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Thursday, February 9, 2012

Stacey

Now this posting could go two ways, but to be honest I should write it as I see it. It's not a happy one.

Weeks ago I receive a lot of calls from a girl named Stacey. Saying she only had half a sausage and pasta left over from the night before to feed young kids. Well you know me I thought how can I help, so I used Twitter and 13 hours later lots of fruit and vegs, food vouchers ($130), fuel, cleaning products and frozen chicken and things (a weeks worth of dinners for 3) were dropped off with a Coles delivery coming later that day worth over $370

Now Stacey had an accident and broke her arm and was not there for Coles delivery so it was returned and the lady was refunded the money which Stacey said good because it would have been wasted.

Now I might add here that 2 days later she was paid from Centrelink.

Now if I ended the story here it would be a good story. I wish it was true.

Now I'm going to go back a bit in the past. The last BBQ we had was at Ipswich and I got a call from Stacey saying how she will help get things donated from companies for the event and she did that I was told, but the day before the BBQ she was sick and everything she put together didn't come. Now it was okay because there was plenty to make the day great for those in need and really that's all that matters.

A few weeks ago Stacey called and said she would help with getting companies to donate hire of Marquee's, tables and things which at the time I was very grateful for. After she had her own troubles and then she had an accident I decided to seek other assistance and now have commitment from someone else for the marquees, tables and other items. Well I got an email last night saying she organised Marquees and things. Well my reply was “Not needed thank you.”

Oh wow did that start a can of worms. Ha ha. First it was ‘you’re wasting my time’ and then accused Mates helping Mates of being a scam and made repeated comments about me being a loser for leaving my wife when I had spent 9 months in hospital and she didn't when she got a broken arm. But the best worst was when there was repeated texts about Mates helping Mates was a cover for Amway because I showed a few products on my blog. Now I’d like to point out that Mates Helping Mates is a non profit organisation that I am associated with that does help HOMELESS people but I am in no way responsible for any finances related to the organisation. That is up to the governing board.

Now that's bad there, but then another person started saying she was one of the media that have wrote about me in the past and how much I was scum because I didn't organise for the Coles delivery to be resent.

At first I did say you got it wrong and please make appointment and meet, but no that wasn't needed. I got a bombardment of abusive texts from 7:30 am to well it hasn't stopped at 6pm.

Let me say I was disheartened that someone I helped and yet never meet in person would want to think they are a victim and cause so much blame for after getting so much.

I was texted that if I say sorry and send the Coles food again after she's been paid again and her next pay is tomorrow (weekly she said) that it would let me keep my good name in this town.

Ha ha not going to happen. No-one bombards me with abuse all day and then thinks I'm going to want to fear her saying how we helped her and then she wanted more and I said no.

Now I did write a text and she said it was a threat, so I'll write it here to make it clear. “I will never nor Mates helping Mates or anyone I know help you again” I know it's harsh but really after getting so many texts it's the polite thing to say.

Before I forget I will be on the ABC radio tomorrow morning at 6am. It'll be good.

Because of what's happen today with the texts I'm thinking I have had enough of helping people because sometimes you meet people that want more and more and there has to be a time when you say “no” then the crap starts.

I will be helping with the next BBQ at Musgrave Park mostly because to leave now would leave people not know what has been done.

I am now not going to be doing the 'Pie and Coke' with homeless and helping people outside of Mates helping Mates BBQ.

I have helped a lot of people in my days and I'm proud of it, but there was one to many Stacey's out there that think the world owes them everything and I just don't want it anymore.

I spoke to a few charity people today and they said it comes with the job, I don't get paid for this and mostly it cost me money because I send a lot of the vouchers or food and I've had enough.

Mates helping Mates will still still go on doing the BBQ'S for homeless but not helping single people and most likely without me.

