Albert Einstein once said: “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.”

Giving and spreading the Christmas spirit are an intrinsic part of the sharing ethos of Home Finance Company Limited (HFC) Bank.

This year, the bank had opened its new branch at the Ganilau House, located in the heart of the capital city.

Cooking a big ‘lovo’ meal and having the usual Christmas party in the office has been the Bank’s tradition for many years.

But this year, they decided to do something new by feeding the homeless and shoeshine boys.

With a team of 11 staff members, HFC senior manager Odille King ventured through the streets of Suva to distribute their home-made food packs.

It was an experience that was an eye opener for all of them.

Most of us become so indulged with our work that we tend to ignore what is happening around us.

Can you imagine yourself sitting on the side of the road every day, as people would walk past with their pockets filled with notes and coins or smart phones by their ear, while your stomach rumbles like thunder out of hunger?

Well that is the life that most homeless people live.

We must learn to appreciate what we have and be grateful for the little or big things in life, says Ms King.

Ms King, with her young and dynamic team, collected some of their savings, bought the ingredients and then cooked the food at one of the staff member’s house.

The heart warming gesture was something new for some of her team members.

While strolling down the streets to distribute the food packs, she was touched by many incidents.

“Two men at Sukuna Park actually came up to us before we could reach them and asked us for food and so we thought that if they are asking us for food, they must be really hungry.

“Another homeless lady and man asked for extra packs for their friends and later we saw them with their friends eating together.

“It was so touching that even on the streets they look after one another and with the little they receive, they still share it.

“We are so fortunate to have so much but often it is hard for us to share with those who have so little.

“Many times when we see the shoeshine boys, we avoid them.

“But when we shared with them [the food packs], we came to realise that they are only trying to earn enough money to feed themselves and their families.

“So any [or even] little contributions mean a lot to them,” said Ms King.

The experience of that day’s adventure was one that they will never forget, says Ms King.

“We have vowed to continue doing this as frequently as we can,” she added.

Feedback:  monica.aguilar@fijisun.com.fj