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LETTER: Show compassion, empathy to those less fortunate

Dear Editor: Kudos to Mike Clucas for speaking out (Feb. 18 letter to the editor in response to Neighbours Oppose New Group Home , Feb. 15 front-page story).

Dear Editor:

Kudos to Mike Clucas for speaking out (Feb. 18 letter to the editor in response to Neighbours Oppose New Group Home, Feb. 15 front-page story).

Clucas said: “… if you are really so terrified of these people in your neighbourhood, then talk to them. Listen to their stories. Look into their eyes and feel where they have come from.”

We can all learn a lot from Clucas.

This doesn’t just apply to the people who need the recovery house, but to the homeless people we pretend not to see when they’re sleeping on our sidewalks, and the mentally ill or physically disabled we fear making eye contact with.

As a child, my eyes saw the goodness in those less fortunate, and held no shame. As an adult, I need to open my eyes and not judge.

If adults had the same courage, compassion and empathy as our children, perhaps peace would naturally endure.

Mary Chang
North Vancouver