I would like to thank you for reading my blog and I hope you have a good day. I believe this is going to be my last posting, so I'll say if you take the word 'Homeless” from “Homeless People” then all you have is “People” but if you think your taken for a ride then walk away, because there's a lot out there that don't need help as much, just a free ride.

P.S Now some might think post her picture is in bad taste but to be honest I think warning people is more important.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

My Story

Okay I had a reader from this blog come into the city to meet me today, He didn't know my story just the fact that I help the homeless but not why. So this is going to be a very short last 3 ½ years because I think sometimes when people think that I was once very successful and maybe think they could have been be the same, if things went the same way on a very bad day.

I promise I will be short because I hate writing about this day because nothing good could come from it.

I was very successful working at a restaurant being in charge of a kitchen and very happy being married and a family man. I thought I had reached the life I always wanted in life and just proud to be me. Then one day

I was helping someone carry shopping bags up some wooden stairs when the top landing had loose floor boards and gave way. I fell and had the most painful day of my life. I spent 9 months in and out of hospital.

The good smile I do is fake. I have dentures top and bottom. I lost so much that day and to list them would not make this a short post, but let's just say I was busted up bad and every day after wasn't great because of healing.

Leaving hospital, losing most of our assets because of no money coming in and every day and night was just pain so it didn't take much for my wife and I to separate and I hit the streets and became homeless. I had done nothing wrong in life I just hit a very hard rock in the road of life.

I gave up on life and everything around me, sleeping in parks and not as nice places. I remember being beaten many of times for just sleeping where drunks could find me. I don't really remember how long it was when I became a Big Issue Vendor, but I remember it was because I was really hungry and needed food. But selling the magazines started giving me confidence in myself again because I started making friends with my customers and they didn't care I was banged up at the time, they accepted me for being me.

In the 7th month I became 'Vendor of the year' hey that's not bad. That made me proud. Ha ha

Now why I help so much.

A lady (customer) came to me and asked if she gave my clothes would I give it to other homeless? The next day she did give me the clothes and that night a lady which was homeless was wearing them. I felt proud knowing I had helped.

The next day I called a homeless centre and asked if I give them clothes would they hand them out for free?

When I was a Big Issue Vendor I would give a 'Thank you note' when people bought a magazine. It was my way of saying thank you. Well on this thank you note I started saying about collecting clothes for the homeless on a day before 9am. I got two taxi's full worth of clothes. I did the same thing 6 weeks later when another customer of mine said let's have a BBQ and feed them as they come and collect the clothes.

The homeless centre loved the idea but said if we do it at the park we could help more people. So we did with the help of great people loving the idea like Tony, Alicia, Andrew, Brad, James and many more. About 400 total turned up. That afternoon a great person (Alicia Wright) said let's make it a non-profit charity and do it more often? Mates helping Mates was born.

Now Mates helping Mates helps a lot of people plus every couple of months does BBQ'S where a huge amount of resources help those that need it most. When they have given up on themselves, we show them we have not given up on them.

I put so much into this because I know there's good/ great people out there that has had one really bad day or days and they hit hard times. I know how easy it could happen because I had everything and lost it all.

I know there's great homeless people out there because the first BBQ we did I was still homeless.

Now there is some great news about this. My wife and I got back together and we remarried only 5 months ago. I am working on getting everything I had before my accident and the best thing is I believe one day I will because I now believe in myself again.

Collect the clothes you don't wear any more and things you can give (Blankets,toiletries, clothes) and come and share a BBQ with us at Musgrave Park on the 26th of February from 10am.

For more information please go to mateshelpingmates.blogspot.com


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Before I forget I have a twitter account and if you want to do the follow thing then I will follow you to. @grantpoliteguy

Premier Anna Bligh follows me on Twitter and one of her staff called and we were talking about how great myself and Mates helping Mates are helping the homeless, BBQ'S and things. All I kept thinking was the QLD Premier knows about us and to tell you the truth thinking that brings a huge smile and self pride.

