The first time I drew outdoors at zero degree Celsius, and created a fundraiser for the homeless this winter
: on seizing opportunities to draw the London snowy scene, which turned into a fundraiser. Plus, the drawings.
HopeMail #144
you can open this email in your browser (view the images in large size) or read this with the Substack app. Both links are on the top right-hand side of this email.
Hi there,
You might know that London was blanketed with a carpet of snow on Sunday, December 11, 2022. It was too early in winter for snow, many said. Let alone snowing in London.
But, snowed, it did. It caught everyone with different reactions of surprise and delight, for those dressed in warm clothing; dismay and disarray, for those who weren’t. Also, for those stuck and stranded in traffic.
Here are some of the photos I took.
After trying not to slip and fall while walking back with my not meant for snowy weather shoes (thankfully protected with a warm winter jacket and head coverings), I managed to get home safely. At the back of my mind, I thought of those sleeping rough on the streets. And said a prayer, asking for mercy.
The following day, I awoke to a carpet of white.
The magical wintry scene at a nearby park is too hard to resist heading out—and drawing live on location. But, it’s freezing. Should I?
I set aside my hesitation: there was nowhere to sit, I don’t know what to draw, I’m self-conscious of passersby thinking who’s this lunatic drawing in freezing zero degrees Celcius? And seized this rare opportunity. I bravely stepped out(side) of my shell to draw.
2.5 hours later on my feet, I started shivering. Which is of course, not helpful for fine line drawing. As I didn’t bring any money to buy a cup of hot tea to warm me up, so that I can continue with more drawings, I called it a day and headed back.
Again, at the back of my mind, I thought of the homeless people. Isolated, alone, cold, hungry.
I have a choice of being out there in the cold, buying a cup of hot tea and a meal, of heading back to the house for warmth. Many homeless people don’t.
How can I do something about it?
I thought of selling the two drawings and giving part of the proceeds to charity. But, I wanted something quicker and easier to execute. When I found out Instagram has a fundraiser feature for various causes and charities, I went for it.
I chose to raise funds for Glass Door Homeless Charity, London.
About Glass Door: Glass Door partners with churches and community centres to give shelter and support, because no one should have to sleep on the streets of London.
With my small Instagram following and infrequent postings, I know the (algorithms) odds are against me. So, I set a £50 goal. Yes, ye of little faith.
If you can, please give any amount to help bring shelter and support to people who need them the most.
How do you donate to a charity fundraiser on Instagram? Here are the steps.
On Instagram, open the post with the fundraiser that you want to donate to. In this case, it’s my fundraiser for Glass Door Homeless Charity, London. Here’s the Instagram post (works with mobile):
In the bottom left of the image, tap Donate.
Enter the amount that you want to donate, then tap Next.
Enter your payment details. You can also choose to hide your donation info.
Tap Donate.
You can also see the fundraiser on my Instagram bio @melinda_yeoh
We might think a little won’t help much. But a little from everyone adds up.
Thank you for collectively helping someone find a roof over their head this winter.
💖 Melinda
melindayeoh.com
Creating art to spread hope and a little whimsy
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