SOS OH am I in trouble. I made a huge mistake and it will be bad for the homeless because it won't be good enough.
A great friend Stacey set up for us to have tables and chairs for our BBQ event. Well I had to send off a competed form and never done it in time. There's no tables and chairs coming. OHNO
Please help if you can. If you have outdoor tables and chairs PLEASE bring them. The tables for putting food on and clothes for showing the homeless.
This was my mistake and I'm very sorry, but this can be fixed if some people can bring there's.
If so please be there around 9am as we need to set things up early before homeless turn up.
Browns Park, Ipswich
9am to 2pm
Sunday 27th of November.
If you can help please call or email.
Thank you again and I'll see you tomorrow.
Grant.
0412 190 011
grantthepoliteguy@gmail.com
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
2 Days to go
Now this is hard for me because I like to write about things that happen and because of this BBQ we are putting together there's never any time for anything, even myself. ha ha
I wanted people to know the full details about the BBQ so here it is.
Browns Park, Ipswich
Sunday the 27th of November
10am to 2pm.
All are working including homeless/people in need to working people.
Remember why we do these BBQ'S. It's never been to just hand out food and clothes it's so homeless can come and feel the community is coming together to help as mates.
Now alot of people have praised me for doing these BBQ'S for the homeless and things I do. But please let me say, alot of people give there time and donate many things so these BBQ'S go ahead. Not just me.
My next post is all about those people who have worked with me and some even harder then me, to make Mates helping Mates possible.
I will have the post done by tomorrow.
I know this ones short but thank you for reading my blog and I hope you all have a good day.
Grant the Polite Guy
0412 190 011
grantthepoliteguy@gmail.com
I wanted people to know the full details about the BBQ so here it is.
Browns Park, Ipswich
Sunday the 27th of November
10am to 2pm.
All are working including homeless/people in need to working people.
Remember why we do these BBQ'S. It's never been to just hand out food and clothes it's so homeless can come and feel the community is coming together to help as mates.
Now alot of people have praised me for doing these BBQ'S for the homeless and things I do. But please let me say, alot of people give there time and donate many things so these BBQ'S go ahead. Not just me.
My next post is all about those people who have worked with me and some even harder then me, to make Mates helping Mates possible.
I will have the post done by tomorrow.
I know this ones short but thank you for reading my blog and I hope you all have a good day.
Grant the Polite Guy
0412 190 011
grantthepoliteguy@gmail.com
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
I left it too late. Need a hand
This post is about facts.
Sometimes it's hard to write what I mean with different things and I can only hope what I'm trying to say comes across in words right.
When I started doing the BBQ'S for the homeless (which the last one got about 450-500 people total) the idea was that the community was coming together to help and show they care. Very uplifting for everyone really. But to say it as it is and that's, my last post got 3,045 hits and 3 people came forward and said I'll help. I now have 1 1/2 weeks left and a lot to do and in one word to describe it would be “Scared”
Scared not because I fear of failing, but when the homeless come I want everything there so they feel that the community has come together to hold there hand out and say “G'Day mate” and so they feel value. I know some were help from the last BBQ we had and I know we can help many more.
I get people all the time saying how great I am for doing such great things for the homeless and if I ever need help just ask and yet when I ask there's nothing there. I'd like to say I can but the fact is I can't do this on my own and I really need help putting this together and collect the food and things so that these BBQ'S can help those in need the most.
What I'm trying to say is, this next BBQ will help many and I have left it too late to do it all. Can I please ask people to help and show that not just a few people are doing it but a community has come together to show we care.
If you can do any of these as well as come then please call or email me.
Marques about 20. Now people may own one and could bring it.
6-7 House BBQ'S to cook with.
BBQ food. Really if 40 people bought $25 worth of meat there would be heaps.
250 cans of drinks plus I have some to donate. I buy when there cheap.
One freezer or cold room truck to keep things cold
50 tables
60 chairs
A big van or vans to move things.
A few boxes of sauce (Tomato and BBQ)
Clothes, toiletries, ladies personal products, kids toys and things like that are very much needed.
It would be great if anyone has room to store things at there house that way when people email or call and say they want to donate then I can send them to drop off things with you for the BBQ event.
Please if you go through your cupboards there's clothes you never use any more. I know there's going to be a person that needs it at the BBQ. All unused clothes and things not taken will be handed to homeless centres.
The biggest gift will be for people to come and enjoy a BBQ and hold out there hand to homeless and say “G'Day mate” Oh and cooks and helpers much needed. When I really started this it was to show Mates helping Mates.
One thing I always think of is that homeless people are Mothers, Fathers, Brothers, Sisters of someone else and what would i want people to do if it was mine.
I'd like to thank you all for reading my blog and I really hope you all can come and enjoy a BBQ with us at Browns Park at Ipswich on the 27th of November.
If anyone would like to call or email me please do.
0412 190 011 or grantthepoliteguy@gmail.com
Thank you again
Grant the polite guy
http://vimeo.com/31201234
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/10/24/3346510.htm
Sometimes it's hard to write what I mean with different things and I can only hope what I'm trying to say comes across in words right.
When I started doing the BBQ'S for the homeless (which the last one got about 450-500 people total) the idea was that the community was coming together to help and show they care. Very uplifting for everyone really. But to say it as it is and that's, my last post got 3,045 hits and 3 people came forward and said I'll help. I now have 1 1/2 weeks left and a lot to do and in one word to describe it would be “Scared”
Scared not because I fear of failing, but when the homeless come I want everything there so they feel that the community has come together to hold there hand out and say “G'Day mate” and so they feel value. I know some were help from the last BBQ we had and I know we can help many more.
