Do what makes your heart smile….

Last week I had the privilege of volunteering at the 50th Annual Variety Show of Hearts Telethon. I brought my Mom and two sisters to help answer phones.

It was over 16 years ago, when I worked for BCTV, that I got hooked on volunteering for this charity. Initially, it was the hype that grabbed my attention, the longing to be part of something big, and the desire to make a difference – that was why I showed up the first time.

What I learned in 1999 was that it is more than just a broadcast charity event. This charity is responsible for adding quality of life to so many special needs children in BC. A direct quote from their website reads: “Variety – The Children’s Charity steps in where health care ends to provide direct help to children in British Columbia with special needs.”

The grand finale that year was a little girl who’s dream was to be a ballerina. The music came on and out came some ballerinas dancing away…. shortly after that a little girl came out in a star walker, which Variety had provided her with, and I could not keep it together, tears of joy rolled down my cheeks.  I was answering the phones and the woman on the other end was also  having an emotional moment. I was hooked.

Do what makes your heart smile – giving back whenever I can makes my heart smile. It has been said that “gratitude is an action word”. I am grateful to be healthy; I am grateful to have healthy kids, so I give back when I can.

This past weekend the telethon raised over 6.8 million dollars.

When everything was wrapping up, I saw this cute little teacup chihuahua. His name was Coco and it happened to be his 5th birthday (February 14th, 2016). I asked his owner if I could take a photograph of him.

She was honored. I later learned that Coco is a working dog. He has a little yellow vest and his job it to provide emotional support for Helen, his owner who suffers with depression. “He has literally saved my life, more than once.” Helen said. That right there makes my heart smile.

It’s been just over 16 years and still my heart melts a little at each and every telethon.

What makes your heart smile – and how do you show your gratitude for it?