Alex Bradbeer and his friend Paul brought 500 toys to an Iraqi refugee camp, exhibiting the basic human kindnesses that can make the world more friendly.
"ISIS had attacked their village. They had fled on foot into the
mountains where they walked for 8 days with no food. Most had lost
family members. Their village is now gone, and the place they once
called home will never be called such again. A city park is their new
place of residence; underneath plastic that leaks when it rains. They
have no money, which in turn means they have no food. They are given
next to no support, and have no idea what to do. The peaceful lives that
these people once lived have been destroyed." Read the full journal here.
What is your job? I teach yoga and meditation at a well known destination resort/spa and at a local power yoga studio.
What social causes are most important to you? Child/Teen Health and reproductive rights.
What charity do you support – and how?Tu Nidito and their affiliation with Camp Erin. I volunteer my time.
Why do you have a passion for this one in particular, is there a personal tie? During my first semester in college, my dad died. I was devastated. It was the greatest catastrophe of my life, I was frightened, lost and emotionally paralyzed. But I told everyone I was fine, and I acted fine.
What is your job?
I am the Community Engagement Specialist with The Rapidian. It
is my job to reach out to the Grand Rapids community and engage them with The
Rapidian, a hyper-local, citizen journalism news source. I accomplish this by physically
going out into the community by attending events, networking, or sitting down with
someone over coffee. I also accomplish this connecting with the community through
social media. Many of us are online and I want to make sure I’m meeting current and
potential readers and reporters where they are.
