I was here

Posted by Kim on October 5, 2012 in Beauty, Competitions · 2 Comments

So I was at the gym the other day when Beyonce came on VH1 and I was about to switch back to my ipod when this caught my eye!

For years my husband and I have been wanting to get involved in some sort of charity work – not quite finding the right thing. It’s been bugging us that we’re not giving back. After a lot of recent soul searching, I discovered it’s been in my lap all the time. I have a huge platform to use in which I can give back!

SO! I’m challenging you! Help me Pay It Forward and be able to say “ I was here!” While one shouldn’t do good deeds in the hope of reward, I am going to reward one reader with a surprise BEAUTY HAMPER packed with fragrance, hair and make-up goodies! (Oh cause it’s nice to be treated)

(Image source)

TO WIN:

You need to do one good deed for someone else – I’m constantly editing my wardrobe, fragrances and beauty products for donations, perhaps it’s taking a long hard look at your wardrobe, maybe it’s taking a friend for coffee who’s just been through a divorce and could do with some company right now, maybe it’s collecting litter the next time you go for a walk on the beach, or giving an hour a week to some sort of reading programme for children.

Tell me what you’ve done to claim “I was here” in the comments below!

AND / OR

Blog about this competition and tell me you have in the comments below

AND / OR

Tweet about this competition @kimgray #iwashere and lets begin a “I Was Here Movement!”

Winner announced 30 Nov! You have just over 3 weeks to make a difference! XOX

Tags: Beauty Links, Beyonce, Blog, competition, Giving back, I Was Here, Pay It Forward, Win

Comments

Happy friday and I'm home | Kim GrayKim Gray says:

November 30, 2012 at 16:29

[...] Give Aways – so ENTER HERE if you haven’t already! Also don’t forget there is the “I WAS HERE” Competition where you stand the chance to win a beauty [...]
"I was here" winner announced | Kim GrayKim Gray says:

December 13, 2012 at 07:15

[...] So happy to see so many readers doing AMAZING things! You’ve totally inspired me! You can truly say, I Was Here. [...]

Lauren Watters:

October 5, 2012 at 11:29

I'm nominating my friend Kerryn Leigh Lancaster who is climbing mount Kilimanjaro in a week to raise awareness for the charity @SaveTheChildren. She's already raised over R50 000 for them and more is coming as she gets closer to the big climb. I'm so proud of what she's doing and it proves that even one person can make a big change! So, she was here!

Tammy Dollie:

October 5, 2012 at 11:31

Every week I go to a soup kitchen and make food for the homeless, I don't do it for a reward but the satisfaction that people are being fed and kids don't go to sleep with nothing in their stomach does feel good. I cannot reach everyone, I go and deliver soup and bread with my boyfriend in Athlone from 6 till 8:30 and we drive around feeding those sleeping on the streets and even the ocassional security guard as they're there all night too potecting shops and helping out where they can. I love what we do, I think it's a small step towards a greater tomorrow. You never know if your good deed towards someone will stop them from robbing, killing or taking their own lives because things are so tough. I am a firm believer in that Jah will provide and because he provides for me every month the least I can do is provide for others because I'm at the means to do so.

Every Thursday "I was here" in Athlone feeding the hungry. Twice a month, on a Sunday we go and give clothes to the people living with only what's on their back. Clothing and feeding the hungry and homeless is what I do to Pay it Forward. This is My land, it's Our land, let's protect our people and stand together as one nation blessed by the man above.

Jean Vogler:

October 5, 2012 at 11:41

I have been meaning to clear out mine, my hubby and my kids cupboards for ages! and promised myself we wouldn't get anything new until this was done. I spent last weekend under heaps of clothes and shoes and managed to finally get everything sorted! I have 7 bags of vacuum packed clothes in the boot of my car and cannot wait to drop it off at the orphanage up the road this weekend! Next will be the kids playroom to drop the next load of toys off at the Red Cross Childrens hospital, something we do every few months! I'm teaching my kids the same thing that I believe in, that we need to pay it forward!

