On Thursday I saw the shocking
video of two homeless persons being enticed by someone to be kicked in the
groin for money. People living on our streets are desperate and consequently
some will even agree to being kicked in the groin for money. However, that does
not make it right and the individual or group of individuals who chooses to
exploit the most vulnerable in our communities in such an inhumane manner are
insensitive. It is distasteful, degrading and despicable to take advantage of a
vulnerable person such as someone who is homeless with the promise of money to
compensate them for injury.
There are a number of different
reasons why people end up homeless and living on our street. Some people are
living on the street because they are alcoholic or drug addict. Some may suffer
from mentally illness or some may be escaping abusive relationships. People who
are living on street need food and care for their personal hygiene. They should
not be subject to abuse and further humiliation on top of their already tough
lives. Regeneration Outreach Community of Brampton has a wonderful program to
help provide breakfast and care for those who need food and care. To this end,
I have committed to help Regeneration reach its goals of $40,000 for its Coldest
Night of the Year Campaign. Click here to sponsor my walk/run.
I will use my time and skills to
help bring awareness to homeless and needy in our communities. Allow me to
share my experience since Monday about my walk/run. I spent Monday at
Regeneration on Main Street. My walk Tuesday morning was uneventful as the
weather was not bearable. On Wednesday, February 5, 2014 record snowfall in the
Greater. Toronto Area prevented me from going out for my 2K walk/run. The
intensity of the snow fall created some doubts in mind. However, as my desire
to success at my goal outweighs my fear on Thursday morning I went for a 5K
walk/run making up for the mileage lost on Wednesday. My walk/run on Thursday
was eventful as at one point along the path on Kennedy North heading towards
Mayfield I underestimated the depth of the unplowed snow. It was knee high and
by the time I realized I had to crawl out using my hands which even I found rather
comical and made a pleasant sight for the passing motorists. Friday morning I
went for another 5K walk/run in much colder temperatures due to the wind chill.
Saturday morning it was -18C and wind chill it felt like -24C.
I am undaunted by the record snowfall
mid-week, knee high snow and bit cold temperatures. As I mentioned in my blog 5 Tips for Facing Challenges in 2014 in
the pursuit of our goals we will encounter challenges and setbacks. I am
not going to deny that record snowfall and the bit cold is not frightening. My
goals are clear. I am facing my fears. I am determined to help the homeless. I
am determined to succeed and I am moving forward. What are you doing to achieve
your goals? Do you have the will to continue?
To be successful, we need to set
ourselves goals. In the pursuit of your goals you will encounter obstacles
which you have to be determined to overcome. Last Thursday a friend said to me
teasingly that since I am from the tropics I should camp outdoors in the summer
instead of on February 22, 2014. In response another friend reminded him that
the homeless are outdoors in the winter too. The latter comment was very
encouraging for me since a part of my goal is to bring awareness to the issue
of homelessness. However, if you think about, I have decided to walk/run an
aggregate of approximately 50K in the month of February in a year when we are
experiencing one of the worst winters in a long time.
Why am I determined not to be daunted?
First, relative to Elon Musk’s goals to colonize Mars with 80,000 people I am
confident I will raise the $2,000, walk/run approximately 50K and survive a
night outdoors in the cold. In addition to fostering public awareness if my
actions can spur others to act on their dreams and goals then that would be an
added bonus. So where do I get the will to continue?
I get the will to continue from
you. If you feel you lack the will to continue I encourage you to seek out
reinforcement or a support network. Remember success comes from building an
effective team. I encourage you to join me on this journey. Sponsor or donate here and email or text me you words of encouragement.
Here are some of the positive comments I received:
Tuula Redditt, Digital Artist, Sky Studio, Brampton, Ontario:
Mark what a fantastic leader you
are for all of us to aspire to. You’re the BEST!
William Ramdass, Real Estate Sales Representative, Mississauga, Ontario:
Pity I met you so late in life. I
would have been a vastly improved if I had you as mentor and coach but it’s
never too late to learn. You are an inspiration to the young and the old alike
yet maintain such humility - the mark of true leader. The fact that you will
show solidarity to the homeless in such a very direct manner reminds of a man
who lived here about just over 2000 years ago.
Julie Slusher, President, Antigua Toastmasters Club
Thank you for your uplifting
message. There are not many great leaders in this world who are able to inspire
others to become more than they are. But that’s exactly what you did when you
helped us to form the Antigua Toastmasters Club. We remember you fondly all the
time. I am always saying how lucky we were to have you as our mentor and
sponsor for an entire six months. Even though the club is only one year old, we
are already President’s Distinguished Club 2014 and welcome the opportunity to
host our District 81 Conference in May 2014. You are a generous, insightful,
effective leader who is an inspiration to those who have the privilege of
working with you. All the best with the 50K run/walk and I am sure the time you
spend with the homeless will be a source of encouragement for those who are
less fortunate. I am proud to have met you. Best regards.
Trudie German, Personal Trainer & Fitness Competitor, Body Envy,
Mississauga, Ontario
Oh my goodness Mark, you say we
inspire you, but the truth is YOU inspire us. WOW….walking/running 2-5km and
spending a night outdoor in this weather is altruistic of you. Here are a few
tips for your walk/run:
Dress Accordingly
Layers, Layers, Layers that is
very important. You will definitely need an outer layer that offers protection
from the wind, hail, rain or snow while offering ventilation and allows
moisture (sweat) to escape.
Gloves, hats, headbands and even
masks are definitely essential (think about the stinging wind in your face).
Bright or reflective clothing are
strongly recommended if you will be walking/running in the evenings.
This way you are more obvious to
drivers.
Added precaution against slipping
and falling would be to wear traction devices that can easily be slipped over
your running shoes.
This allow for better grip on the
road and reduces the risk of injury (these are to your feet what snow tires are
to your car)
Hydrate
You may think hydration is only
required during the warm summer months for your walk/run, but believe me you
need to hydrate in the winter months just as much.
Even when it's freezing outside,
you still loose water through sweating.
Have those water bottles with you on hand during your walk/run.
If roads are icy or slushy stop
and drink instead of simply slowing down to drink.
Have Fun
You chose to walk/run this
winter. Don't lose sight of your goal. Enjoy the journey and congratulate
yourself at the end of each walk/run
Mark McKenzie is a leading
Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well
as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth
mentor. He can be contacted by email
mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog
http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ and always write me a comment and share.
Follow me on Twitter @mackynacky. Connect with me on www.youtube.com, Google+,
Facebook and Linkedin.
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