I get people all the time saying how great I am for doing such great things for the homeless and if I ever need help just ask and yet when I ask there's nothing there. I'd like to say I can but the fact is I can't do this on my own and I really need help putting this together and collect the food and things so that these BBQ'S can help those in need the most.
What I'm trying to say is, this next BBQ will help many and I have left it too late to do it all. Can I please ask people to help and show that not just a few people are doing it but a community has come together to show we care.
If you can do any of these as well as come then please call or email me.
Marques about 20. Now people may own one and could bring it.
6-7 House BBQ'S to cook with.
BBQ food. Really if 40 people bought $25 worth of meat there would be heaps.
250 cans of drinks plus I have some to donate. I buy when there cheap.
One freezer or cold room truck to keep things cold
50 tables
60 chairs
A big van or vans to move things.
A few boxes of sauce (Tomato and BBQ)
Clothes, toiletries, ladies personal products, kids toys and things like that are very much needed.
It would be great if anyone has room to store things at there house that way when people email or call and say they want to donate then I can send them to drop off things with you for the BBQ event.
Please if you go through your cupboards there's clothes you never use any more. I know there's going to be a person that needs it at the BBQ. All unused clothes and things not taken will be handed to homeless centres.
The biggest gift will be for people to come and enjoy a BBQ and hold out there hand to homeless and say “G'Day mate” Oh and cooks and helpers much needed. When I really started this it was to show Mates helping Mates.
One thing I always think of is that homeless people are Mothers, Fathers, Brothers, Sisters of someone else and what would i want people to do if it was mine.
I'd like to thank you all for reading my blog and I really hope you all can come and enjoy a BBQ with us at Browns Park at Ipswich on the 27th of November.
If anyone would like to call or email me please do.
0412 190 011 or grantthepoliteguy@gmail.com
Thank you again
Grant the polite guy
http://vimeo.com/31201234
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/10/24/3346510.htm
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Let's make a diffence
I have some links for you for those that couldn't come to the wedding. Now I am going to be posting a lot of pictures that were taken but I have to wait until I get them all.
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/10/24/3346510.htm
http://vimeo.com/31201234
What to do from here?
I feel like I have completed my journey in many ways and a new life is about to start. Now I know I'm going to be upsetting some people with this next bit but it's time for me to step up and become the husband and father that I am and support my family.
In a few weeks I will be leaving 'The Big Issue' for a few reasons, but mostly because I have a family now and a place to call home and the pitch I work is a great pitch were people have become friends and are friendly towards there Big Issue vendor so it would help the next vendor in a big way. I keep thinking of when I needed the Big Issue at the start and the thing that helped me the most is that people were nice to me. Mostly in the morning but people are in the habit of stopping for a quick chat and this would help the next vendor that is starting off.
I have been offered a 'shoe shine franchise' ( I think that's how you spell it) to me it's a great deal. It'll be my own business were people come sit in the chair and I shine there shoes, like in the movie except I'm better looking and very polite. They are going to let me do a 'no upfront cost deal' and they set it all up. All I have to do is go to work and shine shoes and all the money goes to me, so the harder I work the more I earn. I will have to pay the franchise people money but it's not that much.
If I find I can't work because of my back then I'll just put a sign up saying “Back in soon” or something like that. Now this isn't starting for a few weeks and I know people will want to come by and say goodbye but that's the best part, I'm only about 50 metres down the road and people can still come for there chat except I'll give them a chair to sit on. Ha ha.
I'll still be doing my Amway as well because I'm starting to do really well at it and soon be making good money from it. So if you wanted to join or see the business plan or just want to buy products please let me know. This includes people in other states and countries.
Also I'm doing Jewellery Parties at nights and weekends which I make really fun using Emma Page Jewellery. I do them at my house or if you want to invite friends I'll come to your house and you get host gifts. To be honest the more parties the better at the moment because I'm sure the shoe shine will be successful but will need time to take off.
Right now people are thinking what about the homeless. I will always help the homeless because I know what it's like and I know sometimes all it takes is for someone to care at that right moment and it could change there lives. I'm going to finish them side pages about where homeless helps are in the states and of course the homeless BBQ'S are going to be getting bigger.
Speaking of which the Ipswich homeless BBQ is coming up on the 27th of November at Browns park from 10am to 2pm, so it's time for me to do my plea thing. Ha ha.
The homeless BBQ'S help in a big way because not only do they come and get clothes, toiletries, kids toys, sleeping bags and such things but also there's a social BBQ where the community comes together and says “Hi Mate” and shows people care because the most valuable thing you can ever give is your time.
I am asking if everyone to take that one day out of there important lives and come and show that the community cares and make this a real 'Mates helping Mates' event. I mean the last one I know we were able to help a lot of people but this time let's help many more.
If you can do any of these as well as come then please call or email me.
Marques about 20. Now people may own one and could bring it.
Industrial size BBQ'S hire.
BBQ food. Really if 40 people bought $20 worth of meat there would be heaps.
Bread about 130 loafs
250 cans of drinks plus I have some to donate. I buy when there cheap.
