Friday, November 26, 2010

soul food friday ~ on privilege

If you've read the 'about me' blurb on this blog you'll have seen that I'm part owner and co-founder of a company...a company we're all pretty pleased with. But I've made a conscious decision not to write about my paid work. This blog, while very much a part of me, as is my work of course...is separate to that bit of my life...mostly. But today I'm making an exception.
I've just returned from Sydney, where last night I was extremely proud to represent my company as the sponsor for the Marist Youth Care annual art prize that we've been supporting for a few years now. 
We donated a laptop and cash prizes for the kids...not much in the big scheme of things really...not from this very privileged position where I sit. But it meant a lot to MYC and the kid who won the laptop was over the moon. And it got me thinking about how privileged most of us are in comparison.

It was very different art from the slick graphic design of the night before at Ben's graduation...not that I am for one minute belittling that, because it was truly fabulous...but the juxtaposition of the two events hit me full on. Last night's exhibition was raw, emotional, sometimes downright painful as the kids (and some adults) poured out their lives and feelings on canvas, in photographic images, through sculpture and words.
And these are tough lives we're talking about. Really tough. Little, if nothing in the way of privilege. 
So, yet again, in that odd way of the more you have the more you get, I felt that the privilege last night was all mine...the privilege of meeting 'at risk' kids who are trying, giving it a go, often struggling...but hopefully, getting there...with the help of some truly impressive staff and volunteers. The privilege of being part of helping in a small way. The privilege of representing my company.
this is the winning art work
And I also have to take my hat off to the Wentworth Gallery at 17 Bligh Street in the centre of Sydney (one of three galleries)...because they gave over half of their gallery space for nothing for the period of the exhibition. Too cool.
And the last thing I want to do is get all preachy on you...but the next time I'm worried about life changing decisions like what type of bedlinen to buy, or which bottle of wine I might try, or what book I might choose...I'll try and think back to last night and remember how blessed I am. And how blessed my kids are (although they might not always think so!) And about the young winner who has spent too many years doing it tough, who was so chuffed to win and how all he really wanted to do was tell his gran. And that, he most certainly did.
If you wanted to help this great not-for-profit organisation you can find ways of doing that here.

And on a completely different note, yesterday while I was in Sydney and out of touch with the bloggy world, Simone of Honey and Fizz posted my answers to 12 questions...pop on over and say hi, and get to know a bit more about me if you're so inclined. My answers aren't earth shattering by any means, but it was fun, so thank you Simone :)
Happy weekend to you all...
first two images courtesy MYC; others taken by my camera...operated by me or Jan...thanks Jan!

15 comments:

  1. Hi Kerry,

    Love this post- great soul food and food for thought. Thanks. Emma.

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  2. What a beautiful post. Thank you so much for posting this. Well done to your company and congratulations to everyone involved in this fabulous cause.

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

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  3. Hi Kerry, what a heartfelt post. And you put it so eloquently, and you're so right. I must remind myself more often about all that gets taken for granted. Well done you for giving back in this way.
    Amanda xx

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  4. Wow Kerry, how amazing that something that we would take as a relatively 'little' thing can make so much difference in another persons life. It makes me think of what more I can do for others so thank you! I know you don't want to talk about it, but I'd love to hear more about your company!
    Thanks for such a beautiful post,
    Jxx

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  5. Fantastic Kerry...what a wonderful cause...Im so glad you shared this part of your professional life with us...it is great when so many people come together to do something good...even great in the eyes of the less fortunate...you are a beautiful person Kerry...so glad to have crossed paths with you here in blogland ;) x

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  6. Kerry I love your soul food Fridays always something poignant to think about. Todays is no exception. And, good on your company for supporting these kids and giving them a much needed boost.

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  7. Food for thought indeed, nice too when you can give something to support them. And on a more superficial note - I knew you'd like that wool wreath, I quite expect to see a tranquil version on Monday!

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  8. Lovely post Kerry. Such a worthy event. Now I must check out your questions- bet they're fun!

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  9. A thoughtful, beautifully written post, Kerry. Thanks for letting us into your head! J x

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  10. Sounds amazing, some of these children just need to know someone cares, what great work you do!! Love Posie

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  11. You've written so well about this, well done. I had a very tough life until I met my husband and the only good to come out of it is that I take nothing for granted. I must have several moments every day where I think about how wonderful my life is. I've heard of MYC before, they have a very good reputation. We support Berry Street and I enjoy the association with them so much. It's very healing seeing young people in situations I was in being helped - and helped so holistically. Great post as always..Rachaelxx

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  12. What a lovely, thought-provoking post Kerry and how wonderful you are a part of something making a difference in the lives of the children. I can imagine some of the emotions that must have come through in those pieces of art :(

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  13. Just popping in and catching up. Ben has great talent and I can see why you must be proud! As for your art show experience, things like this really do put our lives into perspective. Thanks for sharing this. It really did make me stop and think how much we take for granted.
    X Briohny.

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  14. What a wonderful evening you must have had. There is nothing I like more than to see someone who has had a tough life getting a break and taking advantage of it to make something of themselves. Good for you for being a hand up for someone.

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I love it when you comment...I feel excited, chuffed and tranquil all at the same time! Thank you.

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