Seattle, Washington

When we think of the word, “Compassion” we think of the literal meaning as defined in the Dictionary:

“A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by astrong desire to alleviate the suffering.”  

Many faces have graced our presence along the way showing the amazing compassion they have for others without asking for anything else in return or recognition in any way shape or form.  It is just who they are and will ever be.  There are many “Heroes” who fall into this category.

However, there is one particular “Hero” that seems to stand out from the rest making impacts on the lives of the homeless in Seattle, when others have simply forgotten or avoid them altogether.

She has never forgotten them nor the vision of people living a hard life on the streets. You see, our “Hero” is 9-1/2 year veteran EMT Kanani Yee with the national based EMS Agency, American Medical Response or aka AMR with local Headquarters here in Tukwila, Washington.

Since 2010, “Answering the Call” was born though she plays down that title we have given her, we all know the amazing good deeds she has put into motion has touched many lives a long the way.  She has received amazing support from colleagues and the communities both inside and outside of Washington State.  Collecting the “bare” necessities to give to those less fortunate has been her soul [pun intended] mission in creating a better life for them.

Entering into her third year, handing out donations to those “less fortunate” she will again in 2014, do the same but she can’t do it alone and this is where we are calling upon YOU to help her out.  Her partner, Josh Young will be alongside with her giving out these “gifts” to others while they are on duty.

Here’s her personal story she shared with us on her Facebook page recently,

“A face, a smile, and a moment that I will never forget. I never knew his name. I saw him in an alley in Seattle, pushing everything he owned in a cart.

He didn’t seek anyone out and did not ask for a thing. In fact, I sought him out. I was on a mission to find homeless people who could benefit from the donations that myself and a co-worker collected.

He put a face to the term “homeless person”. He broke the stereotype of a homeless person being someone who asked for money only to buy drugs and/or alcohol–again, he did not ask for a thing.

Though I was there to give him gifts (a hat, a scarf, gloves, socks, toiletries, a blanket, and food), I did not expect to receive a gift myself: the humbling tearful moment that we shared. The moment in which I realized, more than ever before, that we are one in the same.

I do not know what happened on this man’s journey to lead him to this point in his life, but what I do know is that we are both human.

No matter the details of our struggles in life, we both need a little help sometimes–we all do.

I am thankful for those who have helped me through my own struggles and I want to do something that will help someone else in their own.” – Kanani Yee, EMT for AMR

We are calling upon all of our Public Safety “Elves” to help fill the AMR Sleigh with items that will benefit Seattle’s homeless population.

Donated items can either be dropped off or mailed to AMR’s Headquarters located at: 13075 Gateway Drive, Suite #100, Tukwila, WA 98168 Attention: Tom Maxian or Kanani Yee c/o AMR.  Business hours are 0800-1700 Monday – Friday. All need to be received by Friday, December 12, 2014. 

She will then be hitting the streets with her partner, Josh Young and AMR’s new GM Tom Maxian on Monday, December 15, 2014.

Here are some suggested items:

• Hats
• Scarves
• Gloves
• Blankets
• Socks
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, hand sanitizer, etc)
• Gift cards
• Gently used coats/hoodies
• Gently used shoes
• Gently used blankets
• Healthy snacks

Give today and help save a Life!

More information on her progress will be updated. YOU can make a Difference and show the true meaning of “Compassion” upon a person’s life.  Please give today!

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