One freezer or cold room truck to keep things cold
50 tables
60 chairs
A big van or vans to move things.
A few boxes of sauce (Tomato and BBQ)
Clothes, toiletries, ladies personal products, kids toys and things like that are very much needed.
It would be great if anyone has room to store things at there house that way when people email or call and say they want to donate then I can send them to drop off things with you for the BBQ event.
Please if you go through your cupboards there's clothes you never use any more. I know there's going to be a person that needs it at the BBQ. All unused clothes and things not taken will be handed to homeless centres.
If any organisations would like to attend then please contact me as it's free as long as you help the homeless in some way and nothing is sold on the day.
I'd like to thank you all for reading my blog and I really hope you all can come and enjoy a BBQ with us at Browns Park on the 27th of November.
If anyone would like to call or email me please do.
0412 190 011 or grantthepoliteguy@gmail.com
Thank you again
Grant the polite guy
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/10/24/3346510.htm
http://vimeo.com/31201234
What to do from here?
I feel like I have completed my journey in many ways and a new life is about to start. Now I know I'm going to be upsetting some people with this next bit but it's time for me to step up and become the husband and father that I am and support my family.
In a few weeks I will be leaving 'The Big Issue' for a few reasons, but mostly because I have a family now and a place to call home and the pitch I work is a great pitch were people have become friends and are friendly towards there Big Issue vendor so it would help the next vendor in a big way. I keep thinking of when I needed the Big Issue at the start and the thing that helped me the most is that people were nice to me. Mostly in the morning but people are in the habit of stopping for a quick chat and this would help the next vendor that is starting off.
I have been offered a 'shoe shine franchise' ( I think that's how you spell it) to me it's a great deal. It'll be my own business were people come sit in the chair and I shine there shoes, like in the movie except I'm better looking and very polite. They are going to let me do a 'no upfront cost deal' and they set it all up. All I have to do is go to work and shine shoes and all the money goes to me, so the harder I work the more I earn. I will have to pay the franchise people money but it's not that much.
If I find I can't work because of my back then I'll just put a sign up saying “Back in soon” or something like that. Now this isn't starting for a few weeks and I know people will want to come by and say goodbye but that's the best part, I'm only about 50 metres down the road and people can still come for there chat except I'll give them a chair to sit on. Ha ha.
I'll still be doing my Amway as well because I'm starting to do really well at it and soon be making good money from it. So if you wanted to join or see the business plan or just want to buy products please let me know. This includes people in other states and countries.
Also I'm doing Jewellery Parties at nights and weekends which I make really fun using Emma Page Jewellery. I do them at my house or if you want to invite friends I'll come to your house and you get host gifts. To be honest the more parties the better at the moment because I'm sure the shoe shine will be successful but will need time to take off.
Right now people are thinking what about the homeless. I will always help the homeless because I know what it's like and I know sometimes all it takes is for someone to care at that right moment and it could change there lives. I'm going to finish them side pages about where homeless helps are in the states and of course the homeless BBQ'S are going to be getting bigger.
Speaking of which the Ipswich homeless BBQ is coming up on the 27th of November at Browns park from 10am to 2pm, so it's time for me to do my plea thing. Ha ha.
The homeless BBQ'S help in a big way because not only do they come and get clothes, toiletries, kids toys, sleeping bags and such things but also there's a social BBQ where the community comes together and says “Hi Mate” and shows people care because the most valuable thing you can ever give is your time.
I am asking if everyone to take that one day out of there important lives and come and show that the community cares and make this a real 'Mates helping Mates' event. I mean the last one I know we were able to help a lot of people but this time let's help many more.
If you can do any of these as well as come then please call or email me.
Marques about 20. Now people may own one and could bring it.
Industrial size BBQ'S hire.
BBQ food. Really if 40 people bought $20 worth of meat there would be heaps.
Bread about 130 loafs
250 cans of drinks plus I have some to donate. I buy when there cheap.
One freezer or cold room truck to keep things cold
50 tables
60 chairs
A big van or vans to move things.
A few boxes of sauce (Tomato and BBQ)
Clothes, toiletries, ladies personal products, kids toys and things like that are very much needed.
It would be great if anyone has room to store things at there house that way when people email or call and say they want to donate then I can send them to drop off things with you for the BBQ event.
Please if you go through your cupboards there's clothes you never use any more. I know there's going to be a person that needs it at the BBQ. All unused clothes and things not taken will be handed to homeless centres.
If any organisations would like to attend then please contact me as it's free as long as you help the homeless in some way and nothing is sold on the day.
I'd like to thank you all for reading my blog and I really hope you all can come and enjoy a BBQ with us at Browns Park on the 27th of November.
If anyone would like to call or email me please do.
0412 190 011 or grantthepoliteguy@gmail.com
Thank you again
Grant the polite guy
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Wedding done
Well the wedding was a huge success, I am now a married man, a family man, a complete man. I really feel my life has taken a complete circle and back to the beginning again.
Before my accident I was married and had everything in life that makes most people happy (well me at least. Ha ha) Then I had the accident and everything fell apart. I got it all back. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and I found it. I can say I have shared a few tears of joy over the last few days. ( I know men don't cry but maybe it was sand in my eye. Ha ha)
The day itself went very well except of course the little panic of the guy marrying us was late by an hour. Imagine waiting there and then being told your wife to be was starting her walk and then the thought of thinking the preacher wasn't there yet. Not good. She was told to go back to the car and do laps until the preacher turned up. Ha ha. I thought the bride was to be late.
