One of the things that Simon Kronenfeld learned on his way to being successful in more than one field is that investing children is important. As he spent time with his own children, he also sought to reach out to other kids who have some sort of pressing need. The result is that he has been able to do quite a bit of good for the wider community, good that will hopefully continue into the generations to come.
While that’s great, how do you fit into this picture? What could you do to help children who are in need right this minute? Here are some ideas to consider. At least one or two of them are likely within your ability to pursue today.
Volunteer to Help with Children-Centred Community Activities
Programs set up to aid children with everything from after-school activities to promoting involvement in sports are found in many communities. Some are municipal in nature, while others may be sponsored by religious or non-profit institutions. The point is that these efforts are always in need of volunteers to help provide services to the children.
While you may not be in a position to emulate the efforts of Simon Kronenfeld, there are ways you can make a difference in the lives of children in the community. Volunteer to lead an activity that allows kids to have fun and learn something at the same time. Teach them the basics of a skill that you possess. What you have to share may resonate with some of those kids, and help them find a path to pursue in the future.
Support Education
Formal education is crucial to the development of critical thinking and discovering all the world has to offer. Some children are born into circumstances where education is taken for granted. Others struggle to claim those benefits. As Simon Kronenfeld will point out, children who receive educations are in better positions to be productive forces in society and provide help to future generations.
Perhaps your resources won’t allow you to aid in building schools, something that Simon Kronenfeld has been known to be involved with. Even so, you can support local education efforts, even if you don’t have any kids. Volunteer to help in any way that you can, and definitely support any municipal efforts to improve the conditions in the local schools. When paired with the efforts of others, what you can do matters.
Support Health Organizations Focused on Children
Physical and mental health are important for all people, especially children. Unfortunately, even with national and provincial health in place, there are still times when some fall between the cracks. There’s a real need to provide health care for children who would otherwise be unable to receive it.
That’s where support from the general public makes a difference. Identify ways to provide the sort of help so that children who need procedures and treatments can receive them. You can bet that over the years, people like Simon Kronenfeld have aided in the establishment of clinics and other facilities. You can do the same by considering the needs in your area, and finding a way to participate in making sure health related care is there for all children.
Donate to Local Shelters and Centres
People don’t like to talk about shelters and centres where children may end up when there’s nowhere else to go. It may be children fleeing from domestic abuse, or who no longer have access to a place to live for a variety of circumstances. There may be shelters of this type in your community, but they may not get much publicity.
You can be like Simon Kronenfeld, and actively seek out information on these types of shelters and centres. Once discovered, there are ways to donate to their continuing operation. It may be providing a financial donation, or it could be donating time to help prepare meals, collect blankets and clothing, or aid in searches that help families eventually settle into new and safer homes.
Participate in Calling for Legislation that Benefits Children
Being an active participant in political matters, especially as it relates to the passing of legislation that benefits the populace, is part of what citizens do. With children who are in need, the importance of being actively involved is all the more important. People like Simon Kronenfeld, who came to Canada as a minor himself, understand that well.
Do be mindful of pending legislation and how it impacts children who face need every day. Make it a point to speak out when you see legislation that places a roadblock on the path to taking care of all children. If you have the resources, and the ability, aid in the preparation of presentations to lawmakers designed to point out how a given law would help, rather than harm, those children, and how it ultimately aids in building a stronger community. You can bet that individuals like Simon Kronenfeld do this sort of thing as a way to ensure future generations can prosper.
Anonymous Support Matters Too
Not everyone likes to be seen. Some people prefer to do what they can without calling much attention to themselves. Along with participating in more public means of support, it’s no real secret that Simon Kronenfeld is known for providing support in more discreet ways, too.
You can be like Simon Kronenfeld in this manner. Little things, like donating to a literacy program, or supplying sports equipment to a local community centre, without identifying yourself are examples of what can be done. Find a local need and see what you can do to meet it.
As Simon Kronenfeld discovered over time, there are all sorts of ways to reach out and make a difference in the lives of children who are in need. Take a look around you today and identify one or more needs and determine how you can help. While you’re making a positive difference in the life of a child, you’re likely to find that your own life is a little better too.