Well the talk went from homeless not having same rights with elections because of the Liberal Party to Anna Bligh checking her plans and coming to the BBQ which is in her area at Musgrave Park.

Now most know I don't write much about politics but in the past I did hand out flyers at elections for Cameron Dick and Kevin Rudd, which I must say both did win on the day. Ha ha it had nothing to do with me handing out flyers but they were with a great party the Labour Party.

I'll keep you all updated with that and really if Anna takes the time to come and help people in need then I and I'm sure many will want to help her too. My idea of a Premier is one helping those who have hit hard times.

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Now I would like to thank the one and only person that bought some products from me showing it on my last posting. Thank you Chloe. Come on people these are great products and I'm trying to win holiday.

I am going to hit 21% and make my goal because I know I can.


My next Amway products are

Dish Drops
1/ One of the world's most concentrated dishwashing liquids.
2/ Mild formula containing Aloe Vera, Coconut based ingredients and moisturising agents.
3/ Biodegradable so it's kind on the environment.
4/ Just 1 litre of Dish Drops makes up for 6 litres of dishwashing solution.
5/ Enough for 200 medium sinks full of washing up.

Dish Drops 1 Litre $19.80
Plunger Dispenser (Pump Thing) $2.50


LOC Multi Purpose Cleaner
1/ For household jobs Big and Small.
2/ Makes 20 litres of powerful solution that cuts through dirt and grime.
3/ Walls, Floors, Woodwork, Appliances and all washable surfaces
4/ No rinse, Streak Free, Non-dulling formula.

LOC 1 litre $14.82
Plunger Dispenser (Pump Thing) $2.50

These are both world wide products and well known. I can get them delivered anywhere in Australia.

If you would like to order any of these then please do by calling me on 0412 190 011 or email me on grantthepoliteguy@gmail.com


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I shared my story so people know why I help so much with the homeless, mostly because I was once one of them. I think this post will help many to understand that homeless people are just people that hit hard times and sometimes just need a hand up not just a hand out.

Please share this posting and maybe others will think so too.

I hope you all have a great day and thank you for reading my post.
Grant the Polite Guy.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Netti


This post is going to be such a pleasure for me to write because it means so much to me when I write about wonderful people. The picture above is of 'Netti'

I have only meet Netti once and let me say I was impressed with how much she wanted to help. The first contact was when I was asking on Twitter for help for a single mum with 3 kids. (She was in a bad way) From the Gold Coast Netti sent a Coles gift voucher to her and ask if she could come and do the “Pie and Coke” with me.

We walked around the city and came across 3 homeless with one at a time. Netti was really in her element talking and offering ideas and some really great advice to the homeless people as we sat and ate with them. I must say when you have 3 different meals within 3 hours you get full fast. Ha ha

I could see that Netti wasn't just there to buy food but to really try and help by putting across how valued they were, really if you take the word “homeless” out of “homeless people” then you just get “People”

When we finished Netti was saying she was heading back to the Gold Coast. Straight away I thought she had came all the way from the Gold Coast just to help homeless people out. That's Ace's in my book.

Now if you see Netti I bet she's out somewhere helping someone. Ha ha But really give her a hug and let her know how special she is or she does have a Twitter account and you could type it. @netbub

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Mates helping Mates are still having the next BBQ at Musgrave Park on the 26th of February from 10am to 2pm. We still need a lot of volunteers to help out and of course clothes and toiletries to hand out. We as a community help so many people and this time I'm expecting around 500 homeless this time so we will need all the help we can get. Please go to mateshelpingmates.blogspot.com for more information.

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Now if you only read my blog to read about homeless and things like that, then please don't read the rest of this post because it's a request not a story.

In the last 3 ½ years I have come along way. Let me say it wasn't easy. Ha ha but it was worth it. I am now facing my next biggest challenge.