But he turned up and said them special words and everything was going every well until Cheryl was asked to place the ring on my finger, It didn't fit!! so there I was pushing and pushing trying to get this ring on. Someone loud out “spit on it” only to get my reply “there's camera's all around me, I'm not going to spit anywhere” ha ha oh it hurt a lot but I got that sucker on my finger and the wedding continued and we were married.
Now I have a lot of people to thank for my wedding being so great and really making it that much more special.
Samies Girl Seafood Market 31314120 They turned up and cooked all the food and just made it look wonderful. Please if you ever want seafood call them.
Rachael the Opera Singer 0403073751 Now this lady can sing, I must say I'm hard to impress and I was impressed. Golden voice.
The Sunday Mail sent a photographer to take photo's which will be in Q Mag in a few weeks.
612 ABC radio with Spencer Howson, they did a huge thing helping me to put it all together.
Can_do_Campbell from twitter went on the air with ABC612 radio and asked for help putting our wedding together and paid for a 5 star motel for wedding night.
Andy our photographer 0434381199 is putting a business together as a photographer I'll be showing his photo's when there ready.
Jemma from Lucid Living Pictures 0433466423have done great job putting the day on video. I will post here when I get it.
Now I hate to brag, who am I kidding I had nothing and living on the streets not knowing what was happening next, and now I'm married and living with my wife and daughter. It's bragging time! I have done it, I made it back to what I had before my accident. People talk about looking for that light at the end of the tunnel well I became my own light. WOOHOO
Now I know I have a long way to go but now it feels like I'm not alone. I'm a family man that has value and going by the friends that helped and the ones that went to my wedding there's no way I would feel alone. So what to do now? Help others that need it.
Ipswich Mates helping Mates BBQ is still going ahead on the 27th of November from 10am to 2pm which will help countless again. These BBQ'S are great because we invite all homeless organisations to have a stall with there information about there services and the homeless and needy come and enjoy a BBQ, as much clothes and things as they can carry away and the information is there to find easy without it being pushed on.
But the most important thing to me anyway is the community coming together as one to help those in need. We have stalls and stalls of free clothes,kids toys, toiletries and much more to just hand out to the homeless and while there enjoying a BBQ there's lots of people walking around and just chatting. I've said a lot the one thing homeless value and need the most is to feel more valued in themselves and sitting with people and chatting gives them that.
So please I'm doing another collection of
Clothes- all sizes men and women
Kids toys
Toiletries is a huge thing needed (including ladies pads)
Things needed to put this all together for the day
Marquees about 20
6 industrial size BBQ'S hire
BBQ food LOTS
Bread about 130 loaves
250 cans of drinks
One freezer or cold room truck small one
50 Tables
60 chairs
Your time coming talking to homeless
Companies wishing to show there business are welcome to have a stall for free as long as they help the homeless in some way and nothing is to be sold on the day.
If you can help with a bit or some of these please let me know on
Grant 0412 190 011 or
grantthepoliteguy@gmail.com
Thank you for reading my blog and I hope you will pass it on to others so the Ipswich event gets even bigger and therefore helps that many more.
I hope you all have a great day.
Grant the Polite Guy
Before my accident I was married and had everything in life that makes most people happy (well me at least. Ha ha) Then I had the accident and everything fell apart. I got it all back. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and I found it. I can say I have shared a few tears of joy over the last few days. ( I know men don't cry but maybe it was sand in my eye. Ha ha)
The day itself went very well except of course the little panic of the guy marrying us was late by an hour. Imagine waiting there and then being told your wife to be was starting her walk and then the thought of thinking the preacher wasn't there yet. Not good. She was told to go back to the car and do laps until the preacher turned up. Ha ha. I thought the bride was to be late.
But he turned up and said them special words and everything was going every well until Cheryl was asked to place the ring on my finger, It didn't fit!! so there I was pushing and pushing trying to get this ring on. Someone loud out “spit on it” only to get my reply “there's camera's all around me, I'm not going to spit anywhere” ha ha oh it hurt a lot but I got that sucker on my finger and the wedding continued and we were married.
Now I have a lot of people to thank for my wedding being so great and really making it that much more special.
Samies Girl Seafood Market 31314120 They turned up and cooked all the food and just made it look wonderful. Please if you ever want seafood call them.
Rachael the Opera Singer 0403073751 Now this lady can sing, I must say I'm hard to impress and I was impressed. Golden voice.
The Sunday Mail sent a photographer to take photo's which will be in Q Mag in a few weeks.
612 ABC radio with Spencer Howson, they did a huge thing helping me to put it all together.
Can_do_Campbell from twitter went on the air with ABC612 radio and asked for help putting our wedding together and paid for a 5 star motel for wedding night.
Andy our photographer 0434381199 is putting a business together as a photographer I'll be showing his photo's when there ready.
Jemma from Lucid Living Pictures 0433466423have done great job putting the day on video. I will post here when I get it.
Now I hate to brag, who am I kidding I had nothing and living on the streets not knowing what was happening next, and now I'm married and living with my wife and daughter. It's bragging time! I have done it, I made it back to what I had before my accident. People talk about looking for that light at the end of the tunnel well I became my own light. WOOHOO
Now I know I have a long way to go but now it feels like I'm not alone. I'm a family man that has value and going by the friends that helped and the ones that went to my wedding there's no way I would feel alone. So what to do now? Help others that need it.
