Random Acts of Kindness - Assisting Others

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DaveS

New member
In the past couple of days, I've been private messaging with a couple of other C-Brats. We know that in the past there have been a number of C-Brats that have assisted other C-Brats in times of need and we were attempting to figure out if there was some way to perpetuate the idea into some sort of "help line" to make a fellow C-Brats life a bit easier.

Since many members have mentioned in the past that they look upon the C-Brats as "family", we are "casting out a fishing line" to see if any similar thoughts, ideas, interest etc. is out there.

(Notice that I posted this in the "That's Life" section of the forums, so that only registered members of C-Brats are privy to this thread).
 
I am not sure what would be needed to make this work but I am up for something like this.

in the past I have helped several brats that needed help with storage of boats or land rigs durring a visit to this area.
 
You bet !... Count me in... I am retired so making time is not much of an issue...always willing.... Never met a Brat that I diden't like... some are like family...

Joel
SEA3PO
 
Just yesterday Chromer performed an act of kindness. He took me for a ride around Mercer Island in his 19 foot Checkpoint II. I do appreciate it.
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MartyP
 
I'm not sure exactly what you have in mind but I like the idea. Anyone needing help in NE Florida or just local information about the Saint Johns or ICW just give me a call. I also have plenty of room to stow a trailer and tow vehicle but I'm unfortunately 35 miles from the nearest ramp. I can see it from my front yard though. I'd be more than happy to shuttle ya. cell 904-219-2675.
 
Dave,

I like the idea. Agree with Joel, never met a C-Brat I didn't like and would be willing to do what ever we can to help. We are a bit off the beaten path here, but glad to help with space, shuttle or whatever we can.

I guess I'm a bit at a loss as to what you are planning, and would like to know more, but I sure do agree with what I hear so far.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
I am always willing to help a fellow C-brat 5 miles from interstate 5 in Red Bluff jjst let me know what i can do

Arnold The proud owner of loose nut
 
Sounds like a great idea. I am pretty good with a wrench. Would be more than happy to help out anyone in need.

Chuck
Bootleg Hooch
 
Dave,

I like the idea. Anyone needing help in the Portland area, whether a resident or just traveling through, feel free to contact me.

On that note, I think we should have a secure way of putting phone numbers out. My cell is 503 705-3063. I wonder if Bill or Mike could put a new field in for that info (if it isn't there already).

Steve
 
I can see different levels of help. We always offer lodging, a place to park, laundry and meals, etc to any C Dory owner traveling our way. The rewards of meeting and really getting to know these wonderful folks are immense.

I once belonged to a paper sailing club, where we literally took care of each other. Four of those members have moved to Pensacola, and we are a true extended family, where we spend time with any one who is in the hospital, or need any help with their home.

We also give help to any mariner in distress--several times a year, we or our neighbor see boats on our bay in distress, and we have a boat ready to rescue them in minutes.

I am not sure if this would extend to financial aid if someone were down on their luck with this group or not. Nor I can see see any "formal" rules, but just the willingness to help others.
 
When I had my Dodge Ram pickup, I subscribed to a quarterly journal devoted to the Cummins Turbo Diesel, called Turbo Diesel Register. Subscribers received a yearly listing of members who would be willing to help out other members. Here are the codes people used to provide info on how they could help:

CODES AND THEIR MEANINGS

EO: Emergency Only: Call only if there is a machine down or
personal emergency. Please fill in the blank with a yes or
leave vacant.

CCR: Coffee, Conversation and Resources: Call for coffee
and conversation at a local café or restaurant. This TDR
member can also provide a list of area resources and
possibly a list of local must-see attractions. Please fill in
the blank with a yes or leave vacant.

DIST: Distance: The number in this column represents the
approximate miles the volunteer will travel to help. Please
fill in the blank with a number or leave vacant.
WS: Work Space: The volunteer has a work area available for
general repair. Sub-headings: IH for indoor heated; I for
indoor; O for outdoor. Please fill in the blank with an IH, I,
O or leave vacant.

SL: Service Level: Using the numbers 1-5 rate your service
level. Sub headings include: 1 = professional diesel
mechanic; 2 = very skilled (i.e. fuel pump timing, various
rebuilds); 3 = knowledgeable (i.e. valve adjustment, brake
jobs); 4 = basic skills (i.e. oil/filter changes); 5 = can read
a manual and hand you the wrenches. Please fill in the
blank with a number 1-5 or leave vacant.

Tools: Tools Available: Sub-headings: C for compressed air; W
for welding; BT for basic shop tools; FT for full shop tools.
Please fill in the blank with a yes or leave vacant.
Parts: Parts Available: You are able to provide miscellaneous and
basic parts (i.e. nuts, bolts, etc.). Please fill in the blank
with a yes or leave vacant.

TP: Truck Parking: The volunteer has an area available for you
to park your vehicle while it is disabled. Please fill in the
blank with a yes or leave vacant.