Erna Jansen Van Rensburg:

October 5, 2012 at 11:52

My deed is small but I know it counts- I recently secretly helped a friend that was in serious need of siome cash- she did not know it was me- but could not stop talking about it-I think God put human angels among us for reasons like this- be an angel and help someone in need!

Shaheeda Loofer:

October 5, 2012 at 12:04

I have treated my sister -in-law to a girlfriend's getaway @ the movies as well as taking her to an ellie saab perfume launch as she needed cheering up as she is going through a divorce.

Tanya Bryndzya:

October 5, 2012 at 13:36

I always give away everything I don't use or wear to people in who will have a good use out of it (can't say I have much, since still looking for work and don't constant have income, but I can say that I have more than some other people and I hate to waste) if I can't use it or fit it - someone else will. When I was living close to the beach - everyday walk turned in to picking up all the hooks and pieces of fish wires and rubbish from the beach, I am always ready and happy to help any of my friends when they need me. Or even a stranger when I can. I was here.

Rehana Seedat:

October 5, 2012 at 20:38

I am involved in feeding Schemes for the underpriveleged & SeniorCitizens. My friends &I also distribute toys to kids at a local orphanage and every month I donate a certain amount from my salary to needy organisations. Have tweeted this giveaway @online61524 and shared to facebook.

Thinus And-Kristi Fraser:

October 6, 2012 at 00:38

I heard of a family in Durban who lots everything when their home burnt down, including the life of their 3 year old son, it touched me so as I have 2 little boys around that age, I called all my friends, went through all our cupboards and put up notices at my little boys school, together we managed to collect 11 boxes of clothes and toys etc for the family, it felt really good to help, I just hope it brings some peace to the family.

Rose McClement:

October 7, 2012 at 11:33

That song video is so moving and I found expression through it's words of something so deep within me, something that has always been there and drives me. Often we don't want to make too much fuss about the impact for good we have on others, be it small or big - I don't particularly. But I have come to realize that bad news has no problem making itself known, so telling our ' good news' stories should be done, in order to counteract the effects of negativity, and bring inspiration around us. For me the wet, harsh Cape winters creates more awareness of the street people facing these harsh natural elements each day. So, it was that one particular Sunday morning, when the rain was literally pelting down, an elderly street lady knocked on my door. I let her in, made her coffee and sandwiches. Gave her dry shoes, socks , jacket and scarf. Plus other stuff to take back to her community for a pot of soup. Yes - some would say that I took a helluva chance by letting her in, but so be it. If I believe that we are all connected and one, then I could never have done it differently. There have been many times like this in my life, and sitting here looking back on those times, I can say, " I was here". Long may your " I was here movement' last Kim.

Avril du Preez:

October 8, 2012 at 07:04

I initiated a "Random act of kindness" day at work. We drew names from a hat and you would then need to spoil that colleague. We did it over a week so that everyone could choose a day that suited them. We were surprised at the fantastic ideas that everyone came up with. Everyone felt thoroughly spoilt. It was also a great team building exercise. I got a beautiful bunch of flowers, one person got breakfast served by her line manager, lots of snacks and treats all around, one colleague tidied anothers' desk, some got special herbal teas, hand lotions, etc. It really made everyone's day.

Victoria Fraser Pollet:

October 8, 2012 at 07:25

I am putting together 2 operation shoeboxes and will be dropping them off this weekend. I continually recycle clothing and pass on to someone who needs it. Just doing small things really makes a difference in someone else life. I really believe in 'paying it forward' and teaching our kids the same.

Rabe Mutondwa:

October 8, 2012 at 14:42

I accumulate a lot of those mini soap bars, shampoo and body lotions from hotels during my business travels which I then donate anonymously to our church, together with some of my clothes and shoes that I do not need or wear anymore.

Deline Kritzinger:

October 10, 2012 at 17:54

I believe that every girl should feel pretty... I had the opportunity to treat three matric girls from a disadvantaged area close by for their matric farewell. All of them have babies, and are not in the financial position to pay for their matric farewell pampers... Basically what we did was do their nails for them, painting and applying tips, as well as helping them with their make-up. We helped them dress, and gave them snacks to eat in a happy environment to be treated. There is a project at our local church where make up, shoes, nail polish and old dresses can be donated for these girls' matric farewells. It was such a blessing to see the tears in their eyes when they see themselves in the mirror...