Ipswich Mates helping Mates BBQ is still going ahead on the 27th of November from 10am to 2pm which will help countless again. These BBQ'S are great because we invite all homeless organisations to have a stall with there information about there services and the homeless and needy come and enjoy a BBQ, as much clothes and things as they can carry away and the information is there to find easy without it being pushed on.
But the most important thing to me anyway is the community coming together as one to help those in need. We have stalls and stalls of free clothes,kids toys, toiletries and much more to just hand out to the homeless and while there enjoying a BBQ there's lots of people walking around and just chatting. I've said a lot the one thing homeless value and need the most is to feel more valued in themselves and sitting with people and chatting gives them that.
So please I'm doing another collection of
Clothes- all sizes men and women
Kids toys
Toiletries is a huge thing needed (including ladies pads)
Things needed to put this all together for the day
Marquees about 20
6 industrial size BBQ'S hire
BBQ food LOTS
Bread about 130 loaves
250 cans of drinks
One freezer or cold room truck small one
50 Tables
60 chairs
Your time coming talking to homeless
Companies wishing to show there business are welcome to have a stall for free as long as they help the homeless in some way and nothing is to be sold on the day.
If you can help with a bit or some of these please let me know on
Grant 0412 190 011 or
grantthepoliteguy@gmail.com
Thank you for reading my blog and I hope you will pass it on to others so the Ipswich event gets even bigger and therefore helps that many more.
I hope you all have a great day.
Grant the Polite Guy
Thursday, October 13, 2011
10 Days to Wedding
Now I don't want any one person thinking I'm talking about them with this because really it's not true. The fact is many have said something like the same.
“Grant you inspire me with everything you have gone through and your so positive and do for others.”
To be honest when it's said to me I really don't know what to say so I'll type it here instead. Ha ha Much easier.
I was one of the happiest guy's around because I had everything. I worked hard in charge of a kitchen in a restaurant with a loving wife, daughter and of course my little dog.
I had the worst day of my life. Floor boards gave way on a old stair way. I don't like talking or writing about the accident really because umm well it's just sad but I got a lot of damage done.
I spent the next 9 months in and out of hospital and being in some of the worst pain a person could imagine.
The easiest movements were painful and I hit rock bottom thinking I had no value as a person and left my wife and started sleeping on the streets. I stopped looking people in the eyes and laid on benches just waiting to waste away. I hope this helps people because I hurts to write.
Now all that is sad and not nice to read but really so many people showed me kindness when I accept it and needed it most. I owe them everything I am now as a person. You see when you meet great people that really go out of there way to not just show they care but to help far and beyond what most would, then you start standing tall and if anything want to be like them and help others.
So I do that. I offer 'pies and cokes' a lot and give people the one thing they need and that's a friend to talk to. Now I know what I do is only like putting a band-aid on and when I go the only difference is that there feed, but really I think it helps more then that because maybe just maybe they feel more part of the community and that's a great start.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that, I know what it's like to be out there alone and people looking down on them because it always happened to me. No matter what success I ever get in life from now on I will always look and treat them as an equal because I have meet some of the greatest and smartest homeless people that really hit hard times or something happened in there lives that others don't know about.
So I ask every reader in Australia and around the world, “Can you spare about $5.00 for a pie and coke and maybe 5 minutes for a chat” I earn about $200 a week most weeks and I spare it all the time.
-----------------------------------------------------
I have my wedding coming up in about 10 days now and I couldn't be happier. Don't get me wrong it's a head trying to get everything to make it a great day for my soon to be wife (girls always think about the dream wedding. Ha ha)
There's 3 people that have really helped in a huge way and to be honest I don't think I'd have much of a wedding without them.
@Can_do_Campbell on Twitter is truly a remarkable man. He heard about the wedding and asked what I needed for it and went on the ABC radio and not only asked for people to donate for the wedding but also promoted 'Mates helping Mates' and helping homeless also has spoken to all his friends about it as well. Every time I speak to him he always has that 'mate no-matter what it is we can find a way' kind of attitude. I must say in my book he's Ace's because he is very successful and yet he has time for those who have hit hard times. I know there's great people in the world and @Can_do_Campbell is one of them. Thank you mate
Alicia Wright- has helped so much with organising different things and she had a mild stroke a week ago and yet from hospital was thinking of others. Really what a great lady, people say to me about sainthood well put her at the top of the list to be next.
Andrew Stanke- works for the NAB bank and a guy I consider a true mate, he always offers to help in some way with the homeless any way he can. Just the other day I only made $20 working all day when I rang Andrew and said I needed help because I had to get things for the wedding. The man drove to the city and handed me $500 which I needed for bills that were overdue and a box of doughnuts to hand out to the homeless. But to top it off last week he asked me to meet him at his work and we had a steak lunch at a pub and then went to his work were he had a massage lady there waiting to give me a massage for all the good I have been doing. I mean what a great guy.
Now there's a lot of great people out there that do a lot of great things and I know I'll get to writing about them too. My dad always said “never judge a person by what they have, but the number of mates they can call mates” I have mates that I can call mates even some homeless ones.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Please remember about the 'Pie and coke' thing how it may not cost you much but it really is worth millions to others.
I'm going to ask people that they share this story because maybe it might reach someone somewhere that thinks, Pie and a coke thing sounds good and helps someone.
