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But What Can I Do?

Retirement Reflections

One of the books patiently sitting on my To Be Read pile is ‘What Can I Do? My Path from Climate Despair to Action’ by Jane Fonda. The title itself raises a crucial question — how can we move from despair to action for any area where we are overwhelmed with hopelessness?

Leading by Example:

The question “What can I do?” was recently answered (brilliantly) by River Backwell, a six-year-old Canadian boy, who demonstrated that “we can all do something even if it is small to start with.” The video clip is linked below. If you view only one part of this post, please do not miss this.

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2013572163653

Taking River’s Lead:

Images of the devastating war against Ukraine are difficult to view. Instead of hardening ourselves against these images or spiralling down through a range of emotions, we can take River’s lead. We can stay informed, urge government/businesses for their support, help to amplify an urgent appeal, fundraise, offer shelter, volunteer our time/effort and/or donate to an endless array of supporting agencies. Here are just a few options. There are many, many more.

Donate ∞

Direct Relief

International Rescue Committee

Red Cross From February 24 to March 18, the Canadian Government offered to match Red Cross donations made by Canadian citizens to support Ukraine for up to $30 million. This goal was achieved on March 4. The Red Cross still urgently requires funds to assist in Ukraine.

Save the Children

UNHCR Canada

UNICEF

Voices of Children in Ukraine

World Central Kitchen. Currently, Trip Advisor is matching any donation made to Ukraine making it an excellent time to give!

Donate Points ∞

Hudson’s Bay

Fundraise ∞

Doctors Without Borders

Offer Shelter ∞

Accommodation, Help & Shelter for Ukraine

Airbnb

HomeExchange.com (and here)

I Can Help Host

Refugees International

Ukraine Take Shelter In just three days, Avi Schiffmann and Marco Burstein, young students at Harvard, developed and launched this website in 12 languages. Their goal is for Ukrainian refugees fleeing war can immediately find hosts with free rooms, apartments unused in resorts, big or small cities or school dorms.

Use Whatever Platform You Have ∞

Saturday Night Live (example)

Sunflowers in the Snow (example)

The Official Sting

Volunteer ∞

Care International

Shelter Box USA

Concerned about Charity Scams? Watch here (and here or here or here)

This is just a partial list. There are many other reliable charities supporting Ukraine. Have a favourite charity that I missed? Please include it in the comments below. Regardless of how powerless we may initially feel, our words and actions can make a substantial difference.

My Peace Project

In my previous Word of the Year Link Party Post, I shared my Travelling Book of Inner Peace Project. Although this action is also incredibly small, I hope that it does help others to reflect on peace and then pass that on. Below is a pictorial update of where each book has landed so far. And here are two reviews that one of the recipients kindly left on Goodreads and Bookcrossings.

Book A Left Parksville BC on Feb 9, 2022
1st Stop: Surfers Paradise, Australia
Next Stop: Somewhere in Australia
Book B Left Parksville, BC on Feb 15, 2022
1st Stop: Nanaimo, BC, CAN
Currently landed in Scarborough, ON, CAN
Book C Left Parksville BC on Feb 15, 2022
1st Stop: San Diego, CA
2nd Stop: La Quinta, CA
3rd Stop: Currently being read by Sandy & Margaret in Palm Springs, CA

Choosing ‘Peace’ as my 2022 Word of the Year (WOTY) has ensured that I am never at a loss of big topics to reflect upon. How has your WOTY been helping to guide you in 2022?

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js…

Opening photo courtesy of Tadeusz Lakota, Unsplash.

Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.

91 thoughts on “But What Can I Do?”

  1. Pingback: Is it even a gift if you buy it for yourself? #WOTY – Deb's World

  2. Thank you for this excellent list of charities for us to act in regards to the Ukraine. I am impressed with Ari Schiffmann and his friend with the idea of providing shelter. I also like World Central Kitchens very much and promoted it on my blog as well. Peace.

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    1. Hi, Rebecca – Thank you so much for dropping by. I agree that World Central Kitchens is doing great things in Ukraine. They frequently partner with other organizations (like Trip Advisor) to have donations doubled. So, that is excellent to watch for. I also believe that those young Harvard students are very impressive. Small steps can make a big difference.

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  3. Oh Donna this was such a lovely and timely read as the world is heading into further crisis. That video made me smile (and cry) he is such a wonderful caring little man, with great support from his family. I also appreciated the ideas of what we can do, and note that Shelterbox is listed – it’s affiliated with Rotary so I know all about it! We have similar drives going on here in Australia and I have donated through a Rotary fundraiser as i know I can trust them. I love the progress of your travelling book too, so much fun!