Imrah Ariefdien:

October 11, 2012 at 05:42

I treat evreyone who crosses my path, with the kindness and consideration that I would like to receive on a daily basis. Sometimes a kind word or a sympathetic ear means so much to the person on the receiving end.

Linda Jansen van Rensburg:

October 11, 2012 at 13:08

There is an old lady that just moved into the same block where I live. Her husband recently died and she was left alone. Because of her age, she could not hang her curtains and she tried to stand on a chair to hang it. I saw that and went over and told her that I would hang it for her. I am so glad that ``I was here`` to help her. I still make a extra plate of food each day, polish her wooden floors once a week, take her to the clinic once a month. I also repair her clothes and go to the shop for her. I am glad that I am still able to do these things for her and as long as I can, I will always ``be there`` for her every step of the way!

Domenique De Oliveira:

October 11, 2012 at 14:03

I try to do small things where I can. I donate monthly to Meals on Wheels. I like ot be involved in donating to whichever charity pops up be it Santa's Shoebox, church events, school events, buying coffee for the car gaurd etc.,. I do think its the little things that count and trying to do something to make just one person smile every day makes a difference. "I will continue to be here"!

Krystal Schroder:

October 16, 2012 at 11:51

I've rallied a group of friends to do a hospital visit in the CBD - spending time with sickly kiddies and showering them with some joy, love and affection. Happiness for everyone :)

Debbie Abrahams Roodt:

October 18, 2012 at 12:27

My best friend looks after her youngest of 5 grandchildren every day. Her husband works out of town during the week, only coming home weekends - and takes their only vehicle. She doesn't ever get a weekday off to socialise a bit, and weekends are hectically busy, spending quality time with her husband who is only home for two days, and other stuff. Since daughter-in-law was off this week, and kept the baby for 3 days, my friend was FREE for the first time in ages. Weekday evenings I'm too busy to see her. Tuesday I took her out for the whole day, spoiling her with gifts such as perfume and wine and a new blouse etc, and just having a good time in each other's company - which was sooo long overdue. We haven't spent "just us" quality time together in about 9 months.

Moushumi Maharaj:

October 22, 2012 at 09:23

I am a stay at home mum of 3 and I help out at their schools for fundraising, cake sales, school functions, transport arrangements and because I was a teacher, I fill in for absent educators from time to time. I love working with school children and to be part of them! I often bake and sent goodies to my 3 year old's playschool! The excitement on their faces is priceless!

Kate Reynard Ferguson:

October 24, 2012 at 12:26

This Saturday morning myself and my husband will be delivering a lounge suite of ours to Durbanville children's home. Although they offered to collect we wanted to safe them the petrol and hassle and are delivering it ourselves. Super excited!

Susan Reynard:
October 24, 2012 at 12:52
That is wonderful! What a thoughtful gesture - I'm sure it'll make a huge difference to the children and carers at the home xxx

Bianca Cara Kersten:

October 30, 2012 at 08:25

Tweeted by @biancabernstein xxxx.

Lindie Kühn:

November 1, 2012 at 14:26

Tweeted by @keenkuhn :)

Tracy Jacobs:

November 5, 2012 at 09:11

We bought a new lounge suite and gave away 3 couches and 2 TVs to the 3 security guards who man the gates at our complex

Tracy Jacobs:

November 5, 2012 at 09:24

Enter Annemarie u never know xx

Deslé McConney:

November 19, 2012 at 09:21

I rounded up all my empty beauty boxes that I have recieved throughout this year and filled them with toiletries, jewelry and toys for the women and children from the Wynberg informal settlement called Bonnytoun. We are also organising a christmas party for the residence of Bonnytoun where the beauty boxes, food hampers and toys will be given out on the 1st if December. You can read more about it on my blog post here: http://divadesle.blogspot.com/2012/11/make-someone-smile-this-festive-season.html?m=1