YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Most weeks you can find me sitting in the corner of the Friday office crying. I’m not a manic depressive – in fact I’m a positive, upbeat kind of girl – but I’m regularly reduced to tears by the bravery, sacrifice and selflessness of the people we feature in our iconic philanthropic section. When my colleagues spot my red eyes and red nose they give me a sympathetic smile and ask, ‘Are you editing Making A Difference?’ Usually I can’t reply as I’m too choked. One time I openly broke down, sobbing as I read about Karibeeran Parameswaran, the father who lost his three children in the 2004 tsunami that struck the coast in front of his house in Tamil Nadu, southern India. It was his birthday and despite the devastation and grief, he and his wife Choodamani found the strength and love to take in the local children orphaned by the killer wave. Now they are caring for more than 40 kids who call them Mum and Dad.

Until now, I haven’t had any other way to honour these incredible acts of kindness except tell their stories in Friday. But now I’m thrilled to announce that we are holding our first ever Friday Making A Difference Awards for you to nominate and vote for the

I read about Karibeeran Parameswaran, who LOST his KIDS in the 2004 TSUNAMI. It was his birthday and despite the DEVASTATION, he FOUND the STRENGTH to take in local ORPHANED CHILDREN

people, groups, charities and corporations who you know have made a huge impact on others’ lives.

So this is your chance to tell us about the friend, neighbour, colleague, or child who has made a sacrifice or come up with a clever idea to help others, society or the planet.

Turn to page 30 for details on how to nominate your Making A Difference hero or heroes, and celebrate those special people who put others’ needs before their own. So please get nominating – this is the time you can really make a difference too!

Until next week,