    I am loving my WOTY of Gift and am finding so much in the world around me to be a gift – your post included, so many thanks xx

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    1. Hi, Debbie – I always find myself smiling when I read your posts and comments. Your positivity is absolutely infectious! I’m delighted that you enjoyed the video of River and his mom. He is a great example of how our small steps can become an incredible gift to others…and to ourselves. Choosing a fundraising organization that you know that you can trust is incredibly important. Rotary does such great work and Shelter Box rates highly on recommended reliable charities.

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  4. Great post Donna. Just to say please do not donate stuffed toys, old clothes too worn to be of any use or other things that are being thrown away. Much better to help an organisation helping with accommodation like you suggest.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by and adding this. Your advice is good. When specific goods and materials are needed they are usually asked for directly and should be in good, usable new or near new shape. When in doubt, it’s usually best to check with the organization to which you are donating.

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  6. Hi Donna, such a wonderful post full of ways we can help and River is a very special little boy. I am constantly amazed at the capacity of children to absorb what is happening and then come up with ideas to help. I’m sure I wasn’t that sophisticated when I was 6 years old. Your WOTY is needed now more than ever and I’m sure you didn’t realise the significance when you chose PEACE for your WOTY. I’m enjoying The Little Book of Inner Peace and will certainly continue it’s journey. Thanks for co-hosting WOTY link party and wishing you a peaceful month ahead. xx

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    1. Thanks, Sue – In so many ways, River reminds me of Ethan. He’s articulate, determined, creative and finds solutions in the environment around him. I’m so glad that you are enjoying the peace book. You are reading from the exact same copy that I read from! 😀

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  7. I so love what you are doing to share your word. And for all the care, and kindness here. I love my series of these ‘little’ but powerful books, and yes I do have them and they have helped me through some tricky times. Thanks so much for the link up keeping us ‘true’ to out words! Denyse

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  10. Hi Donna – that was a fantastic list of places where we can make a difference – sometimes we all feel so small and helpless, so it’s great to have a jumping off point. Also lovely seeing your books travelling on its way around the world spreading peace as they go.

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    1. Thanks, Leanne – It was good for me to get a sense of the charities supporting Ukraine and details of their support. With so many charities looking for donations, this helped me to make a more informed decision.
      I’m delighted that the travelling book made its way to Australia — I was worried about that one!

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  11. Peace does seem like a great word of the year for you and your suggestions and tips for ways to advocate and take action were very detailed.
    The Jane Fonda book sounds good.
    I know she was made fun of a lot, but I think she was so brave to fight and advocate for various thing (not just speaking out about the Vietnam War).

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    1. Thanks, Yvette – Choosing ‘peace’ as my WOTY has absolutely guaranteed that I never run out of things to reflect upon — even much more than I realized when initially choosing this word! I haven’t read the Jane Fonda book yet, but I do admire her for standing up for what she believes in, and for speaking out.
      And – great minds think alike – I was just about to open your recent post when this comment popped up. I’m headed back to your site now.

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      1. well no pressure to ever read all of my posts (but I do value your visits) and it just so happens that I featured art from an exhibit we went to last week and the artist was speaking up about climate change – and so I smiled as I read this post because of the advocating that came up here.
        —

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Thanks, Yvette. I just returned from your site. I love the synergy of the shared advocacy theme. The artwork of Nancy Bruce is very thought-provoking. I would have loved to view it in person.

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  12. Hi Donna – your WOTY is so poignant for our current world situation. Thank you for sharing the links and suggestions on how to help out. Many tiny contributions all add up to make a big difference.

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    1. Hi, Janine – Thank you for dropping by. Your closing sentence is much truer than we often realize. It is so easy to get discouraged and believe there is nothing that we can do. But most big changes began with one small step.

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  13. How apt has your word ended up being? I feel like that title – What Can I do? At times I want to look away and pretend it’s not happening, but know that those it’s happening to don’t have that luxury so I force myself to watch and read and listen. Your links and suggestions are practical answers to that question.

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  14. The world certainly seems to be in a mess at the moment Donna. I’m a believer in doing what I can, even if it’s tiny. If we all did one tiny thing, imagine the impact. I belong to a group of family historians who are organising a virtual event to raise money for Ukraine. I regularly make micro loans through https://www.kiva.org/ I’ve been doing it for many years and it’s amazing how the amounts add up over time. Thanks for the list. IT’s great food for thought.

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    1. Hi, Jennifer – Your words here are very wise. If we all did one tiny thing, and imagined together, the impact would far outreach our expectations. Kiva is an incredible organization. I am glad to hear that you have a long standing, positive history with them.

