Doing What Matters

People Doing What Matters

We would like to showcase extraordinary people shining their light! These are people living a life of kindness, purpose, and contributing to the overall good of humanity, our planet and the many species that call Earth home. People shine like this in the world not because someone is watching, but because it is in their nature to help others, and not just people!

We do not have to look far to be exposed to what is negative in our world; just turn on the news or scroll through social media. Let's change that narrative together and begin to focus on and highlight the good!

Check out the amazing people nominated below:

2024

Nominate Someone Doing What Matters!

Who is sharing their light?

Who is being kind, giving, helpful, purposeful, etc.?

Nominate someone you see "Doing What Matters" today! We will be donating a portion of our proceeds by doing a lottery type drawing of the people or groups that have been nominated for "Doing What Matters" on December 31st. All nominees will be part of the drawing! Nominate by clicking on the button in the lower right corner.

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Example of Light

I have been hearing in several different circles that there is more light coming to our planet and between now and the next coming years we will be establishing a more heart centered consciousness. Today I believe I witnessed an example of this:

Today after a crazy day at work I stopped by the grocery store to pick up last minute items I needed for Thanksgiving. If you know me, you know I hate crowds and grocery shopping is not at the top of my list of things I like to do. I was kind of dreading going into the store. As I was walking in, a store worker was heading outside to grab carts and I said, “Good morning”. We laughed because it was afternoon and I said “can you tell what kind of day it has been”? She answered, “It's OK, I said Happy Easter to someone today but they know what I meant.” The store was packed and there were many workers helping in isles and at the checkouts. I heard a gentleman say “Bless your heart” to a worker as they helped him get what he needed and as I turned the corner a young man was on the phone with his wife reading him “The List”. He just about hit me with his cart but was so sincerely apologetic and it was not a big deal at all. I then found a checkout line and as I was standing in line one of the managers grabbed my case of beer and put it on the counter for me. We joked as he reached for another item to help me out and touched my purse about never touching a woman’s purse. The people in the checkout line ahead of me and behind me were all jovial and we all made conversation with each other. The young man checking us out was also very very sweet. It's crunch time to buy groceries for Thanksgiving and not one person I interacted with was crabby or rude. Everyone was kind and fun. I have never had that experience at the grocery store… I believe this is the way it should be and could be… and will be.

“Big Shout Out to Festival Foods In Portage, WI.

SoL Criations Farm Animal Sanctuary

Founder Brenda Vetter

New We believe in the principle of Ahimsa - non violence to all living beings - and the interconnectedness of all living things. Here in our SoL, it is our mission to offer sanctuary to the animals who find their way here, the humans who live here and visit, the wildlife who call SoL their home, and the Earth who gently supports us all. With kindness, respect, and compassion, we aspire to create a peaceable haven and to share our knowledge and our vision to reawaken the innate compassion that we all possess and to share kind alternatives to make the world a better place for the animals, the Earth, and ourselves.

solcriations.com

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Project Salud y Paz

Women’s Health Clinic

I recently got back from a 9 day Women’s Health Clinic mission trip through Project Salud Y Paz. This was my first ever mission trip and it was a life changing experience. We did a pilot program for Women’s Health and women of all ages were welcome. Together, we provided much-needed healthcare to 247 women from the Mayan indigenous highlands of Guatemala, communities that face many barriers to accessing essential services. Together, we empowered and educated Guatemalan women and provided a safe space to receive medical care and learn about their health. Salud Y Paz had their social worker on hand to take demographic information on every patient, so if follow up was needed after our mission trip, she could reach out to them and arrange it.

Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America and has the highest fertility rate in Latin America. It also has the highest population growth rate in Latin America, which is likely to continue in the long term because of its large reproductive-age population and high birth rate. Almost half of Guatemala’s population is under age 19, making it the youngest population in Latin America. In Guatemala, 54% of the population lives below the poverty line, with 13% of the population living in extreme poverty. However, poverty among indigenous groups, which make up 38% of the population, averages 73% and extreme poverty is 28%. This is the vulnerable population which Project Salud y Paz primarily serves.

