Have you ever pulled up to the coffee stand and someone before you had already paid for your drink. It made you feel pretty good right? Did you keep paying it forward? That act of kindness almost made you feel giddy inside didn’t it?
What about volunteering for a local non-profit, or just being there for a friend and family member out when they needed a helping hand? It gives you all the feels just thinking about it right? That’s the thing about giving back, it doesn’t have to be one big glorious action, it can be random little things and they all mean something great to someone.
When we talk about giving back I think we tend to overlook how important money is in that equation. We think that money is what likely created the problem to begin with…not having enough of it that is. I admit, I’m guilty of that mentality myself but in reality, money can also be the solution. Think about it. We believe that when money moves, better things happen. A business expands. A family connects. A child goes to college. Emergency aid arrives the moment it’s needed. An economy prospers, an opportunity opens, a community heals.
My Son & I back in the day when money was tight…err non-existent, and things were tough.
Moving money for better means moving money for a better world –creating value for individuals, businesses and for society. Western Union helps people do this every day. I can attest to that. There have been times when I faced the decision of feeding myself and my son, or paying the rent and when I needed it most, Western Union helped my family 2000 miles away get me the money I needed to get by when I needed it. That’s just a small piece of a bigger picture.
The money sent by Western Union customers can do big things from helping to stimulate economies to making individuals’ lives more rewarding and fulfilled. This is what lies at the heart of the new Chain of Betters project. It’s an idea that empowers people with the opportunity to change the lives of others. That coffee you paid for may be just the thing that inspires someone to take action on a bigger scale. That family you choose off the Angel Tree for Christmas this year may turn around when they get on thier feet and pay it back tenfold. As the money moves around the world, creating a chain of good deeds, together we can start to change lives in ways we wouldn’t have imagined was possible.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
November 16, 2015 at 2:33 pmGiving back is a really great thing to do. We actually volunteer to pick up litter in our town a few times a year.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
November 16, 2015 at 2:40 pmI think random acts of kindness are one of the best things we can do for this world. When we make others feel good, it’s a ripple effect.
Jeanette says
November 16, 2015 at 3:52 pmI love this concept! I want to do a lot of stuff to help those in need and this is a perfect way to do that!
Liz Mays says
November 16, 2015 at 5:29 pmIt really is true that little acts of kindness go a long way. I think the ideas behind the Chain of Betters are wonderful.
Megan Elford says
November 16, 2015 at 5:35 pmWestern Union is great — we use it to send money to a missionary on another continent, and it’s so much safer than going through the banks. The rates are great too!
rika says
November 16, 2015 at 10:39 pmgreat concept! Giving back to our community is very important. Our little help could make a big difference
Tatanisha Pitts-Worthey says
November 16, 2015 at 11:39 pmChain of Betters, I absolutely love this idea! It’s so heartwarming doing any random act of kindness and we should pass it on to others.
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
November 17, 2015 at 12:46 amI have been doing an ROAK for as long as I can remember, always a great feeling to do something for someone when they least expect it.
Miles L. says
November 17, 2015 at 2:02 amGiving back is totally a noble cause. Posts like this make me smile and still have faith on the goodness of each person’s heart. You’re right; giving back does not have to be a big heroic act, it can as simple as being there for a friend. 🙂
alexandria waning says
November 17, 2015 at 7:01 amgiving is so important and although we see it more around the holidays (which is great) it shouldnt be forgotten during the year. it is maybe stressed a little more during christmas time because everybody wants and wants. i try to talk to my daughter about giving to others a lot.
Wood Arts Universe says
November 17, 2015 at 7:35 amThis is an amazing thing to do, giving back to others. Every time I came across things like this, it makes me admire for such act.
Ourfamilyworld says
November 17, 2015 at 8:37 amKudos to Western Union for this campaign. Giving back is such an amazing thing to do.
lisa says
November 17, 2015 at 9:22 amI am a huge believer in giving back. There are so many people that need help these days and if I can give back even just a little, it’s worth it.
tiaras and tantrums says
November 17, 2015 at 9:43 amI have yet to be gifted with free coffee. But we do volunteer at Feed My Starving children often.
ricci says
November 17, 2015 at 10:00 amI love giving back and have started paying of the person behind me at drive thrus. I know its not much but I don’t have much free time and I know that is something I can afford and you never know, the person behind you may be splurging their last $5 on that meal and you just helped them out.
Melissa says
November 17, 2015 at 11:17 amThis is the time of year where a lot of people who otherwise would have never done something like this start to give back. Once you do it and see how good it feels, you will be addicted!
Bonnie @wemake7 says
November 17, 2015 at 12:16 pmI love hearing about acts of kindness and do it myself when I can. Thanks for the great post.
Lynndee says
November 17, 2015 at 12:40 pmWe volunteered at our local food bank and, you’re right, it feels good when you know you have helped even in the simplest way.
Chubskulit Rose says
November 17, 2015 at 1:30 pmIt’s a great feeling when you can do volunteer work. I volunteer at my kids school and it really makes you feel fulfilled at the end of the day.
CourtneyLynne says
November 17, 2015 at 1:45 pmLittle acts of kindness are really the best!!!! Always makes me happy to help other and to give back.
Ann B says
November 17, 2015 at 2:04 pmGiving back to the community is so important to me. I agree with you and the important of paying it forward.
Crystal Lopez says
November 17, 2015 at 5:08 pmPaying it forward and giving back to the community is a blissful feeling. to know that you made someone else’s day or helped in a small way is truly rewarding.
Up Run for Life says
November 18, 2015 at 10:55 amI think it is super important to teach children how to give back so that they continue the trend. It is always nice when someone pays it forward. I remember one day I was at the pharmacy paying for my meds. This lady was there picking up her sick child’s meds and was a little short. I dug through my change and paid for the rest so that she wouldn’t have to come back.
HilLesha says
November 18, 2015 at 3:59 pmPersonally, there is no better feeling for me than giving back to others without expecting anything in return. It’s a truly rewarding feeling!
Rebecca Swenor says
November 18, 2015 at 11:49 pmThis is indeed a great cause and kudos to Western Union for what they are doing for many in need. Everything you do for others does for sure come back ten fold. Thanks for sharing this awesome information.
JanetGoingCrazy says
November 19, 2015 at 11:55 amI love hearing stories about giving back or paying it forward. This is such a wonderful time of year!
Clarissa says
November 20, 2015 at 8:21 amSuch a great thing to do! love it!
ashleigh says
November 22, 2015 at 12:17 amI plan on giving my sons special needs preschool some items off their wishlist. It’s so important to give back.