Saturday, 19 December 2015

A HELPING HAND

As many of you are aware I am not a Christian and the path which 
I walk is that of a Druid. In a few days time on the 22nd December (this year) it will be the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. Daylight will increase on the following day making our days longer but we will still be in winter and temperatures will drop.


I am very aware that these cold days are a burden and make life a lot harder for people who are without the basic necessities of life; shelter, warmth, food and enough clothing. 

Many druids and pagans exchange gifts and send cards at Solstice but rather doing this I donate money to a worthy cause which will help people who are in need.

Today I made my annual donation to Brother Kevin at the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People in Dublin. This year the Centre has seen a huge increase in people needing help.
Brother Kevin is well known here in Ireland, always taking time to listen to others in a non judgemental and accepting way.



However you celebrate at this time of year may you have warmth, good food and
the companionship of friends.




24 comments:

  1. A worthy cause. I give to crisis every year for the same reason. Happy winter solstice in advance Heron. CT.

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  2. A good and worthy cause, Mel. I might well do the same!

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    1. I think people who are in need deserve assistance Val.

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  3. We give to charities year round and increase that donation at Christmas. May the blessings of the season be with you.

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    1. That is truly wonderful Janet thank you for sharing and likewise to you both Seasonal Greetings.

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  4. Interesting post Heron. And thank you for clearing up exactly when the Solstice is. My husband and I were discussing it at breakfast and wondering whether it was tonight or tomorrow night.
    Have a joyous season.

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    1. Thank you for the comments Pat. The date of the Solstices vary because of the solar tides and next year 2016 it will be the 21st again.
      Blessings to you both

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  5. That is a very worthy cause. Especially now, with homelessness at an all time high here in Ireland.

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    1. What I like about this particular group run by Br. Kevin: is that the man himself lives and works at the coal face, you can find him in the kitchens, on the street and also answering the phone calls.
      Thank you for your appreciation Patricia.

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  6. We need such worthy causes worldwide! We do have endeavours here in my area, thankfully. Thank you so much for sharing. Warm greetings and Merry Christmas from Montreal, Canada.

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    1. Hello Linda pleased to meet you.
      Am certain that this requirement is not an isolated one and that there are other similar people such as Br Kevin working away in their own countries.
      Seasonal Greetings to you and yours.

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  7. What a wonderful way to spend whatever religion or holiday you believe in.
    Hands to heart.

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. Thank you Parsnip.
      We can donate because we don't send cards or give presents.

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  8. Greetings and blessings to you and yours Mel.
    I will be celebrating quietly alone as hubs will be away working. Family together on the 25th for our shared winter meal to welcome the return of the Sun.
    We never send cards, the money goes to our local animal sanctuary.

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    1. Hooray and Greetings to your household Irene !

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  9. Hi Heron. From Rachel. I help the people on the streets of Norwich. I support the night shelter and I give to those sitting outside on the pavements. How they spend it is up to them. My motto is do not judge because we are all but a few inches away from them.x

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    1. Hello Rachel.
      Thank you for leaving a comment and I am sure you are right. There are only a few degrees of separation between us all. Blessings of the season to you and yours xx

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  10. Quietly waiting for Winter Solstice ... ice and snow no matter cuz Spring will come again ... Love, cat.

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  11. Hello, via Boxes and Bellows...and Solstice Blessings to you and yours

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