RVP: Trailer or RV Parking: The volunteer has an area available
for you to park your trailer or RV while you are traveldisabled.
Please fill in the blank with a yes or leave
vacant.

TA: Transportation Available: The volunteer has transportation
available to assist you in logistical endeavors (i.e. to the
parts store, dealership, hotel). Please fill in the blank with
a yes or leave vacant.
Click to expand...

Maybe we could adapt this concept to the Brats.

Warren
 
From 1997 to 2007 I was secretary of a club that began in 1967. It is compiled of traveling construction electricians and their families. Our primary goal was to provide aid to one another. My duties involved writing a monthly newsletter with information that was provided to me from the members via phone and e-mail. There are roughly 500 members active and retired. We provided job information, who had a baby, who was sick, financial help to some, fund raising events etc. The members of this club are in all 50 states and many are full time RV'ers. Once a year we have and annual reunion in a different part of the country and rent a campground for a week. This summer in July we will be in TN at Loretta Lynn's campground. Last year was Leavenworth Washington at the KOA. Typically we have around 1500 in attendance. Having been in this club since 1985 is one thing that has attracted me to the C-Brats group. In my opinion you really don't have to do anything "Just be nice Rule" is all you need. With the Brat map you can locate another member anywhere in the US and Canada PM them and more than likely they would be ready to help with what ever you need. I do think it would be nice to have and area in the profiles for a phone number.
 
We are always willing to help anyone c-brat or not. Need help with trailer or boat storage. transport from airport to where ever, help with tools , parts run, deck hand, bait boy, place to stay while traveling, dog care, you name it we could help to some point.

Do not help with list---marriage, divorce, child care, parent care, waxing boats.
 
This thread evolved after personal messaging with two other C-Brats and started with my mentioning that although many of our investments have "tanked" in today's economy, that "we should count our blessings for what we have.....food, clothing, roof over our heads and as a bonus...a C-Dory" as there are a multitude of folks in this world that are in "much worse shape" than we are.
As our discussion continued we discovered that we shared a similar practice at Christmas time of giving donations to the recipients choice of charitable organization rather than doing the traditional gift giving. As our discussion ensued it was mentioned that perhaps in our own family of C-Brats there possibly could be those having tough times and if it were identified, how could we anonymously assist them out of a rough situation.

We were well aware of many of the "acts of kindness" that many of our C-Brats have done for each other and the outpouring of response this thread has generated is further evidence of that.

Marvin, in his post indicated the intricacies of the "help line" his club and in addition to the many offers C-Brats have mentioned in their above postings, also includes some of what we were discussing. (ie: when C-Brats know of a problem, such as needing an anonymous hand to "tide them over" through hard times, be it financial or driving to medical appointments anyone could co-ordinate an off-site random act of kindness).

Obviously, we would strive for this to not be too complex or intrusive.

So, not knowing exactly how this could/should evolve, I'm hoping that suggestions continue.

Thank you for being the C-Brat Family, I'm proud to be a part
of. :thup

As this discussion continues, know that I'll be "off line" until Tuesday evening. I'll be down in Olympia politicking. :lol:
 
When I mentioned "Just Be Nice" what I was getting at is I found that in the club I belong to anytime we created a rule it always seemed to take away from our goal and create some sort of conflict. In our case we have an annual meeting at our Reunions when we are all together to guide our club for the next year. I also found with financial help (which we do a lot of) that those who needed it the most were the last to let anyone know. Mostly the problems were related to health issues. What we did was appoint a chaplin who someone could call upon. This chaplin would anonymously let others know of a need. The C-Brats site is a tool we didn't have so we would typically call some one in the area of the one who was in need. I'd suggest if you know of someone in need perhaps contact others in their area with PM's. Sometimes just a call or card is all the medicine it takes!
 
Just wanted to take this opportunity, in this thread, for a public shout-out to thank Dr. Bob of Thataway for service above and beyond the call in driving me from Pensacola to Apalachicola (about a 4-hour drive -- much further on the road than on the water!) to pick up my truck and trailer. This is what being a Brat is all about -- helping when you can, being helped when you need it.

Warren
 
Hi Folks,

I believe that we do not need to formalize any site to get us to help other C-Dory owners.

I think it is in our nature. I introduce my self to every C-Dory owner I see in the Boston and Nantucket area so if there is anything I can do to help, call on me. I also welcome them.

If I find a C-dory in need of a tow (does not happen very often because C-Dory owners do not get into trouble) I will tow them. (I have all the Tow stuff because my boat is USCGAux Opfac. ) If it happens when I am a Coxswain, and the BoatUS Tow people try to get involved, I will cancel the Patrol, take my signs down, change my patrol flag and tow them. After that I will resume the patrol.

That is the way I feel.

The people on this site have been very supportive, and have given me many ideas that I have incorporated on my C-dory.

Fred
 
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