Sure all the money collected goes to good use, but there are a lot of other reasons to enjoy the event:
You get to stand in front of the store and watch all the people coming and going and no one will feel you are snooping or being nosey. While the people pull up in the car, and walk toward you, you guess if they will give money or walk by. You do not know most of the people so you assume what they are like. Aside from Candy Day, when do you take the time for a people game like that?
Sometimes you feel sorry for those that put money in the container and you give them more candy then usual. You may even feel like giving them some money. It is surprising who will contribute and who will swim through a puddle to avoid you. You will tell your relief about the people that touched your heart or the richer looking ones that shunned you. You should feel proud that you earned some good stories.
Aaaaahh, now being at a location with another LION is really a treat! Most of the time you are with another LION you are busy discussing some business or working. Now you have the time to really take it easy and chat. More than one person at a location makes everything more fun. Time flies! You are a team! Have you ever stayed at the location after your assigned time - just to be with the other LIONS? Yea, sure! Enjoy the time with your Buds!At first, the big Yellow vest makes you feel a bit gaudy. Rather noticeable – and the first time you give away candy, you may hesitate to put it on. But wait until someone comes up to you and throws a ten dollar bill into the container and you see tears in their eyes. They softly say that the LIONS helped their child or someone in their family. Then see how proudly you wear that vest. Tell me that does not give you a rush that will last for the rest of the day.
Doesn’t it feel good to give candy to the children that really want it? It is fun to let them select the mints or the fruit candy. You will probably give them more than one. Then you share with the parent’s joy and make them feel good - by thanking them for their donation. The smile on your face will stay on long after they have gone into the store. Oh yea, the smile is there because you feel good about what just happened. You feel good about yourself. So enjoy that feeling!
There are the gaps with no people. You just relax and look around. Notice the sky and even the street traffic. You’re just standing in one place looking around. But you are not in a hurry. You are not going anywhere for a while. So enjoy the weather and the scenery. Most of the time you are rushing to get something done - Not now!
Hey, what about the feeling of accomplishment you get when the container is too heavy to hold! It is a damn good feeling to have change containers when the one you are using is too full or heavy. So, relish the short time it takes to get another container. You have earned the feeling.
Did I mention how your smile and that little roll of candy spread the feeling of what LIONISM is all about. Every person that smiles back at you or laughs with you, is just a little bit happier. They have just had a small taste of what it feels like to be a LION. So please – Enjoy it!
Presented by William Homel