the house can sometimes amount to a sizable donation. Think about all those pennies, dimes, nickels, and quarters (and loonies and toonies if you live in Canada) lying in the cushions of your couch.

4. Consignment stores can sell old clothing items and you can use the proceeds as a donation.

5. Get a few friends together and have a joint yard sale with the profits going to a special project like a missions trip.

There are so many other ways to raise money without actually asking people for it. You cannot possibly list them all.

Just remember it does not make a difference how big or small your donation is. If everyone was able to give a little it could amount to being a life changing donation for an organization.

Update No. 3 - Breakfast Clubs, Cell Phones and Milk Bags

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:05:00 +0000

Check out the article featuring Caleb and Joshua's Friends in the Port Colborne Leader.

The drive is on now. We are moving forward with our cell phone and milk bag collections. Please call 905 834-2628 for more information about drop off locations or to have your items picked up. Milk bags and cell phones can also be dropped at 220 Main St West in Port Colborne, the State Farm Insurance building.

Proceeds from the collection of these cell phones will benefit schools in Port Colborne that run a breakfast/nutrition club. At this times Schools that stand to benefit are McKay, Oakwood, Dewitt-Carter, and St. Therese. Other schools will be added as they start see the benefits of these programs.

Cell phones collected from outside of Port Colborne will be used to benefit the areas from which they came. That is to say, phones from Welland will benefit schools from Welland.

Lets make a difference!

Update No. 2 - Breakfast Clubs in Niagara

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 02:44:00 +0000

We are continuing to raise awareness in Port Colborne about the need for breakfast clubs. There have been a couple of stumbling blocks with those who do not see the need. However this has done nothing to weaken our resolve.

Within the next couple weeks there is going to be some coverage in the local paper talking about what we are trying to do. We are also beginning to collect cell phones which we will sell to raise money for the breakfast clubs in the area. Cell phones being sold are going to going to a company named Eco-Cell who will take the functional phones and send them to places where there can be reused. Any non-functional cell will disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. Email us for drop off locations.

If you can be of any assistance be sure to contact us.

Simple Idea No. 15 - Write a Get Well Card

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:49:00 +0000

Many people in hospitals (especially in long-term care) do not receive regular visits or contact from family. There are many reasons for this, from the distance to the hospital (particularly for those with specialized hospitals), while others have other people they need to care for, as well as needing to work to cover other living expenses while their loved ones are in the hospital.

A get well card to someone who may be feeling isolated could very well be the highlight of their day! It shows that people do not have to know someone to care and show kindness.

Much has been said about laughter being the best medicine and sending someone a humourous card, if you will please pardon the cliche, can be 'just what the doctor ordered!'

A couple things to keep in mind when sending cards:

1. Be aware that some chronically ill folks may not recover. A card along the lines of "Thinking of You" may be more appropriate than a card saying Get well soon.

2. Tracking down your address may be too much for someone who is unwell. While most people may not be well enough, or families too busy to respond, be sure to write your contact information down so they have the option to reply.

Contact your local hospital or other organizations that help families cope with long term illnesses to find out more about their guidelines and other requirements for sending cards.

Bring the warmth of a smile to someone's face today!

Why We Make the Mats

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:45:00 +0000

This picture was passed to us from a friend and we thought we would pass it on to you so you can see why we want to make these mats.

Simple Idea No. 14 - Luggage for Foster Children

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:55:00 +0000

Allow a foster child to have some sense of dignity by donating your used, well conditioned luggage.

How would you feel carrying your most treasured items in a garbage bag? Many foster children have to use them to transport their belongings when moving to yet another foster home. Foster children are moving from home to home all the time. Some can expect to move upwards of 7 or more times throughout their time in foster care.

The only thing that belongs in a garbage bag is garbage.

Being able to carry their belongings in a suitcase may sound like a small deal but to them it can a be a huge boost in their self worth! Any feeling of shame from having to use a garbage bag is nullified using a real piece of luggage.