I joined Amway about 7 months ago and I have worked hard putting a lot of people in which I am very proud of. I was told about a bonus they do and I will make this. The bonus is 2 weeks all expenses paid holiday to Puket in Tailand. The best thing is I get to take my family with me. I keep thinking that the accident didn't just hurt me but my family as well so this will be a great surprise for them.

I know asking people to buy things so I get rewards is not really fair but to be honest all I want to do is show a product and if you'd like it then order it. From anywhere in Australia. I can get it to you.

I need 7,500 points very month for 6 months straight. Now I know this is not easy but I also know that some people don't like the business side of Amway but love the products so I'm going to post a different product here every 3 days and if anyone wants to buy it, then I can get it for you which gives me the points.

If people want to sign up or order please call 0412 190 011 or email me grantthepoliteguy@gmail.com

Todays products are
SA8
750g $22.04
3kg $71.74



I'd like to thank you all for reading my blog and if you wash clothes then please consider the SA8.
I hope you all have a great day.
Grant the Polite Guy

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Steve found a mate

Now any-one that knows me, knows I help the homeless a lot, but every now and then I have the great pleasure of meeting others that do really great things for the homeless.

On my last post I asked for help for a guy named Steve because he was getting on his feet and needing shoes for a interview. Well a great guy Nathan Scholz answered and felt like he won a competition for being the first to call.

Nathan and I meet up with Steve, One of the first things that Nathan says is “Your going for an interview, Let's go get you some shoes so you look good for it, David Jones are good” I must say I nearly feel over there and then because I thought he would get a cheap pair like mine but no Nathan wanted to help in much bigger way by getting a really nice pair of dress shoes.

Now it's not hard to notice but really within the hour we were together I could see Steve feeling more proud as we went on. It wasn't just the fact that Steve was getting a new pair of shoes but the fact that someone cared so much to go shopping with him and get an expensive pair at a gentleman’s store. Throughout the hour I could see the confidence beaming from him and I even noticed his chest filling out like a proud man.

Now that's all great and all but then Nathan said the best thing which I think Steve loved the most. “Get the interview and I'll be your first customer, I know you'll do well” now let me say right there and then with everything going so great with smiles everywhere and Steve talking about how he's going to make it in life and get the interview, all I could feel is proud , not because I asked for help for Steve and Nathan answered but because I know them both as great guys.

There is pictures and if you see Steve wish him luck and if you see Nathan shake he's hand and tell him how much of a great guy he is for doing such a great deed for a person heading up in life. He's A's in my book.





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Assets in life are what we make them to be. I wanted to put across now that some people have more then others but not so much less important. When you have nothing then a simple jacket it can be just as important to that guy as a success guy would value and protect the 3 houses he owns. Everything you own is everything you own. Here's a picture of a guy protecting his most valuable thing he owns, his friend his mate. I could write a whole post about this but really the picture says a 1,000 words.


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Well the Mates helping Mates BBQ is coming up on the 26th of February from 10am to 2pm at Musgrave Park and of course we can use all the volunteers we can get. Please if you can come or help then please do because it really does help a lot of people. For more information please go to mateshelpingmates.blogspot.com

I'd like to thank you all for reading my blog and I hope you all have a great day.
Grant the Polite Guy
0412 190 011
grantthepoliteguy@gmail.com

Monday, January 2, 2012

Christmas Day


Okay just above is a picture of Steve and Jeanette in the Big Issue vests and my mate Jason in the middle.

Now when I do my 'Pie & Coke' thing to be honest it's more of a walk around and start talking to homeless and asking them if I can buy them a meal and sit with them and enjoy there company. They feel important just because I'm asking to join them. Some a lot longer but most after a few times I'm chatting as friends and even mates. I do have a saying and it goes over well “Mate you know I'm doing this because when you get yourself together and be famous, your buying me lunch” I always say it with a laugh and then I look at them beam a smile. There's always a smile back.

Jason called me and we hadn't meet but he wanted to come and do my 'Pie & Coke' thing with me. Of course I agreed and arranged to meet up. We went around buying food and drinks for homeless when we meet up with Steve and Jeanette.

