The Midlife Man Volunteers and Doesn’t Hate It. Why You Should Do The Same.

Note:  Those of you looking for my post on Politics that I’d mentioned last time, please accept my apologies.  I’d signed up for BLOG ACTION DAY – THE POWER OF WE which is today, 15th of October, 2012.  I will complete the promised post next week.

Founder of KPACE, Darcy Moss (at left in blue shirt) with volunteers

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not easy being a midlife man.  I’d like to think I’m the same man I was at 35 (+10 years) but my body tells me that’s not the case.  I’m aging and not the way I want, (which is not at all) and the knowledge is making me into a crusty curmudgeon.
Honestly, I’m looking forward to becoming an old grouch with glee.  Finally, I can move even slower, than I have been doing most of my life.  I can speak my mind with impunity and blame it on age.  Best of all, I can generally make life miserable for my subordinates at work.
So when, KPACE came and asked me to volunteer for their Shoe Drive for needy students, my first response was, “Nah! just let me make a donation.”  It’s like “Bah! Humbug” without Christmas.  To make matters worse, because in my past life, I worked as a welder, they wanted me to work the grill, I guess on the assumption that since I could build a grill from an old water tank, I should be able to cook on it.  After days of wavering, I screwed up my face and my courage and went to see my friend Maverick (Yes, that really is his name) who is a welding instructor and a grill master, to borrow a grill.

The next day (8th September, 2012)  I take the grill to the primary school where the Shoe drive and Fun-Day will be held, set it up, pour in the coals, add some gas, and add fire.  In less than 10 minutes the fire is out and the grill is colder than a naked Eskimo.  The process repeats itself two more times before I decide to call Maverick for help. The only thing better than ruining a Saturday morning by volunteering is ruining it for a  friend.  Meanwhile, the volunteers of KPACE are handing out shoes, books, and school supplies.  Children of all ages are running around excitedly, getting there faces painted and screeching with laughter inside the bouncing castle.

What is KPACE?

The Kathleen Phillips Activity Centre for Education (KPACE) is an after-school program that initiated its services March 15th 2010 at the Ridgeland Primary School.  It works with students from kindergarten to grade 6.  From Monday – Friday from 3:00pm to 4:30pm volunteers assist with doing homework, reading time, science experiments, light food preparation courses, dance classes, art, craft and a whole host of educational hands-on activities.

The children enjoy guest visitors such as the Royal Bahamas Police Force (who spoke on conflict resolution), Bahamas Humane Society (speaking on animal kindness), Creative Wealth (teaching children how to “save some, spend some”) and many other interesting speakers.
The kids have participated in two Christmas musicals and are currently practicing for the third production (scheduled for Thursday, December 6th, 2012). Each year the program participates in a community service project.   Previously they’ve participated in food donor community service project with Hands 4 Hunger, where the entire school collected more than 350lbs of food for Englerston

Food collected by students for Hands for Hunger

Urban Renewal Center.  Last fall the kids collected approximately 90lbs of pennies to donate to Pennies from Heaven (a charity which gives to the underprivileged).
Once a month the kids are taken on field trips around the Island of New Providence to places many of them have never visited before such as Undersea Adventures, Lynden Pindling International Airport, Atlantis, Educulture Junkanoo Museum, Ardastra Gardens & Zoo, National Trust bird watching at Wilson & Harold Ponds and many more interesting places.

For more information contact the founder at: kpacekids@yahoo.com

Impact (on me)

After Maverick got the grill going and taught me how to turn the burgers, I had time to look around and remember.  I owe so much to my family, who saw that I was educated, fed, clothed and cared for.  Yet, I also remember the volunteers who worked in organizations like Junior Achievement that taught me things that my family could not.

I am reminded of the fact that giving of your time is more valuable than giving money, and is sexier to boot.

What I really admire about KPACE is that they not only give to the students but they also teach the students to give to others even less fortunate.

To my fellow budding curmudgeons, find an opportunity to share something with those who are less fortunate.  Seeing children laughing and playing with each other warmed the cockles of my heart. Please give yourself the chance to experience something similar by volunteering.

Thanks to: Darcy Moss, Maverick Moxey  the children of Ridgeland Primary School, and the volunteers of KPACE for making me a better man.

Now, lest anyone think I was getting soft and sentimental, we’ll return to your regularly scheduled grouch.