A few years ago there was terrible tsunami in Indonesian. I definitely felt bad for the people in that country that endured such devastation. Our Canadian government sent millions of our tax dollars in relief, and many Canadians send their own personal money to help the victims. Canadians are taught to have a global conscience, which in many ways is a good thing.

However we do have our own crises right here, how come people seem to ignore what's going on in their own backyard?

Homeless peopleIn our nation's capital just down the street from our parliament, there are literally hundreds of homeless displaced people walking the streets, enduring the cold winters, and are looked down upon because they ask for spare change from folks passing by. I think one of the biggest reasons people our immune to this problem, is there are just so many of these homeless people hitting them up all the time. Wouldn't that in itself set off alarm bells for people in general?

Do we figure that there are plenty of soup kitchens, and they can always finding lodging at the local mission? Maybe their problems run a bit deeper, and they need help to get their lives back on track, just like the people who were in trouble in Indonesia. These people our Canadians, why are we not putting more of our tax dollars in relief, and allowing them to have the dignity of getting their lives back on course, too?

Social assistance programs- With tens of thousands of people losing jobs every year, our social assistance programs are being taxed to max, and with an increase in people needing medical attention, do we really have the extra money to send to other people half way around the world? Shouldn't we take care of all our own issues first, and then with any of our spare funds be charitable?

Education- We all had been taught at a young age that a good education is the key to a successful life. If this is true, how come our governments have made so many budget cuts too our education system? Our elementary students are not getting books, but photocopies, and parents are constantly being asked to support their children's schools through different fundraisers. In the university level education the government has cutback on grants and loans. If we can't afford to invest in our own countries future, by having financial programs in place for those who need it, where are we finding the money to help other people in other countries?

Not everyone will agree with my views and that is ok with me. I have written this article for two reasons. Personally I can't really do anything about this situation, but hopefully I have given you something to think about. That's where change starts. I truly believe charity should start at home!!!