Recently, I blogged on an alumni group page for one of my former employers (Nikon Precision, Inc. or NPI) regarding helping others. The premise for the discussion was “What was one of your favorite past (Nikon) moments?”. The challenge was to describe for other members a time that you remember where you either enjoyed yourself at work, or had a good time, or achieved some difficult goal for yourself. For me, while I could remember a few, one instance that stood out in my mind was related to a previous natural disaster and the resulting aftermath. I found this memory relevant to current circumstances in Haiti.
Here is an excerpt from the original post:
Given the recent tragedy in Haiti, I wanted to relay my memories of NPI ‘s response to another previous tragedy.
I remember how in December of 2004, an underwater earthquake had triggered a massive tsunami in the Indian Ocean that hit the coast of Thailand particularly hard. It did incalculable damage that affected many lives and whole communities. Many people, both locals and visitors, were hurt or killed. Recovery efforts took time and resources were not readily available or accessible.
In response, world-wide charitable organizations, corporations and individuals took up the cause to raise funds and awareness, send supplies and help with relief efforts. I am proud to say that NPI was counted among those contributing to this noble cause. Considering the state of our economy and the lack of disposable income, we had a creative way to generate funds while not having to gouge our employees:
We organized a bake and rummage sale.
The vast majority of NPI’ers participated either by contributing donated second hand goods to sell, or baking such items as cakes, cookies, pastries, and treats. While none of us forgot what it was we were raising funds for, we did do what we could to help others, yet provide a way for us to share with each other and spread some camaraderie and a few calories. We augmented this by innovating with an internal auction for higher-priced goods.
Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding the cause for the event, we succeeded in our goals. We raised thousands of dollars directed through three global charities to those affected by the Tsunami’s wake.
This sticks out in my mind because I saw the vast majority of employees step forward and willingly give of themselves in a concentrated effort for a just cause. I hope that as we move forward with our lives and careers, that those that had participated with this event can in turn, pay it forward by participating wherever else we may be needed.
I see what is happening in Haiti as very similar to what happened in Thailand, and yet augmented by the dilapidated infrastructure and economic conditions of the island. As we progress to help the Haitian people begin to recover and rebuild, my fervent hope is that we get beyond finger pointing and focus on what’s most critical: caring for the injured, homeless and infirmed. We must remember the dead, and work to restore the well-being, dignity, and quality of life for those that have survived and remain.
By the way, there are many charities and causes working to help. if interested, here are a few:
http://www.americanredcross.org/
https://www.hopeforhaitinow.org/Default.asp
Now I did not intend this post to be trite. I empathize with the people of Haiti and realize that something as simple as a bake or rummage sale may not do much to alleviate their suffering. However, I do believe that every little bit helps, and something is better than nothing. In the end, I feel it is just as critical for all of us to do what we can, when we can to help others. Sometimes it does compel us to sacrifice, to stretch, to extend ourselves for the sake of others, but let’s be honest. If we were in trouble, wouldn’t we want others to do the same for us? I would hope so.
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