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What it All Means

Comments 13 by Rebecca Bollwitt
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In the last ten days alone I’ve had the chance to meet and chat with Canadian beer-making legends, interview my all time favourite band (and one of Keira’s favourite bands), talk local history with a Vancouver mayoral candidate, laughed with the internet-famous, and meet another rock star who blogs.

After coming down from Las Vegas, eleven live blogs, five events, and preparing for this week’s events (which include a hockey game, charity live blog, National Digital Media Day, and BarCamp) I have to take some time to share my thoughts on a parcel I received today from the Union Gospel Mission.

The UGM is a beacon of hope Canada’s poorest neighbourhood, the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Through programs, drop-in centres, thrift stores, their blog, womens’ and youth outreach centres, the UGM helps those who need it most.

"Thank You" From the UGM - My Blogathon Cause

This afternoon they sent Matthew Good, Duane and I each a thank you note:

Rebecca Bollwitt, for your compassionate response to a community in need. Thanks to your innovation UGM set a new fundraising record during Blogathon Vancouver 2008 to help your friends in the Downtown Eastside.

I’m overwhelmed by this modest token of appreciation and it makes me want to do more with my Social Media for Change campaigns.

I didn’t do Blogathon for links, traffic, and recognition – I did it because through this medium that so many often find shallow and self-serving, I have a voice which I choose to use to create positive change, in big and small ways, and to make everything count.

I also have the best readers in the world; those support me and my effort, who leave uplifting or even constructive comments, and those who simply come back every day. I thank you all.

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13 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

  1. Gregg ScottMonday, September 22nd, 2008 — 5:12pm PDT

    I may be zoned out on Cold FX but I found that post moving. My eyes welled up. What a meaningful and heart felt gesture on the part of a humble organization.

    Thank you for being so integrated in the community and sharing your view from it!

  2. Tris HusseyMonday, September 22nd, 2008 — 5:20pm PDT

    Brava Rebecca, brava.

  3. Gary kellyMonday, September 22nd, 2008 — 8:31pm PDT

    Hey Rebecca,

    This is very cool. You should be very proud that your efforts have paid off in such a big way.

    Good for you.

    I’m also very happy that your nephew knows the phone number 🙂

    GK

  4. RaulMonday, September 22nd, 2008 — 9:25pm PDT

    I also loved this post. As we’ve talked several times, the fact that you can harness the power of your blog in such positive ways makes it all worth it, doesn’t it 🙂 Congratulations!

  5. TimTuesday, September 23rd, 2008 — 6:11am PDT

    well done Bec!

  6. AdelaideTuesday, September 23rd, 2008 — 8:24am PDT

    Thanks Rebecca. You’ve got a big heart, and a great example to people.

  7. KellyTuesday, September 23rd, 2008 — 4:57pm PDT

    Congratulations! You deserve it.

  8. RobWednesday, September 24th, 2008 — 12:05pm PDT

    Thanks for this.

    How do I get involved in a blogathon, particularly as I’m not sure I have very many regular readers? 🙂

  9. Miss604Wednesday, September 24th, 2008 — 12:08pm PDT

    Hi Rob,

    Blogathon is an annual event so we’ll be announcing plans for the next Vancouver edition in the spring of 2009. We’re hoping to make it bigger and bette each year and whatever contribution any bloggers can make is greatly appreciated.

    Even if you don’t have a large readership, every bit helps. I also try my best to promote each author (I featured all participants in individual blog posts last year) and we form a great big support system for each other during the 24 hour marathon event.

    Check back here for updates within the coming months and you can read more on the blogathon page. Thanks for your interest!!

  10. RobWednesday, September 24th, 2008 — 12:30pm PDT

    Thanks a lot, Rebecca. I’ll keep tabs on this.

    Very much appreciated.

  11. DaleFriday, September 26th, 2008 — 8:58am PDT

    Awesome stuff. You rock girl : )

  12. speaking out « Soggy CityFriday, September 26th, 2008 — 10:23am PDT

    […] in miss604 I just want to make a mention of this post on miss 604’s blog. The UGM or union Gospel Mission to you and I, sent her a note of thanks for her contributions in […]

  13. Video as a tool to effect social change – An example from Giant Ant Media « Random Thoughts of a Student of the EnvironmentSunday, October 5th, 2008 — 4:22pm PDT

    […] McDonald House, one of their clients. Quite impressive, and really sweet. It made me remember a recent post by Rebecca where she pondered on the reason why we blog and why we like to use social media to effect […]

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