Normally I talk about our students in Uganda, but I am terribly saddened by last weeks news and feel the need to share my thoughts. Last weekend 58 innocent people were killed and more than 500 injured during America’s deadliest mass shooting in Las Vegas. Being based in Las Vegas, this hits home. A week later and we still have no clue why Stephen Paddock decided to gun down so many people, and the survivors, and families of the deceased, are left to pick up the pieces.
And while the event took place in Las Vegas, its impact was felt around the world. Among the victims was a single mother of four from Canada. Several more victims came from across the US. Many of the victims were from Las Vegas and some were friends of my family. The loss has been tremendous. Equally as tremendous though, has been watching the amount of love and support for one another in this time of need.
We talk a lot in this blog about how people need to come together and support their friends and neighbors, not just locally, but around the globe. Within minutes of the first gunshot, Las Vegans rallied to provide transportation, housing and medical assistance to strangers via social media. Within hours hundreds of people lined up to donate blood, blankets, food items, water, etc. Thousands more jumped online to donate money to help the survivors and families of the deceased. The outpouring of initial support has been so great that some donation centers are actually receiving more than they can take at this time. I’m not suprised by the tremendous amount of support given by the Las Vegas and global community to come together in this tragic time.
Now, as the initial shock begins to wear off, it’s time to turn towards the future. As we start to move on with our lives, remember that many people will have to live with the memories and effects of this attack. And the nonprofits you donated to before will still need your help to support the next person in need. There will be a continued need to donate blood, to thank our first responders, to provide food and water. #VegasStrong isn’t just about our ability to come together and rebound for our city, it’s about our compassion to help others in the global neighborhood.
Please continue your work to be a good neighbor by donating to those in need after this tragic event. I know I will! Here’s an ongoing list from Vegas Seven on support resources and how to donate: http://vegasseven.com/2017/10/02/help-aftermath-las-vegas-mass-shooting
Wishing you peace,
Cristen
