The dictionary defines “friend” as a person who likes and knows another, person who favours and supports, a person who belongs to the same side and group.

I have many friends and they do come from various places…my family, friends I have known since high school, friends from volunteer organizations that I have belonged to, my blogging friends that I have met on line, my fellow Stampin’ Up! demonstrators, those that I have worked for and worked with and the list goes on.

For me, each of these people or groups of people hold a special place in my life.  I know that each of them will give me support when I require it and are there to hold my hand and wipe my tears if need be.

I can’t imagine life without friendship because it’s the special relationships and bonds that we form from having common interests and sometimes not so common interests.

So where is this going you might ask.

Sometimes people are alone and afraid and may feel that at this time of their lives, they do not have the  family and/or friends close by.

Ronald MacDonald House supports many families in need through out the year. Each year, thousands of families stay at more than 160 independently operated Ronald McDonald Houses in North America. These Houses serve as temporary homes for the families of seriously ill children who are being treated in nearby hospitals.

In this time of crises, sometimes you need a friend and Stampin’ Up! and their demos help to make the burden a little less stressful.

Stampin’ Up! is a national sponsor of the Ronald MacDonald House Charities and help those families enjoy a creative environment in their “home-away-from home”.

Each year Stampin’ Up! creates a special stamp set where proceeds from the sale of this stamp set will go to the charity.   

This year, Stampin’ Up! is donating $3.00 from the sale of each stamp set.

Demonstrators are also encouraged to support the Ronald MacDonald House Charities to donate hand-crafted cards to the families so that they can use them…someone may need a Birthday card and just cannot find the time to go out and buy one.  At Convention and Regional events, there are always baskets where demonstrators can drop off their cards to be send to the Ronald MacDonald Houses.

Demonstrators will often organize events and volunteer activities…maybe it is a card making session with the children and the parents.  This gives the family some respite from the strenuous and emotional roller coasters that need to endure.

I am sure that many friendships develop when demonstrators are personally involved at the Ronald MacDonald Houses.

This year, the stamp set for the Ronald MacDonald Houses is called Moving Forward and I have done a card using each of the stamps in the set.