8123: The School For Compassion & Kindness (Part Two)

An 8123 Community blog by Josie Bircham.

Read Part One of this instalment HERE

I remember the first time I read about 8123 impact. It was the lead up to the first 8123 fest; we were asked to bring canned goods along to the fest with the aim of collecting 8,123 items of food to be donated to a local homeless shelter. On top of that, several volunteer posts were announced in Phoenix the day before the fest. It was one of the first times that I really felt part of a community, something bigger than just the music, a family of people trying to put some good back into the world. I remember feeling so proud turning up on the day of the fest with my bags of food to donate, and seeing the photos of everyone who was able to go to the volunteering events. 

Living in the UK, there haven’t been any 8123 impact opportunities that have made it quite this far yet, but I can’t wait to get involved when they do! I’ve watched this lovely little family helping out at homeless shelters and saving trees and it made me feel all fuzzy and inspired.

I wanted to do something too, so I did some research and found an event that was coming to my city that allowed participants to raise money for a charity of their choice. My work colleague Hannah and myself signed up for the obstacle colour rush, which is a 5k run with the added challenge of various obstacle courses, and being bombarded with rainbow powder as you make your way around. I chose two charities to sponsor; the animal sanctuary that I work for, and Mind, the mental health charity. We raised just over £750 in total, which felt like a pretty sweet achievement for a morning running and jumping through rainbows. We are planning another event for the spring!

The 8123 family of sweethearts never fail to inspire me to be better, and kinder, and more compassionate; to go outside and LIVE, and spread positivity as far and as wide as possible. And I know I’m not alone in feeling that inspiration. The world is that little bit brighter because of this lovely little thing. I can’t wait to see what comes next.