can you spare $10?

Can I ask you to indulge me for a short while please?

Some of you who know me outside of the blogsphere know that I believe firmly in collective obligation, that the community as a whole should feel the responsibility to pull together and look after those in hardship.

The team at Rockwiz also apparently feel this way, and have released a Christmas CD whose proceeds will all be donated to Mirabel, a foundation established to assist children orphaned or abandoned by parental illicit substance abuse. It features people like Paul Kelly, Clare Bowditch, Angie Hart, Dan Wilson and many more.

Like Mirabel, I believe that every child, no matter what their parental lotto, deserves a childhood and the chance to reach their full potential. Mirabel works with children aged 0-17, attempting to break the substance abuse cycle and give these kids half a chance.

I've bought a CD for my daughter's stocking, because I also believe you're never too young to realise that your reality is not everyone's, and to learn that you can make a difference; that there are people who are willing to help others.

So, if you're looking for a last minute gift, or something extra to stuff in a stocking, could you consider this? The CD's are $10 and I got mine at JB-HiFi, but I'm sure most music retailers are selling them.

Sacred Heart Mission, whose work I am also a long time supporter of, is heading into a peak time, trying to accommodate those for whom there is no warm family dinner, or presents under the tree; those who may not have had contact with a loved one for years. They have set up santacause and you can always donate online too at their website. Go check out their website to get an idea of the work they do in the St. Kilda community, and I defy you to not shed a tear when reading some of the stories from those they help.

Thanks for your time :)