Some groups take the opportunity to also put other special items in the bags like books, school supplies, stuffed animals and other keepsakes. Diaper bags and the like are accepted as well in many centers.

Contact your local foster agency today and ask what they need! They will be more than happy to receive your donations!

Simple Idea No. 13 - Encouraging Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:52:00 +0000

Encougraging your child to read gives them infinite possibilities. It is a great way to learn new information, teaches a new avenue of communication, and expands their imagination to places they never thought possible!

There are many ways to encourage reading. We have included a list of a few ideas here for you.

1. Show your children you enjoy reading. The premise is simple. If your kids do not see you reading and enjoying the benefits they will not pick up the habit either.

2. Read aloud to your children. This will show them that reading is an activity that you both can enjoy. It also may prove encouraging to a child whose skills are lacking and help restore their confidence.

3. Encourage your children to start a collection. Start with something they are interested in. Do they enjoy cars and trucks? There are books aplenty on the subject from the history of automobiles to monsters trucks!

4. Take your children to the library on a regular basis. Explore the children's portion of the library looking for books and magazines related to their interests and hobbies.

As stated previously there are many other ways to encourage reading as well. Even books on the subject! Enjoy that novel!

Simple Idea No. 12 - Donate Your Old Cell Phone

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:24:00 +0000

Donating your old cell phones is a great way to help people and the environment. Millions of cell phones end up in landfills across the world every year even after repeated warnings stating that cell phones and rechargeable batteries contain many hazardous materials, such as lead, arsenic, and other toxic waste that are harmful to the our water supply, and our blood stream just to name a few.

There are many different groups that will take your old phones. Cellphonesforsoldiers.ca is one such group that will take the phones and sell them to companies that recycle the phones so they can purchase items such as clothing, laptops, video cameras (which can be used to send messages back home to loved ones).

Cell phones donated to www.charitablerecycling.ca give you the option of which charities or organizations you wish to support with the proceeds of the cell phones and provide free shipping for donations of 50 phones and more. This is where you get your friends and family involved. Whether the phone is functional or not they accept all phones. Functional phones are donated to abused adult's and children's shelters, seniors homes so they can be programmed for 911 emergency use. Other phones are sent overseas to areas where landlines are not available. Non functional phones are disposed of in a way that is safe for the environment.

So dig out those old cell phones from your dresser/junk drawers!

Simple Idea No. 11 - Make Eye Contact

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:34:00 +0000

Walking downtown, especially in big cities, you are bound to come across someone down on their luck looking for change or other assistance.

While the onus remains on you whether or not you help them out, you should always at least make eye contact with them and acknowledge they exist. Homeless advocacy groups says studies show that by at least making eye-contact with them it can be a boost to their self-esteem and confidence.

Just remember this, someone living on the street has parents, siblings, and friends just like everyone else. People do not choose to be homeless and as such we all deserve to be treated with dignity.

Simple Idea No. 10 - Be Excellent to Each Other

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 03:43:00 +0000

The very essence of this group.

Simple Idea No. 9 - Write a Letter to the Editor

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 04:47:00 +0000

Have you ever read anything in the newspaper that caught your eye?

Let people know what you feel! You never know what could happen as a result. If you feel one side of an argument is not being fairly displayed a letter to the editor can provide the basis for a well balanced discussion.

A few tips for your letter.

1. Enclose your complete contact information as most papers will call to confirm you wrote the letter.

2. Get to the point. One(at most two) key points is fine. Introduce them within your first two sentences.

3. Two or three paragraphs of short, emphatic sentences are most efficient in getting your point across.

4. Avoid cliches. Ensure the editors feel you can form an original thought.

5. If you are presenting an opposition view, do not attack the original writer personally, attack their point of view with respect. Attacking them directly does nothing more than ensure they stay entrenched in their position.

