Angel Belford is feeling grateful as winter sets in.
Sad and depressed after losing her husband on August 23, she wasn’t sure she and her eldest son would be able to get the logs that they had ordered split and cut before winter.
Angel has four children–two of them have autism and the other has medical issues which require frequent trips to Sick Kids in Toronto. Her eldest son is 21 and works full-time, she had hoped that between the two of them they would be able to get the wood split, cut, and stacked to keep them warm this winter, but it seemed more unlikely as time passed.
She shared her circumstances with her worker at Community Living Huntsville. On that day, it seemed the universe was on Angel’s side.
Jennifer Jerrett, who not only works at Community Living but also happens to be the president of Rotary People of Action Huntsville, was told of Angel’s circumstances and she got the Rotary wheel turning.
Jerrett presented Angel’s predicament to the club membership. What happened next surprised Angel. She said two wood splitters were delivered and a small army of Rotarians descended on Angel’s home and got to work cutting, splitting, and stacking the wood.
Angel says she was floored. Her son’s girlfriend asked her how much she’d have to pay them and couldn’t believe it when she was told they were doing it for free. Their selfless action helped Angel understand the true meaning of community.
“I don’t have money but if I can do anything for anybody, if I’m able to I’ll do it, and not want anything in return,” said a grateful Angel.“It’s just amazing and I am so grateful,” she said. “It was difficult at first to accept the help but we’re struggling emotionally, physically and financially… we are so grateful for the help and the support.”
Jerrett said there was no hesitation from the members of her club and it’s the reason the new Rotary club was created. “We wanted to feel like we were making a difference. We wanted to be able to physically see the differences we would be making. Helping this amazing family has brought a team of like-minded amazing Rotarians together,” she said. “I am so proud of them. Every project we take on leaves us feeling humbled and thankful we are here to help.”
The Rotary People of Action Huntsville club is currently raising funds to purchase a wood splitter for the family. Donations can be e-transferred to [email protected]. You can also reach out to the same email if you have questions.
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