Better late than never: A Tale of Good Karma

Back in November of last year while watching the news, I saw a story about a lady named Louise Edwards, aka, The Godmother of the Downtown Eastside. Ring a bell? Her story was in every newspaper the following day as it seems she really struck a chord with many viewers. Right before the story aired, I was worrying about finances and the fact that I had “nothing” to wear to meetings the following day. Then Louise’s story came on and I had a major reality check.

Here’s Louise’s story in a nutshell: she lives in Kamloops, collects donations from various sources for the women of the downtown eastside, fills orders made by the women downtown and drives her van to Vancouver every 2 weeks to deliver the supplies. Each week the women tell her what they need or would like and Louise makes it happen. For the full story, read it here: http://www.theprovince.com/story_print.html?id=2190971&sponsor

Enter reality check. While sitting in my downtown apartment on this cold November night, I was warm, had just eaten dinner and was by no means suffering. Sure, I was stressed about money but that was a given, I was a brand new business owner! I thought of all of my stuff that was crammed into my closets and cupboards that was never used or worn. Ever. I got up, opened up my closet and began sorting the contents. Two hours later, I had two huge suitcases at capacity with clothing and household items that I hadn’t used or worn in more than 2 years.

I contacted the reporter who aired the story and asked to be put in contact with Louise so I could get the suitcases to her during her next visit to Vancouver. We met at her hotel, where she’s been staying every two weeks for the last 20 years and is known and loved by the staff, and had coffee. To say she was an incredible lady to chat with would be an understatement. Her dedication to her cause was astounding. She asked me why her story had moved me so much and I struggled to articulate my response. Her incredible focus and selflessness over the past 20 years was unwavering and the impact she had made was immeasurable. It felt good to know I was helping and was almost embarrassed by Louise’s gratitude for my donation.

I have a small collection of items started for my next donation. If you’d like to donate anything to Louise, drop me an email and I will put you in contact with her. If you get the opportunity to meet her, I assure you it will change you, for the better.