Hi neighbour! How about problem swapping or lending as a means of problem solving? That would be the day, eh? After you are through smiling at the idea, think it through with me. It would certainly adjust our perspective and appreciation of the other man's burden and spur us to care more.

There would be a serious reorganisation of the current reality: the single mother who can hardly find lunch money for her five children attending school is not concerned about the old woman who needs a mattress for a night's rest.

Begging bench

Each thinks that his or her burden is heavier than the other, and must be dealt with first and foremost.

Many of the neighbours who call on us for assistance seldom think they can be of be help to anyone. They are often tied up in their own little world, without windows or doors. They cannot see the world and its ills, but expect the world to see their plight and come to their rescue. The funny thing is that these persons spend decades on the begging bench. When the game is over, they are still waiting to play.

Here's the key: If even while bearing our own pain, we can extend a helping hand to a neighbour, it can trigger uncommon blessings. Mary and Yvonne were next-door neighbours. Mary was very depressed because she lost her job and had no savings. Yvonne's child suddenly became ill and had to be rushed to the hospital miles away. With no money to take care of the emergency, she dashed across to Mary for help.

Forgetting her dilemma, Mary obliged, out of the little she had. She also went the extra mile by accompanying her neighbour to the hospital. At the hospital, they met a mutual friend whom they had not seen in many years.

One thing led to another. Mary was employed the following week through this friend's instrumentality, and Yvonne's medical obligation was underwritten by this same friend.

If this sounds like a fairy tale, just show kindness to someone who is truly in need, and see if the divine hand doesn't work in your favour!

Here is a golden opportunity. On Monday, a single mother of two from St Elizabeth called me about her situation. Her daughters, seven and 13, are attending school without any help from their dad.

Heart condition

This dear neighbour has a heart condition, coupled with another health issue. She must provide for the girls but doesn't want them to go seeking help for themselves. All she is asking is that a couple of neighbours help her to start a little poultry business to care for her family and her health. Wouldn't you be happy to be part of this neighbour's solution? Sure you would!

Neighbours, instead of complaining about how tough times are, why not shake up yourself and change your fortunes by helping someone else.

Silton Townsend, author of the weekly feature, 'Hello Mi Neighbour', is known for his portrayal of the character 'Maas Gussie' in the once-aired local sitcom, 'Lime Tree Lane'.

A student involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme clips the nails of a resident of the Golden Age Home in Vineyard Town, Kingston, earlier this month. The programme, which involves 2,000 participants locally, promotes character building, and seeks to encourage selflessness among youths, as well as to teach them a skill. - Photo by Vernon Derby

Opportunities to help new needy neighbours

1. Miss Beckford, St Andrew: needs to do kidney dialysis weekly; she is currently unable to find the money needed each time. The situation is desperate, but she is willing help herself. She is asking neighbours for clothing she might sell for income.

1. Dianne, unemployed mother of two, St James: asking neighbours to assist with chickens to rear to earn a living.

2. Miss Knight, St James: requesting size 17 church clothing.

3. Miss Lewis, Clarendon: appealing to neighbours for clothing for her grandchildren aged one and two, as well as a pair of size eight shoes.

4. Katisha, mother of three children aged 10, seven and two: asking a kind neighbour to assist with seeds for farming to help her family.

5. Debbie, whose husband passed away, leaving two children to support. She is finding it increasingly difficult to cope. She is asking for chickens to rear for interim income.

To help, please call 906-3167, 884-3866 or 373-7745 or email neighbourtoo@yahoo.com and we will make the link. Those who desire to make financial donations to this project may make deposits to account number 351 044 276 at the National Commercial Bank. The bank routing password is JNCBJMKX.

Thanks for these helpful neighbours

1. Mr Taylor, St Andrew: for offering a three-piece settee to Angella.

2. Mr White, St Catherine: for assisting Jean with food for herself and her grandchildren. They had nothing to eat many nights.

3. Jennifer, Westmoreland: for offering clothing to youngsters.

4. Miss White, St Ann: for offering a four-burner gas stove with cylinder to Lisa from the same parish.

5. Dorothy, St Andrew: for offering a single bed to Eva, St Catherine.

6. Marlene (USA): for helping to pay school and CXC exam fees for Colleen's daughter.

7. Ruth, St Andrew: for collecting items from her peers for needy neighbours.

8. Suzette and friends, St Andrew: for assisting Violet, from St Thomas, with a bed and other household necessities.

9. Miss Robinson, St Andrew: for offering to help Joy from St Ann, who needs a sewing machine to help generate an income after the death of her children's father.

10. Mr Lee, St Andrew: for assisting a neighbour from St Catherine with baking ingredients to start a small pastry business as an income generator.