Kindness rocks!

It is not unbelievable because kindness is contagious.

The awe-inspiring messages of one of the greatest saints of our time, Mother Theresa, have quietly but effectively touched people's lives in the whole world. They reflect the core of her philosophy of suffering and joy. Perhaps you, in any manner, have received a big favor from someone who is familiar or unfamiliar to you. Or perhaps you have done a favor for someone else. If so, then you already know this: when you sow seeds of kindness and compassion in the heart of another, it grows, flowers, and eventually spreads its own seeds, even if you're not there to witness it.

There are many generous organizations that aim to do the same suffering and joy as Mother Theresa. These organizations have shown how to attain a strong clarity of purpose that will have a positive effect in the world around them. Sure, there is no rule against doing nice things for people you know or do not know, but there is something magical about helping someone when you have no expectation of reward. It is nice and fun when you extend your help.

Vaccines for the Philippines is one of non-profit organizations which have been set up for the benefit of Filipinos. Established in October last year, this organization is not based in the Philippines but its purpose is to help Filipino children. The nine-month old organization administered vaccines to those who are in need last summer with the help of local health organizations.

Peter Reichman, founder of Vaccines for the Philippines, said that those who have been involved in the establishment of Vaccines for the Philippines all have a unique connection with the people of the Philippines, and a strong desire to help those who are in need of so much help.

"We hope that through this organization and the help of so many generous people, we will be able to vaccinate thousands of children against diseases such as; hepatitis, tetanus, and MMR," he added.

This coming July 4, 5, and 6, there are more or less 20 members of the organization who volunteered to come over on their own and personally do the service. They are coming up with first aid kits to be given for free to the less fortunate families in some of the depressed areas of Bohol. Peter - together with his friends and co-members - volunteered to help in reconstructing the house of 46-year-old Mildred Merelos that burned down by fire last April 18, 2005. Truly, the stronger the action, the less there is to say; the action will speak for itself.

The organization would like to acknowledge those who have played a big role in helping the foundation to get up on it's feet: Jake Sowby; the University of Utah Athletic Program and many others of the university who spent much in designing a fundraiser for the organization; HOSA program of Timpview High School for choosing the organization as the beneficiary of their fundraisers; Mark Gardner and the Sports Den in Salt Lake City for their donations, time, and expertise; and for those whose help has gone unnoticed.

The donations that the organization received will be used to buy vaccines for children in the Philippines. The organization has bracelets to be sold in Utah as a fundraiser. At this moment, the main area of focus of the organization is on the island of Bohol.

It is always good to carry out an act of kindness as what Princess Diana said, with no expectation of reward or fear of punishment, safe in the knowledge that one day - someone, somewhere may do the same for someone else.