A simple way to let your opinion known and who knows, you may inspire someone else to write a letter or to take action and make a difference!

Update No. 1 - Breakfast Clubs in Niagara

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:29:00 +0000

An item close to our heart is Breakfast Clubs in the Niagara Region. It is so important to ensure that kids are getting the most important meal of the day.

Through Caleb and Joshua's Friends we trying to raise awareness of what is needed at local schools. We look to help provide items needed to help run those programs. We intend to do this through direct donation of smaller items such as food, toasters, microwaves, and griddles, as well as, pooling resources to buy larger items such as fridges, and freezers (online donations received as of February 10, 2008 will go towards breakfast clubs in Niagara unless the donor specifies otherwise). We are contacting local schools to ask their needs with the purpose of fulfilling them.

Through the efforts of a couple of our members we were happy to be able to secure a very generous donation of fridge and freezer for McKay Elementary in Port Colborne allowing them to run their club five days a week. We do not want to stop there. By the end of 2009 we hope to ensure that all schools in Port Colborne have the option of being able to provide breakfast clubs for their students. Beyond that we hope to be able to help out all schools in the region and let it grow from there.

If do not live in the Niagara Region you can still help by contacting your local school to see what they would need to start or continue their breakfast clubs.

Simple Idea No. 8 - Help the Homeless

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 12:21:00 +0000

Most cities have at least one homeless shelter which provides services like meals, beds, counseling, and many other services depending on the needs of the area.

Homeless shelters are almost always looking for volunteers and have a variety of programs through which you can get involved. Serving meals, helping with administration issues, and even just talking with people they serve are very beneficial ways to help.

Not only will you help, you may even learn something. You're not that much different than the people you would be serving and contrary to what a lot of people believe homelessness is not a choice.

Giving homeless people a hand just may be the step they need to get back on their feet.

You can check your local phone book for organizations that would love to hear from potential volunteers.

Simple Idea No. 7 - Get Rid of Your Old Specs

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:19:00 +0000

A lot of people can purchase new glasses every couple years or so but would you do that if the price of your glasses cost more than three months wages? This is the case in many African countries.

For many people in developing the difference between in being able to support themselves and their families and living in poverty is their ability to see. Also imagine the joy a parent would get from seeing their child clearly for the first time.

There are many places to donate your old glasses. Many eyeglass stores, churches, and public service groups accept donations of old glasses (both prescription and sunglasses) that are in good condition and then ship them to developing countries, where qualified Optometrists and Ophthalmologists will examine and fit them to the needy.

Help people see a better way!

Simple Idea No. 6 - Be Appreciative

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:48:00 +0000

Saying thank you is so easy after someone has done something for you. Sometimes though it can just come across as a reflex with most of us being brought up to say please and thank you.

Show someone you appreciate them for who they are, not just what they can do for you. Writing a little blurb in a card, or telling them what they mean to you goes so much further than a thank you. Now don't get me wrong, a thank you is important, but taking it just one simple step further can mean so much more to the recipient. It can take on even more meaning if it's a surprise. You never need a reason to be appreciative.

It only takes a little effort and it's so simple. Not only will they feel great, you will too when you see the positive response.

Who can you appreciate today?

Simple Idea No. 5 - Make em Laugh

noreply@blogger.com (Bradley) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Very little brightens someones day more than a good laugh.

Clip a funny cartoon out of a paper and share it with a coworker or friend who's having "one of those days" or even if they're not. Tell a silly joke. Don't be afraid to act a little silly sometimes. Leave a funny link on a social networking site for all to see and share in the laughter.

Laughter in the face of adversity works wonders for a person's frame of mind. A good laugh can help take someones mind off their worries even just for a moment and let's them unplug from their reality. It's refreshing and by helping someone laugh it shows you care.

So come on, dig out those over sized sunglasses, Hawaiian shirts, and clown shoes!

Keep them rolling in the aisles!