As we reflect on 2011 and look forward to 2012, I wanted to take a moment to pass along a charitable cause that C.J. Plumbing & Heating recently made a donation to. This is not necessarily a call for you to donate – but more of a reminder that we should help out others whenever possible.
I learned about this situation through Christopher Hawthorne, a representative I know from TGA Cross Insurance. Recently, Chris’ co-worker Paul took part in a 3 day walk to raise awareness for breast cancer.
Paul roomed with a man from California who had traveled to Massachusetts to participate. They became good friends right away. During the walk, they saw a little girl holding a sign encouraging walkers. Paul’s group was moved by the youngster, and one of them snapped a picture of her. She became known to them as “The Girl on Belmont Hill.”
The Girl on Belmont Hill
During subsequent walks, Paul’s new friend from California began wearing this picture on his back to encourage others and himself to keep on walking.
In a remarkable example of how small this world is, someone actually recognized the little girl’s face, and shared her story with Paul’s friend.
It turns out “The Girl on Belmont Hill” is named Zoie. Her mother, from Weymouth, died from breast cancer last year, and Zoie and her 13-year-old sister moved in with their 25-year-old sister, who was struggling to get by herself.
The family lived in a home with poor plumbing, leaking pipes, and no heat. Soon, this family friend was on the phone with Paul telling him about the situation.
Paul and Chris reached out the Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors Association of MA. PHCC is the official trade association for our industry. According to Chris, PHCC of MA Executive Director Tom Theroux and Boston PHCC Director Hugh Kelleher sent out the call for help. A group of plumbers jumped in to install a new furnace before the dangerously cold weather arrived. Other contractors have stopped by the house to drop off basic necessities as well as gifts.
Meanwhile, my friends at TGA Cross have started to collect donations to help this family start 2012 off on the right foot. Their goal is $5,000 and as of this time, they have raised $3,350. If you’d like to make a donation, please visit www.wepay.com/donations/Loris_Memorial_Love_Fund.
And remember, as 2012 gets underway, take a minute to make a donation or support a cause you feel passionate about.
Happy New Year.
