Today, for the first time, I participated in the Worldwide Day of Giving. Below is what I wrote on the site’s Facebook page. 

Today was my first time participating in the the Worldwide Day Of Giving. I signed up as part of my personal challenge and a challenge to inspire others to give their time. (https://resolvetogive.wordpress.com/).

I was nervous because, even though I am not usually nervous about approaching people, this was way out of my element. So I watched people during my commute and over my lunch. I even took a walk around my office this afternoon, but was too scared to approach anyone. So I did what any good father does when he’s nervous.

I went home and got one of my daughters to help me.

We walked around our neighborhood park for awhile, talking about the project, what giving means, why we normally don’t approach strangers, why I was so nervous, etc. We looked at people, eliminating people left and right for every possible, but no good, reason.

Finally, we saw Chris and his little dog Appa. The dog was so cute my daughter and I decided to use that as our excuse to say hi. After scratching Appa’s head, I asked Chris if he would like to participate in a project. He was hesitant at first, but listened as I explained the Worldwide Day of Giving, what it was, and why we were participating.

I was too nervous to really ask any questions of Chris. But eventually, he accepted our $10 with a smile and said he would give it to charity. He even agreed to pose for a picture with Appa!

Afterwards, secretly, my daughter and I exchanged high-fives for being brave and for doing a little bit of good in the world.

Thank you Chris for being a good sport for a couple strangers. And thank you Mr. Sandridge for the idea of the Worldwide Day of Giving, and for telling people’s stories!