Now I'm always saying uplifting things but I never push it because maybe the person is not ready, trust me I know this more then anyone. But sometimes I get that one that wants to talk more about improving everything and getting on his/her feet again. I must say the feeling I get right at that moment is, well very hard to write but I could walk on air with excitement.

Steve started talking about not doing the Big Issue for ever and getting on his feet. I listened to his story and before leaving I had walked away and called the guy who gave me a chance with Buffed (shining shoes) I got Steve an interview and a really great chance at a job in January. I said I would help him and his partner (Jeanette) with anything and everything he needed as long as he wanted it.

Steve and Jeanette have a unit or room somewhere and just really hit hard times and from what I heard it's been a long time since either of them had a break and had work. I asked what they would like for Christmas and Steve beamed saying “having confidence in me was enough” but then said he'd need shoes for the interview to go with his suit which he had from the past “size 10 black shoes” umm anyone want to buy a nice pair of black shoes size 10 and come with me to hand them to him? 0412 190 011 is my number and I'll only want the one pair, so the first to call I will take if any.

I ran into Steve the next day and he was all excited about working and shining shoes that he told me he called his mum and told her he was getting back on his feet real soon. Oh he's ready to get back on his feet.

Needless to say Jason had a great time and felt he did something great that day. Because I was unable to make it he started without me and helped a lot of people doing the 'Pie and Coke' thing on his own on Christmas Day. Aces in my book. A really top guy and single. Ha ha

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Now I have a mate (Iain) who in a big way is successful in life and yet we have worked together on a number of times helping and doing great things for people in need. The guy is always surprising me with different ideas and ways to help more.

A few weeks ago he called and asked if I was doing something for Christmas? I said I'd be doing my 'Pie and Coke thing' after Christmas morning and Jasmine opened her presents. A few days later he calls and says all the fruit and veg are taken care of.

Jerome and Louis from
Sourced Grocer at
11 Florence St Teneriffe
offered to donate food for the homeless and people in need on Christmas Day.

I got a call saying they were going to drop the food off at my house on Christmas Eve. A van came up the driveway and I meet the guy and was very impressed as he opened the back door of the van. “here you go mate you can help the homeless more now” Boxes and boxes of fruit and veg just waiting for me to pick up. Right away I'm thinking what a jackpot and it's going to help so many on Christmas. Like there were very type of fruit you could think of and all of it was grade 1 stuff. Fresh as fresh gets.

Just then two more vans came up the driveway. I must say my excitement dropped a little as the thought of where was all this going to go in our little unit. 60-80 big boxes at least, I wasn't going to not take it because I know the need out there. Let me say there was boxes stacked in the lounge room, kitchen and then out the front just inside the gate with just leaving enough room for a walkway to get through.

The guys left and I looked at my wife and I think we were thinking the same thing. It was Christmas Eve and the unit looked like a bomb hit it. With boxes everywhere even in front of our Christmas tree for Jasmine and it was about 7pm by then.

Now I have helped a lot of people over time, I just don't write about them here. So we came up with a plan. I'll call homeless services/lodges/homeless soup kitchens and those I have helped and get them to come over and get fruit and veg. Now a lot didn't answer there phone mostly because it was Christmas Eve. But within an hour there would have been 40 people at least here and 3 cars running food to those that didn't have a car but still wanted help.

Ha ha everyone had a job to do. My parents and Cheryl were bagging food and handing it out while Jasmine my 8 year old was wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and every once in a while rushing to her room to get a small toy for kids that came. What a great kid.

By 11pm half the food was handed out or in 3 cars full of food heading out for people and my family was tired from rushing everything. But the one thing I was proud of, was each of us were beaming with pride in just knowing we had done something good on Christmas Eve.

At 5:05am Jasmine came running through saying “Santa Santa came” yep it was time to open the presents.