I still have only had one person get something from our wedding list that I put up and I was told by a few people that they didn't want to go through another person so what I'm doing is asking if people want to order anything from our list you can put money in my bank or through my 'donation button' and email me what you are getting. Remember I get the commission which I'm putting towards the wedding.
St. George Bank
BSB 114 879
ACC 026900710 Thank you
Email is grantthepoliteguy@gmail.com
Phone is 0412 190 011
I'd like to thank everyone for reading my blog and I hope you all have a great day.
Grant the Polite Guy
P.S I almost forgot to mention it. I now have a twitter account it's @grantpoliteguy if anyone wants to befriend me there. Thank you
“Grant you inspire me with everything you have gone through and your so positive and do for others.”
To be honest when it's said to me I really don't know what to say so I'll type it here instead. Ha ha Much easier.
I was one of the happiest guy's around because I had everything. I worked hard in charge of a kitchen in a restaurant with a loving wife, daughter and of course my little dog.
I had the worst day of my life. Floor boards gave way on a old stair way. I don't like talking or writing about the accident really because umm well it's just sad but I got a lot of damage done.
I spent the next 9 months in and out of hospital and being in some of the worst pain a person could imagine.
The easiest movements were painful and I hit rock bottom thinking I had no value as a person and left my wife and started sleeping on the streets. I stopped looking people in the eyes and laid on benches just waiting to waste away. I hope this helps people because I hurts to write.
Now all that is sad and not nice to read but really so many people showed me kindness when I accept it and needed it most. I owe them everything I am now as a person. You see when you meet great people that really go out of there way to not just show they care but to help far and beyond what most would, then you start standing tall and if anything want to be like them and help others.
So I do that. I offer 'pies and cokes' a lot and give people the one thing they need and that's a friend to talk to. Now I know what I do is only like putting a band-aid on and when I go the only difference is that there feed, but really I think it helps more then that because maybe just maybe they feel more part of the community and that's a great start.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that, I know what it's like to be out there alone and people looking down on them because it always happened to me. No matter what success I ever get in life from now on I will always look and treat them as an equal because I have meet some of the greatest and smartest homeless people that really hit hard times or something happened in there lives that others don't know about.
So I ask every reader in Australia and around the world, “Can you spare about $5.00 for a pie and coke and maybe 5 minutes for a chat” I earn about $200 a week most weeks and I spare it all the time.
-----------------------------------------------------
I have my wedding coming up in about 10 days now and I couldn't be happier. Don't get me wrong it's a head trying to get everything to make it a great day for my soon to be wife (girls always think about the dream wedding. Ha ha)
There's 3 people that have really helped in a huge way and to be honest I don't think I'd have much of a wedding without them.
@Can_do_Campbell on Twitter is truly a remarkable man. He heard about the wedding and asked what I needed for it and went on the ABC radio and not only asked for people to donate for the wedding but also promoted 'Mates helping Mates' and helping homeless also has spoken to all his friends about it as well. Every time I speak to him he always has that 'mate no-matter what it is we can find a way' kind of attitude. I must say in my book he's Ace's because he is very successful and yet he has time for those who have hit hard times. I know there's great people in the world and @Can_do_Campbell is one of them. Thank you mate
Alicia Wright- has helped so much with organising different things and she had a mild stroke a week ago and yet from hospital was thinking of others. Really what a great lady, people say to me about sainthood well put her at the top of the list to be next.
Andrew Stanke- works for the NAB bank and a guy I consider a true mate, he always offers to help in some way with the homeless any way he can. Just the other day I only made $20 working all day when I rang Andrew and said I needed help because I had to get things for the wedding. The man drove to the city and handed me $500 which I needed for bills that were overdue and a box of doughnuts to hand out to the homeless. But to top it off last week he asked me to meet him at his work and we had a steak lunch at a pub and then went to his work were he had a massage lady there waiting to give me a massage for all the good I have been doing. I mean what a great guy.
Now there's a lot of great people out there that do a lot of great things and I know I'll get to writing about them too. My dad always said “never judge a person by what they have, but the number of mates they can call mates” I have mates that I can call mates even some homeless ones.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Please remember about the 'Pie and coke' thing how it may not cost you much but it really is worth millions to others.
I'm going to ask people that they share this story because maybe it might reach someone somewhere that thinks, Pie and a coke thing sounds good and helps someone.
I still have only had one person get something from our wedding list that I put up and I was told by a few people that they didn't want to go through another person so what I'm doing is asking if people want to order anything from our list you can put money in my bank or through my 'donation button' and email me what you are getting. Remember I get the commission which I'm putting towards the wedding.
St. George Bank
BSB 114 879
ACC 026900710 Thank you
Email is grantthepoliteguy@gmail.com
Phone is 0412 190 011
I'd like to thank everyone for reading my blog and I hope you all have a great day.
Grant the Polite Guy
P.S I almost forgot to mention it. I now have a twitter account it's @grantpoliteguy if anyone wants to befriend me there. Thank you
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Coffee in the Bin. haha
Okay I do have a really funny story here ( well I think it's funny ha ha), but I want to make sure I don't embarrass the guy so no names or companies will be listed. Okay I have to start at the beginning or you won't see how funny this is.
