Usually birthdays are about receiving gifts. They are special days that remind us that we are getting older with each new year. For two girls from the United States, birthdays are a reminder every year that they should bring light to the world. Every year they are tasked to decide how they want to give on their birthday and to whom they should give.
On their birthday this year, they discovered a bright idea on the internet, “Give a Birthday.” They took the idea to their mother and they decided, for their party, they would gather their friends and make bracelets which they would then sell. From the proceeds they would get, the two girls would then “Give a Birthday” on their birthday to the Nepal Peace Home, an orphanage started by a close friend of their mother.
On a hot summer day, the girls’ family and friends gathered outside their local library to raise funds. They sold all the bracelets they had made and shared the story behind their initiative with the buyers.
“How wonderful!” A customer exclaimed on hearing the explanation of “giving a birthday.”
Although their initial goal was to raise $100, they surpassed it as they were able to raise over $200 through the sale. It was a wonderful way to spend a summer. The proceeds were sent to the beneficiary home in time for the Nepal Dashain harvest and homecoming festival - a birthday that gave a birthday. “It felt good to give on our birthday,” reflected the sisters.
At GPW, we are inspired by this story of how the two girls were able to “give a birthday”. Selflessness is a virtue that allows us to be considerate of the needs of others around us. It helps us to be people who are service-minded by giving our time, resources and energy towards making the world a better place. We applaud the two girls, their family and friends for their selflessness and taking time to be kind to others in their community. If you have a Sunshine Family Volunteer story to share or your family wants to start a project, email younshim.park@globalpeacewomen.org.