About 8am we all started loading up the 3 cars again and was heading out to give more fruit and veg out. We went to a lot of people and lodges reminding people that fruit goes off so please only take what they'll eat within 3-4 days. I think it was about 2pm when the last lot was leaving our unit. My parents had helped all night and all day. I must say I was tired and really didn't care where the last few boxes went because we had helped so many people already. My parents asked if they could take what's left to hand out on the way home.

My mum called and was beaming with joy, they went to a old retirement village and was handing food to people that had nothing and most with no family. The old people there were grateful for the food but also grateful they were visited by someone on Christmas day.

All that help couldn't have happened if it won't for
Sourced Grocer
11 Florence St, Teneriffe

So please if your ever in the are drop buy and thank them.




Now Vanessa has done so much good helping people and even coming to our BBQ event and helping out. But the best part is I think of her as a mate because of the friendship we have and her attitude towards life. Never give up and if you are knocked down then get up and fight back.

Vanessa came see me through the week and beaming with a smile as she told me she had nominated me for Australian of the Year Awards 2012. Wow what an honour!

I didn't win or even become a finalist but the joy was Vanessa thought enough of me to nominate me and that makes me a winner anyway.

But the fact is there's so many great people out there helping others and you never hear about them mostly because there like me, not doing it for the awards but doing it because it's right. In saying that it's a great feeling when people notice the good your doing.

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26th of February at Musgrave Park near the city we are having another one of our BBQ'S for the homeless. Mates helping Mates BBQ. These BBQ events help so many people and we need all the help we can get. Needed for this event is:
Bread
Meat
Marquee's
Chairs
Tables
People to help cook and things
Toiletries
Any and all clothes you never what to see again.

If you can help with any of these please contact myself or Alicia
Me
0412 190 011
grantthepoliteguy@gmail.com
Alicia
mateshelpingmates.blogspot.com

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Happy New Year and to all my readers I hope you have a great year ahead of you.
Thank you for reading my blog and I hope you have a great day.
Grant the Polite Guy.

P.S I'm doing my shoe shine with Buffed at 259 Queens St City and here some pictures. Come check it out I do a great job with shoes.


Wednesday, December 14, 2011

On Top Of The World

In a small sense I feel on top of the world. Now I know I have a lot more new readers and some really don't know my story, well not all of it anyway, so I should say please go back to the first postings I wrote and have a read.

I woke up early again today about 2:30am because of my back hurting, I started getting depressed because I'm sick of putting up with it, but then I did what I like to do and that's sit and write down things that matter and things I have done. Now this is not me boosting but wow I have accomplished a lot.

I went from having nothing and living on the streets to-

I got married and have a family.

I started and put together a BBQ idea that helps hundreds of homeless. Now it's a non-profit charity that does great work for the homeless.

I have a very large number of people I call mates and they think of me as a mate.

I have sat and talked and helped countless of homeless and working people while doing my pie and coke thing.

My Amway business is really starting to be successful because I help others to make money too. So if you want to join me please let me know.

I got my dog back. Ha ha It's important to a guy.

I have started a 'Buffed' franchise business at the BOQ Building 259 Queen St Brisbane City doing Shoe Shines for people. It's early and I'm not sure I have mentioned much about this so I'll do some self advertising. I do shoe shines for people as they come and sit in my chair. I charge $5 for shoe shine and $8 for the premium shine which I use leather conditioner as well. But wait there's more... ha ha you can drop shoes off and come back and pick them up later but I have to charge $2 because it's harder to do without the foot in them.

So come down with your shoes, boots and really anything leather and I'll shine them up. I made a joke before saying “If your feeling down or just want a chat come on over and I'll shine you right up” ha ha I know it's not that funny but hey “Come over and I'll give you a shiny start to the day”

Now Buffed is new and starting up so there trying to get the word out by doing different things, so I thought I'd let people know about it too. Hey I do have a franchise. Ha ha. There's a competition https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=254163624643538&set=pu.182235595169675&type=1 It's easy all you have to do is fill in the captions and if you win I'll do the free shoe shine. So please check it out and share with others. There has to be better out there then what I wrote. Ha ha

I sort of went off track there. I was writing about successful things I've done. Sorry about that.