I got a phone call from a guy saying his company would like to have a stall at the next Ipswich BBQ for the homeless which I was very eager to have myself so I asked if there was a chance to meet and talk about it at a coffee shop. You see I don't have an office but people and companies are getting to know about Mates Helping Mates doing BBQ'S for the homeless and they want to promote themselves as a company or really do care about the homeless. So I always say something like “ I have appointments in the city on Thursday at 2pm would you like to meet at 3pm at a coffee shop?” I got a yes this time and we arranged a time a place.
Now here's the thing, I have put a BBQ together mostly on my own and about 450-500 people turned up and a lot of homeless people were really helped. But the sad thing is even though I'm doing good and helping homeless, if I show I'm not successful then I get a lot of companies pull out, which is a shame because these BBQ'S are to help homeless get on there feet or at lest let them feel they have value in themselves and if I show I am not business standard and sell Big Issue magazines then I get well 'the cold shoulder' is one way to say it. Ha ha.
So there I was sitting at a table clean shaven and nice clothes talking to this guy about having a stall and what they wanted to do, when I almost died when I glanced over and saw a guy waving to me to come and talk to him. It was a homeless guy. I looked from him to the guy I was with back to the guy. Thinking not now come on. I said “excuse me a moment” in a really nice way and walked over to the him saying “I'm a bit busy now is everything okay?”
The poor guy asked if I would be buying pies and drinks today. I felt like shit right there and then. For a second I was em-brassed I had to talk to him in front of the guy I was trying to impress when I realised the reason I was there in the first place was because of people like him and me not that long ago. (My new wife has a place)
I handed him $7.00 and said “here mate I have to get back to this guy” pointing to the guy at the table as I was walking back. Now here's the thing as I was leaving I noticed he wasn't happy about getting the money for food and I realised it was more that he wanted, someone to talk too. You see when I do my 'Pie and Cokes' I sit and talk to the person and in most cases say about how there's hope.
I must say a huge part of me wanted to just turn and head to the shop to buy a pie and coke and sit with him and show him that he has value with me but the fact was, putting these BBQ'S together help many and they need support from companies and things to run well.
I got back to the table saying “sorry about that” then this guy said the dumbest thing I could think of “ha ha your an easy target you should say firmly get a job” then laughing and really thinking he had said the funniest thing in his life. What a clown, really here he was talking to me about helping the homeless and yet showing what how harsh he could be. Oh did it open my eyes. So I politely told him I sell Big Issue Magazines and not long ago I was homeless as I was letting him know I don't think I want his company to come to the BBQ event.
Oh he left pretty quickly. Ha ha. But here's the funniest bit. (I wasn't going to let you down. Ha ha) The guy didn't understand why I would buy food for a homeless guy yet left quickly and didn't pay his bill for drink and cake. Ha ha I shouldn't help a homeless person with food but it's okay to pay for he's. Let me say I don't think his company will be attending the Ipswich BBQ no matter how much they were donating. Never money but standards makes a man.
Now the afternoon wasn't lost because I had a pie and a coke in the park with a person who really was a decent guy.
------------------------------------------------
Now this ones a short bit really funny to see. (I know I'm mean sometimes. Ha ha) This guy came rushing pass taking a sip of his coffee and then throwing it in the bin but when it hit it made a louder bang. Stopping he realised he throw his phone instead of the coffee into the bin. Now these bins need a key to open them so he was really angry at first about throwing his phone.
One of my customers called the council to get someone to come and open the door to get the bin out so he could get his phone. Now after a minute or two he seen the funny side of it and smiled a lot, well that was until he took another sip of his coffee and didn't like the taste and throw it into the bin. It was like slow motion ha ha as he throw the coffee he realised his phone was at the bottom of that bin. Ha ha I hate to laugh but I wish I had a camera because it was priceless the look he had.
The door was opened and yes his phone was dripping with coffee and a lot of other bits and pieces. Ha ha. Now this guy was well dress and stepped into a last years model BMW wagon. And I'm the one selling magazines ha ha not right. Ha ha.
--------------------------------------------------
Now I've gotten a bit of slack lately about my wedding wish list Cheryl and I put together. So please let me explain why. Firstly I don't mind about the wedding gifts because if I was to be honest I'd rather people come and celebrate the greatest day of our lives over a gift any day. Really it means more to me that people want to come join me as an equal and show they have the respect to come. I did call and ONE person emailed to get a gift from our wish list which I spent a lot of time setting it up as it's page here at the top. At first I was thinking it's sad and maybe no-one was coming to our wedding.
Then I was told that asking for shampoo, vitamins and things was in bad taste, well a little part of that was some homeless read my blog and I wanted to put very cheap things on the list so they didn't feel bad and could afford something and I don't earn a lot of money and to be honest it would have helped plus I set it up so I got the commissions and I was putting that towards the wedding. So my conclusion is if you feel you want to buy a wedding gift then pick from our wedding list or get something else from elsewhere or hey I love money in envelopes. But remember the most important thing and that's it's our special day and the one wish we have is that you come and celebrate with us being together. So know you are invited to join us on the 22nd of October at 319 Upper Esplande, Wynnum starting 10am. YOU ARE INVITED. Ha ha
---------------------------------------------------
I get asked all the time how people can help homeless. Well now there's a website just for Mates helping Mates so please check it out. Mateshelpingmates.blogspot.com
Thank you for reading my blog and I hope you have a great day.
Grant the Polite Guy.