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  15. Hi Donna – these are great places to start and the exact answer to “what can I do?” – these small acts add up to a lot. I’ve been moved by many stories of selfless generosity. Thank you for sharing these.

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  16. Pingback: Friday Favorites: The Consolation of Nature | Notes From the Hinterland

  17. Donna,
    Thanks for sharing this information. The Ukrainian situation is so die and I often wonder “What can I do?” You’ve helped. I’ve admired the work of Jose Andres and the World Central Kitchen and their ability to go into the worst situations to feed the hungry. I’m certain they’re filling a huge void now. Have a great weekend. P. s. Your books travel well. What fun! Joe

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    1. Thanks, Joe – I agree that the World Central Kitchen do incredible work and accomplish things that seem unimaginable. With such a huge range of options to help, there is always something that each of us can do.
      I am also very excited by the travels of The Little Book of Inner Peace. I’ve been meaning to write to the author and share this with her.

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  18. A beautiful and informative post to promote peace in the desperate world, Donna. I love how that book is making the rounds! What can I do? We give to our church’s mission project where $$ are going to funds earmarked for Ukraine humanitarian efforts. My former church in Sacramento enlists the Convoy of Hope every Thanksgiving, in which I’ve been a part as a giver over the years. COH is focusing on Ukraine now and helping feed and house the refugees. Sue talked about survivor guilt and how we may feel guilty as we enjoy our own bubbles of the world. Your post demonstrates how we can all commit to peace and make our world a better place. Very touching, my friend.

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    1. Hi, Terri – Thank you for your kind and insightful words. You and Sue are right. Guilt doesn’t help anyone and only makes us feel worse. Generous action, no matter how small, makes a positive difference to both the receiver and the giver.

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    1. Hi, Kate – Yes, animal charities also do very important work during disasters. A friend of mine adopted a dog who had been a victim of one of the Hurricanes (Harvey, I believe). Seriously — best dog ever! This is another tiny example of a positive win-win.

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  20. Anyone interested in supporting Ukrainian designers & makers on Etsy* can find a link to a list of them by going to @desewtropia on IG. (Also online at at http://www.TeresaHardy.com/ukraine) Teresa regularly updates her list, which includes designers of sewing patterns, knitting & crochet patterns, felting patterns, cross-stitch & embroidery patterns.

    *Etsy is waiving all admin funds so all the monies go to the designers in Ukraine.

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  22. Excellent thorough post on how to create some hope in a time of crisis. That in an aside sort of direction is providing peace to those it reaches.
    Great to see a update on the books!

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    1. Thanks so much, Bernie. Those Little Books of Peace may have been both a blessing and a curse! I’ve heard back from two of the recipients that they needed to go out and buy their own copy because they had an uncontrollable urge to highlight, underline, write notes in the margins and have a copy of hand for further reference! 😀

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      2. Thanks, Bernie – I contacted the book’s author yesterday on her FB page. She responded immediately and was very kind. I’ve never before contacted an author personally when I’ve enjoyed one of their books (unless I know them personally). Socially media makes this so easy to do!

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  23. It’s always so impressive to see the younger generations step in and take action– like both River and those college students setting up their website. I often hear so many wisecracks about how each generation seems to get worse or will be the end of us all, etc. (which they’ve been saying since I was a baby!) and yet there is so much good in all the generations. We do need to take heart and remember that small actions are meaningful too. We can’t solve all the world’s problems on our own but we can still make a difference in a few lives with little steps.

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    1. Hi, Joanne – I agree that River, as well as the young Harvard students, are very impressive. I know that many more young people are doing great, selfless things that we never hear about. Like you, I’ve heard wisecracks about each generation (especially my own). I agree that if less time was spent on judging others and more time was spent celebrating each others strengths, that alone would make a remarkable difference. Thanks so much for stopping by.

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  24. Hi Donna! So important to remind us all that it will take all of us to create peace on this planet. And yes, doing what we can to help others, especially those in Ukraine is so important at this time. The charity that I’ve used frequently in times like this is Oxfam. I found they rate highly in terms of charity navigator. I like to know the money I donate is mostly going to where I intend it. And good for the example of River. May we all learn from him how to do what we can where we are. ~Kathy

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  25. Hi Donna! Thank you for the reminder and examples of all the things we can do, no matter how small. You are always an inspiration!

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  26. This is a great list of how to help. Thanks for putting it together. Don’t you love it when your WOTY dovetails nicely into current events, even if the events are not peaceful.

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  28. Hi Donna, Thank you for a great list of so many ways to help and your update on the travel books. I believe each of us can take action to help and contribute towards peace. I recently volunteered at the Achilles Canada 5k race. The event raised money towards supporting athletes with physical and mental disabilities, and the Red Cross Humanitarian Relief Funds For Ukraine.

