The Endurance Limits USA racing team emerged from a friendship that extreme sports enthusiasts Ryan Foss and Erin Hammer formed during one of their adventures. On the other side of the pond, a team – Endurance Limits Racing Adventures, founded by Darren Clawson – was raising funds for the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.
At 2 years old, Darren’s son Hadley began suffering from hundreds of seizures a day. After months in the hospital and exhausting every possible treatment, Hadley’s parents were informed that he had simply reached his “endurance limits” and that they should prepare for his inevitable and imminent death. Hadley, on the other hand, had other ideas, defying the odds to survive. Darren founded Endurance Limits to raise funds to express his appreciation for the care his son had received.
Inspired by the courage of Hadley and the dedication of athletes who have supported the Endurance Limits Racing Team, Erin and Ryan established Endurance Limits USA as a non-profit organization to raise awareness and funding for several well-respected children’s hospitals in the United States. Ryan and Erin plan on rowing across the Pacific Ocean on June 4th in the Great Pacific Race to bring awareness to their cause.
Doing something incredibly aspirational – like rowing the Pacific Ocean – might make other charitable efforts seem insignificant, but sometimes the strongest forms of generosity come in simple, seemingly unimportant acts. We give because we have been given so much through Christ. We give because He gave His life for us.
Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God, which He has given you. – Deuteronomy 16:17
How you can make an impact in your own community:
Do you wish you could be more generous? Many people find it difficult to be generous while managing limited financial resources; but, surprisingly, there are plenty of creative ideas and simple ways you can give – and as a result make a significant difference in the lives of others.
Acts of Service
We usually think of donating money as being generous, but you and your family can serve together in many ways which are completely free. It will only cost you your time and will instill priceless feelings and values within your family. There are so many ways you can serve your family, friends, church, neighbors, and community. Take a look at some easy ideas below!
- Serve the hungry at a food bank or by distributing food at a soup kitchen for the homeless.
- Help a local charity by serving to help set up fundraising events or clean up after them.
- Offer to help a neighbor mow their yard, or give a friend a ride home from school.
- Volunteer to help and serve within your church.
- Volunteer as a family through United Way, Habitat for Humanity, or other charities.
Donate Something
You can donate your kids’ outgrown clothes and shoes to children who are younger than yours. This is also a great way to recycle and be resourceful with the things we own.
Resale shops or charities that serve women and children and the needy are always accepting donations of books, appliances, clothing, furniture, and other household items. You will be directly helping these people through your generous donations. Additionally, you will be able to watch your children gain first-hand experience with the impact of their giving. Donating your household items can create a family bonding experience that you’ll remember forever.
There are special ways you can donate to worthy causes throughout the year, especially at Christmas. Lots of charities and organizations organize delivery of Christmas gifts to children in families who will not be receiving any gifts at all, and you can find special collection drives for needed items. During the fall, school items and clothes are often readily accepted at many organizations. Although these items change with the season, some of the most urgent items needed are:
- Shoes/boots
- Warm winter coats
- School supplies
- Backpacks for school
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Acts of Kindness
Random acts of kindness are an easy and fun way to help spread a giving spirit throughout your family, community, and the world!
You can:
- Pay the clerk at the coffee store for the next person who walks up to the counter.
- Bring cookies to the volunteer firefighters in your community.
- Give someone a hug that needs one.
- Have your children draw or color pictures to take to the hospitals and nursing homes to brighten someone’s day.
- Write a handwritten thank-you card to let someone know how much they mean to you.
- Have older kids mentor younger kids in the schools or clubs.
- Bring someone a bouquet of fresh flowers from your yard.
The possibilities are endless! Have fun with this!
It all starts with one small act of kindness, and that one act ripples out into an endless sea of generosity.
So, don’t let your checkbook be what rules your choice to give or not to give.
You can give your time, serve, donate, help, encourage, teach, and smile. Be creative and come up with more fun and thoughtful ways to be generous as a family.