Thanks to Project Salud y Paz my mission trip was an experience that I will never forget. I felt safe at all times. They had everything organized for us every day. Their staff was amazing, very friendly, and always willing to help. They are an organization that truly care about the Guatemalan people.

Thank you again!

Heather

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Eplaces

Extraordinary Neighbors

"Anonymously, We want to nominate Jodi and Brian Clarson as two caring people doing extraordinary things for others. Jodi was just finishing chemotherapy for her own cancer when she learned of a neighbor also being diagnosed with cancer. She followed his schedule closely and made sure she delivered delicious, healthy meals for him and his wife after each of his long days of chemotherapy. (She is not only caring but also a fabulous cook!)

Brian braved late night and early morning subzero temperatures to make sure their long driveway was always plowed as the chemo side effects took their toll making even simple tasks difficult. They both would just appear and then disappear after each kind gesture never looking for even a "thank you" in return. These and other caring acts and gifts will forever be remembered and greatly appreciated. Some people have a special way of spreading comfort to others and Jodi and Brian are definitely two of those extraordinary people! May they receive great blessings in return! They truly know how to DO WHAT MATTERS!"

- Forever Grateful Neighbors

Pinky Swear Foundation

These young women hosted a free-will donation popsicle stand for Pinky Swear Foundation, raising $760 for families battling cancer. Elena and Anika Harmsen have been involved in fundraising for Pinky Swear for 10 years, starting when their own cousin Addison was a Pinky Swear All Star. Pinky Swear Foundation is a non-profit organization that financially and emotionally supports families battling cancer. The foundation was created in honor of a pinky swear promise between Mitch Chepokas and his dad that his dad would continue to help kids and families like him- battling childhood cancers.

Stillpoint Mission, FL

For the past sixteen years I have volunteered at Stillpoint Mission. It serves the poorest of the poor in our area, mostly migrant workers' families. The mission is 100% run by non-paid staff. We offer food, diapers, home goods, clothing and special events. The most fun are the Easter shoe drives, Christmas surprises and back packs loaded with supplies right before school starts. The children smile and say thank you. It is a blast. We all agree we volunteer because it feels so good!! One of my gifts is fund raising. I am hard to turn down because I believe God loves a happy beggar. I too smile and say thank you. Do what matters.

Diane (Blecha) Brune

“ Life is mostly froth and bubble. Two things stand like stone…kindness in another’s troubles, courage in your own.” Adam Lindsay Gordon

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Tell potential customers why they should invest in this product. Describe its benefits, its advantages over similar products, and its unique features. Make sure potential customers feel confident about investing their money in this product. Will it last a lifetime? Is it healthier than other products? Maybe it is unique and handmade? Whatever the value is, don’t be shy about bragging!

St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry

My name is Rylee Thorp, I am 16 years old, and I recently went on a mission trip with my church, St. Peter and Paul, to Indianapolis, IN. With just knowing the basics of what going on a mission trip would be, I have wanted to go on one for a couple of years. My church group, of 34 people, got assigned to go work at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry for the three working days. The first day was an organizing and prep day. We split into groups of 5 or 6 and got to work. My small group first worked on food items such as cereals, packaged hazelnuts, taco kits, and bags of chips. It consisted of taking them out of individual boxes and into a big box on a crate. The other task we were set to do consisted of sorting diapers and feminine products. The next two days were “shopping” days at the food pantry so, some of us got to go out on the shopping lines and help keep the food towards the front of the boxes. It made it so that it is easily accessible for the shoppers. Some helped bag items, or unload shopping carts, and some got to sort and bag fresh fruits and veggies. The second day we were there, a little over 500 people came to get items they needed, and the third day around 300 people came through the food pantry. To see the amount of work we did and the people we helped was eye opening. I had the desire to do community service and grow in my faith. I did not realize how much of an amazing impact it would have on myself and others.