What I See with Peter Fiorenza: Why we need to instil sense of charity in our youngsters as early as we can

Right now in my classroom I’m talking to students about charity. Why? Because it’s part of the curriculum for my Year 7s, and I really do think they need to know how important charity is as part of just being a human being. Giving is something that has always been part of my DNA. I reckon it is engrained in us all, but the world today often seems such a selfish place. Our lives seem to be coaxed along at such a pace, we sadly have to be constantly reminded that there are many who are struggling for some reason or another and need support. So, instilling a sense of charity into our youngsters, at regular intervals as they grow and develop, can only be a good thing. As human beings, it should be second nature to identify when someone needs a hand, and kids need to know that they should always be in tune with such feelings, taking this through into adulthood. Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to witness and be involved with some events that continue to repay my faith in humanity from a localised perspective. Since I was very young, along with many other West Australians, I have participated in Channel 7s Telethon — a charity that began more than 50 years ago. In the 1980s and 90s, we would stay up all night in front of the telly, watching our favourite TV stars answering calls from all over WA, and mentioning our $5 and $2 donations. I can remember when we were all amazed and proud to raise a massive $1 million to help the kids at Princess Margaret Hospital. A few weeks ago, a record $77.5 million was achieved, all from the kind hearts of West Australians. And if WA punches above its weight in the charity arena, then us Geraldtonians emphasise the act of giving even more so. The Midwest Charity Begins at Home gala ball this year showed that Geraldton and the Mid West is home to some of the most caring people in the world. This year’s annual event saw an incredible total raised on the night in excess of $300,000. But it doesn’t stop there. I was so pleased to be part of the Rotary Radio Auction again last weekend to help bring home another $40,000 for the needy in our community. And every year I am blown away by the the generosity of so many local business and organisations who continue to give and give, despite a fluctuating economic climate. Kids, charity is alive and well, so get on the bandwagon. Peter Fiorenza is a Greater Geraldton councillor and hosts Fiorenza on Sunday between 10am and noon on Radio MAMA