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    1. Hi, Natalie – It’s so true – every bit of volunteering, and every act of kindness, can make a huge difference to others — even if we don’t always realize it at the time. The volunteer work that you have been involved in recently is very inspiring. Thank you for doing this.

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  29. Pingback: Calm in March » By Susanne

    1. Hi, Janis – It is so hard to fathom what is happening in Ukraine. The parallel stories of selflessness and bravery are a great reminder of goodness all around us. This is a goodness that we can each fan and increase by contributing to in our own ways, regardless of how small are actions may seem Like with you, this gives me hope.

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  31. Thanks for sharing the list of where we can help out and make a difference. Every little helps. I’m going to give locally to the Red cross collection boxes here and there in town. That little boy is very inspiring – so many people think if they can only contribute a little there’s n point, whether it’s about donating money or stopping using single-use plastic, or whatever – but if people think like that, change will never happen.

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    1. Hi, Susanne – You are so right. It is very easy to get discouraged and simply want to give up thinking ‘what’s the use.’ But ever tiny action can make a surprising difference. River’s $100 goal has now reached over $10,000.

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  32. My wife, Miriam, an accomplished quilter, has made two quilted wall hangings in the colours of the Ukrainian flag, sold them on her ETSY site and has donated the money to the Mennonite Central Committee fund for Ukrainian relief. We have also made a donations to the UNICEF fund for Ukrainian children and are about to donate to World Central Kitchen. It is an unspeakable tragedy. We have seen this before, but seem incapable of learning the lessons of the past.

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    1. Hi, David – Thank you so much for dropping by. The quilts that Miriam have made are an excellent example of using the platforms that we have. If you are about to donate to World Central Kitchen (an awesome organization), Trip Advisor is currently doubling any monetary donations send to them.

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  33. Pingback: March Reflections – More – Picture Retirement

  34. Hi Donna – River really does lead by example … he’s inspired many. Kids – teach us. There is a lot going on here … and I do what I can as and where appropriate – there was a big march in London yesterday and we all never forget wherever we meet as groups, or individually or as I do with an educational post. I just hope the end is nigh – Putin has done more than enough damage putting peaceful Ukrainians’ lives on hold and devastating families and people for years to come … it’s horrific to think about. Thank you for reminding us about the children who set these examples for us to follow …

    Your Travelling Book for Inner Peace is an amazing project – I’ll enjoy following along … thank you for your thoughtful posts … cheers Hilary

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    1. Thanks, Hilary – Children do teach us. Especially when we have the wisdom and stillness to listen.
      I am hopefully that the Inner Peace Book will continue it’s travels for quite some time, and that I continue to be notified. Fingers crossed.

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  36. Had to come back and grab the actual name. Going to buy it for a gift basket for a friend who is once again walking a cancer journey 21 years after her first bout of breast cancer. So thanks – this is the ticket.

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    1. Thanks, Bernie – So far 3/5 people who have received The Little Book of Inner Peace from me have promptly purchased their own copy as well. And all five said they greatly enjoyed it. I hope that your friend likes it too. I agree that it makes a great gift.

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  37. With all that is happening in Ukraine and other places around the world, it is easy to feel helpless and overwhelmed. Thank you for the suggestions for places we can go to make a difference and cultivate peace. Also, thank you for sharing your traveling books’ journeys.

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    1. Thanks, Christie – When I began researching what I could do to help Ukraine – regardless of how small my contribution may feel – I repeatedly saw “Use your Platform.” I believe this is excellent advice whether we speak with our financial donation, our volunteered time, urging our politicians for actions and/or by amplifying urgent appeals through our social media. There is often much more that we can do to help than we orginally realize.

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  42. Hi Donna, I am rereading your excellent, informative article. Feeling helpless, reading and watching the news this week, I recalled your post. Like you say, informed decisions on charities to support. Also, interesting and helpful to read the insightful comments. ❤️

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  43. Hi, Erica – Thank you for stopping by again and sharing this kind comment. The current news is mostly horrifying and can overwhelm us in an instant. It’s a great reminder that there are informed positive steps that we can take, even if they feel very small. It is amazing how these small steps can quickly add up. Thinking of you.

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  44. It is so exciting to read of the updates for the books. What fun it is. I have never found out where the ones I left via Bookcrossing went to. Somewhere out there, I suppose.

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    1. Thanks, Amanda – I have more updates for where The Little Books of Inner Peace have currently landed (next week’s post). I have also attempted to Bookcross three different books but have had no luck with those (at least not yet)! Stay tuned!

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