I got a phone call from a guy saying his company would like to have a stall at the next Ipswich BBQ for the homeless which I was very eager to have myself so I asked if there was a chance to meet and talk about it at a coffee shop. You see I don't have an office but people and companies are getting to know about Mates Helping Mates doing BBQ'S for the homeless and they want to promote themselves as a company or really do care about the homeless. So I always say something like “ I have appointments in the city on Thursday at 2pm would you like to meet at 3pm at a coffee shop?” I got a yes this time and we arranged a time a place.
Now here's the thing, I have put a BBQ together mostly on my own and about 450-500 people turned up and a lot of homeless people were really helped. But the sad thing is even though I'm doing good and helping homeless, if I show I'm not successful then I get a lot of companies pull out, which is a shame because these BBQ'S are to help homeless get on there feet or at lest let them feel they have value in themselves and if I show I am not business standard and sell Big Issue magazines then I get well 'the cold shoulder' is one way to say it. Ha ha.
So there I was sitting at a table clean shaven and nice clothes talking to this guy about having a stall and what they wanted to do, when I almost died when I glanced over and saw a guy waving to me to come and talk to him. It was a homeless guy. I looked from him to the guy I was with back to the guy. Thinking not now come on. I said “excuse me a moment” in a really nice way and walked over to the him saying “I'm a bit busy now is everything okay?”
The poor guy asked if I would be buying pies and drinks today. I felt like shit right there and then. For a second I was em-brassed I had to talk to him in front of the guy I was trying to impress when I realised the reason I was there in the first place was because of people like him and me not that long ago. (My new wife has a place)
I handed him $7.00 and said “here mate I have to get back to this guy” pointing to the guy at the table as I was walking back. Now here's the thing as I was leaving I noticed he wasn't happy about getting the money for food and I realised it was more that he wanted, someone to talk too. You see when I do my 'Pie and Cokes' I sit and talk to the person and in most cases say about how there's hope.
I must say a huge part of me wanted to just turn and head to the shop to buy a pie and coke and sit with him and show him that he has value with me but the fact was, putting these BBQ'S together help many and they need support from companies and things to run well.
I got back to the table saying “sorry about that” then this guy said the dumbest thing I could think of “ha ha your an easy target you should say firmly get a job” then laughing and really thinking he had said the funniest thing in his life. What a clown, really here he was talking to me about helping the homeless and yet showing what how harsh he could be. Oh did it open my eyes. So I politely told him I sell Big Issue Magazines and not long ago I was homeless as I was letting him know I don't think I want his company to come to the BBQ event.
Oh he left pretty quickly. Ha ha. But here's the funniest bit. (I wasn't going to let you down. Ha ha) The guy didn't understand why I would buy food for a homeless guy yet left quickly and didn't pay his bill for drink and cake. Ha ha I shouldn't help a homeless person with food but it's okay to pay for he's. Let me say I don't think his company will be attending the Ipswich BBQ no matter how much they were donating. Never money but standards makes a man.
Now the afternoon wasn't lost because I had a pie and a coke in the park with a person who really was a decent guy.
------------------------------------------------
Now this ones a short bit really funny to see. (I know I'm mean sometimes. Ha ha) This guy came rushing pass taking a sip of his coffee and then throwing it in the bin but when it hit it made a louder bang. Stopping he realised he throw his phone instead of the coffee into the bin. Now these bins need a key to open them so he was really angry at first about throwing his phone.
One of my customers called the council to get someone to come and open the door to get the bin out so he could get his phone. Now after a minute or two he seen the funny side of it and smiled a lot, well that was until he took another sip of his coffee and didn't like the taste and throw it into the bin. It was like slow motion ha ha as he throw the coffee he realised his phone was at the bottom of that bin. Ha ha I hate to laugh but I wish I had a camera because it was priceless the look he had.
The door was opened and yes his phone was dripping with coffee and a lot of other bits and pieces. Ha ha. Now this guy was well dress and stepped into a last years model BMW wagon. And I'm the one selling magazines ha ha not right. Ha ha.
--------------------------------------------------
Now I've gotten a bit of slack lately about my wedding wish list Cheryl and I put together. So please let me explain why. Firstly I don't mind about the wedding gifts because if I was to be honest I'd rather people come and celebrate the greatest day of our lives over a gift any day. Really it means more to me that people want to come join me as an equal and show they have the respect to come. I did call and ONE person emailed to get a gift from our wish list which I spent a lot of time setting it up as it's page here at the top. At first I was thinking it's sad and maybe no-one was coming to our wedding.
Then I was told that asking for shampoo, vitamins and things was in bad taste, well a little part of that was some homeless read my blog and I wanted to put very cheap things on the list so they didn't feel bad and could afford something and I don't earn a lot of money and to be honest it would have helped plus I set it up so I got the commissions and I was putting that towards the wedding. So my conclusion is if you feel you want to buy a wedding gift then pick from our wedding list or get something else from elsewhere or hey I love money in envelopes. But remember the most important thing and that's it's our special day and the one wish we have is that you come and celebrate with us being together. So know you are invited to join us on the 22nd of October at 319 Upper Esplande, Wynnum starting 10am. YOU ARE INVITED. Ha ha
---------------------------------------------------
I get asked all the time how people can help homeless. Well now there's a website just for Mates helping Mates so please check it out. Mateshelpingmates.blogspot.com
Thank you for reading my blog and I hope you have a great day.
Grant the Polite Guy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)