Tag: social concern

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Urgent Call for Assistance in the Wake of Hurricane Helene’s Devastation on North Carolina

In recent weeks, climate change has wrought untold hardship upon the mountain communities of Western North Carolina. The infamous and powerful Hurricane Helene mercilessly swept through these areas with little warning or respite for those in its path, leaving a trail of destruction that has brought to light both resilience and suffering among local residents.

Volunteers from the organization BonaResponds have been at the forefront since their arrival on-site last weekend—traveling through towns such as Burnsville and Green Mountain bringing hope in a time of despair by providing immediate relief to those affected. Their actions were recognized this morning when Jim Mahar was interviewed Olean area radio station WPIG.

The BonaResponds team has already accomplished significant tasks, including aiding in delivering essential supplies such as food and clothing which had been collected by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany which is highlighted in a news article in the Olean Times Herald.

In addition to these laudable efforts, there remains a critical need for further assistance as winter’s biting chill descends upon mountain towns already burdened by loss. With many homes left without power—a situation predicted to persist through the season—the urgency of support has never been more pronounced nor direly necessary.

In light of this, we extend a heartfelt plea for any form of aid that can bring solace and some semblance back into these communities’ disrupted lives: connectors compatible with propane tanks to keep warmth alive amidst the freezing temperatures have become an essential commodity. There is a pressing need for generators to supply homes in the area with electrical power. Electric generators with a recommended size is 3600 watts of sustained power.

Here’s how you can provide assistance effectively and immediately to BonaResponds:

  • Financial Support – Direct donations are accepted via mail at their onsite address: BonaResponds, St. Bonaventure NY 14778 Alternatively for convenience or anonymity reasons, please consider supporting through PayPal by visiting PositiveRipples website as suggested in the interview with Jim Mahar..

The communities in Western North Carolina have shown tremendous courage in confronting this calamity head-on; they are resilient and hardworking individuals who deserve our assistance. We welcome your help and prayers while assisting them in their need.

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Compassion is the fuel for a new economy

Chade-Meng Tan’s talk gave renewed hope to an idea I had for a model economic development and empowerment for youth that promotes the greater good. Last summer I  participated in a course at St. Bonaventure University’s Franciscan Institute. It was called, “Retrieving a Franciscan Philosophy for Social Engagement.” As part of the course I was required to come up with a timely application of the principles which we were studying. The following is taken from a paper I wrote this summer.

“Life reduced to its simplest equation is about relationships. Implicit in these relationships is contract. Most of the time the contracts are implied and at other times in the are complex legal agreements governing business transactions. We live at a time and in a culture that is desperately looking for  a response to life that is grounded in principles that respect both the buyer and the seller. Principles that invite not only common property but value for what we can call the common good? Some might argue that such ideas are too idealistic and that nowhere is there any evidence that anyone has successfully applied such an approach.”

Chade-Meng Tan’s talk provides evidence that such principles are used very successfully at Google. Glad to have found this talk and thank you to TED for publishing it.

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