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Not That Great

Now I have just written a lot of stuff about how great I am. Now I'm going to write about one thing I feel very guilty about. Hey that got your attention, ha ha.

I once sat in a park and talked to a lady with her 3 year old son. I bought them a pizza and drinks while hearing and bad story about her husband beating her and started hitting the boy when she left. I was homeless at the time and asked them to stay with me at the side of a building where I knew it was safe. They did and we talk most of the night while the boy slept. (no I didn't sleep with her or touch her in any way)

This was when I was newly homeless and really giving up on myself being in pain all the time. I just wanted them to be safe because I'd already seen how bad things could get on the streets.

The next morning I left before they woke up because I wanted to be alone and not wanting to feel responsible for them. I know it was bad but at that time I had my own demons to care about. I couldn't look after or care about myself at that time.

I have seen that lady and son once again shortly after that walking through the mall with a guy yelling abuse at her and I just knew he was the husband. She had gone back to him.

If I had myself more together at that time I could have helped and shown her a true friend and show that she had self worth.

I know I'll never forget that lady or her son and now that I'm getting stronger I'd really love to meet that husband and show him what a real man is like.

To be honest I'm writing this because I get a lot of people thinking I am so great, but no a great man would have protected them and tried his best to help.

No matter how many people I help it won't be enough because there's people that need more then money or things but a friend at the right time.

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I know I'm finishing this on a bad note and I'm sorry about that. But if you ever get a chance to help someone that really needs it then please do, not because you may feel bad later that you didn't but because it's the right thing to do.

Thank you for reading my blog and I hope you all have a great day.
Grant the Polite Guy
grantthepoliteguy@gmail.com
0412 190 011

Thursday, December 8, 2011

100th Post Yeah


Now I know I haven't done a post for a while. But to be honest I've been run off my feet with everything. Married life and playing with daughter and dog. (which is important in life) I have a lot to make up for.

I started my new franchise doing 'shoe shines' in the foyer of BOQ building on Queen st. Hey I'm really good at it and it's really starting to rub off on me that I'm running my own small business.

I've come along way which I have many of people to thank for that. Don't worry I won't forget it.

Because I've done so well it really makes me think how I need to help that many more. You see I too was homeless and had nothing, now I'm a family man and starting a new business. If I can do it then I can help others that are homeless to as well. It takes a lot of hard work and a lot of bluffing confidence, but it's worth it.

Above are some pictures of the last BBQ for the homeless. Homeless came and ate free and took whatever clothes and things they could carry. The best thing I remember was volunteers carrying things away for some of the older people and in the top left picture there's two kids (I was told there names but I don't have the names list with me) drawing Christmas Cards to hand out to the homeless.

Now there were a huge response with help for this event and to be honest I don't have the names list to write them here. I will after I get the list. But I will say a huge thank you to our biggest sponsors which with them I couldn't have put the BBQ on in the first place.
NAB Bank
Samies Girl Seafood Market
Rosies Food Van
A & S Dingo Services Turf and Landscaping
Knitting for the Needy
A reader here and mate brought his mum as a Doctor for the homeless
Ipswich Council
Alicia which helps and does most of putting these BBQ together and the is President of Mates helping Mates

Now the volunteers that came were amazing and I really wish I had that list of names. But I say Thank you for everything as I'm sure homeless were helped that day because you all came together as a community and said “Hi Mate”

I have a lot to write about and people I have come across that are really just golden, but I have to go to work now and I promise to do next post on Saturday.

Please check out mateshelpingmates.blogspot.com as that's were a lot of the information for the BBQ'S and things are as it is a non-profit charity.

Thank you for reading my blog and I hope you all have a great day.