Encouragement (November 25, 2011)

When it comes down to it . . . one of the biggest components of this project is encouragement.  Encouraging people to use their time, talents, and treasure to do just a little bit more in alleviation of poverty.  Encouraging those in need to have hope since people all over the world are working diligently to provide desperately needed assistance.  And, encouraging everyone to raise our voices to leaders everywhere to make the eradication of poverty a top priority.  Yes, poverty can be eradicated.

I don't do this work in order to be thanked or praised . . . but, that said, it sure is nice when it happens.  Encouragement acts to fill our tanks and helps us through the tough times.  I was humbled and felt completely privileged to have received wonderful encouragement from YMCA (Calgary) in being one of their Peace Medal recipients for 2011.  This honour is very much appreciated.

However, this recognition is directly related to every person that follows That Poverty Project on Twitter, Facebook, through the media, or this blog.  Therefore . . . thank-YOU!

Here's the video clip shown to the audience prior to awarding the medal to me, followed by the text of my short acceptance speech.  We were limited to 1-minute . . .which was extremely difficult given my verbose nature!  Please read it as if I were speaking directly to you.

"I stand before you . . . a grateful man.

I'm grateful to YMCA (Calgary) for recognizing the work of That Poverty Project.

I'm grateful for the encouragement from my wife, Janet; my kids, Ben and Jenna; as well as family, friends, and followers.

I'm grateful for the support from organizations like The Mustard Seed Street Ministry.

I'm grateful to God for the abundance that exists in the world sufficient to meet the basic human rights of EVERYONE . . . and that step by step these resources are getting to those in need.

I'm grateful to the growing re-awakening of compassion amongst the general public.

The challenge of poverty and peace ahead of us is great, but I believe that humanity is up for it.  I believe that we are essentially good, and that WE CARE about others.  I believe there is a growing consciousness making poverty alleviation and true peace a priority.

Each one of us is gifted and able to make a world of difference in the life of another . . . and so I am ever so grateful for each of you.

I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.  Thank-you!"

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Phase II - Struggles of the Working Poor Daily Report
Day 20 – Day 24 (November 20^th to November 24^th)

Weight at Beginning of Project:  233 lbs
Weight at End of Phase One:  216 lbs
Weight at Start of Phase Two: 221 lbs
Weight at Start of Today:  219 lbs

Available Funds:   $0.00 (leftover) + $12.00 (Nov 20) + $9.50 (Nov 21) + $0.00 (Nov 22) + $0.00 (Nov 23) + $7.50 (Nov 24) = $29.00
Funds Spent Today:  $27.65 (loan payments + purchases)
Remaining Funds:   $1.35

New Loan:  $0.00
Loan Due Today: $21.33 (Nov 20), then $12.51 (Nov 21), then $3.06 (Nov 22), then $3.10 (Nov 23), then $3.15 (Nov 24)
Loan Payment:   $9.00 (Nov 20), $9.50 (Nov 21), $0.00 (Nov 22), $0.00 (Nov 23), $3.15 (Nov 24)
Outstanding Loan: $0.00 @ 1.5% per day . . .  $0.00 due on Day 25

Items Purchased:   $3.00 purchase of my portion of a family meal, $3.00 Gas

Free Stuff:  Food while away on work related trip (thus $0 income those days)

Gas Purchased* & Remaining:  $3.00 (i.e. 2.75 litres @ $1.089 per litre . . . 27.5 km @ 10 km/litre) + 0.83 litres (gas remaining) = 3.58 litres (35.8 km)
Driving Today:  0 km (i.e. 0.00 litres)
Gas Remaining:  3.58 litres (i.e. 35.8 km)

*Will not include any fuel or driving related to work that is paid for by work.

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Hey!!  I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.

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