Kindness and compassion cost a little, yet its value is radical. In these challenging times, it’s easy to be distracted by everything going on around. But Covid-19’s ongoing aftermath is just not enough to shun our resilient efforts to stand and heal as one.
Enter ABCD
Yup, this FB Page is as fascinating as it sounds. The Amicable Barter Community of Dubai has been around since the initial quarantine date and it has grown to a strong 100K members and counting. It serves as an aid for the Expat community to reach out and help each other in their own little ways. Most people who lost their jobs would have their precious belongings (from signature shoes, bags, and jewelry) ‘bartered’ for daily needs and most often than not, baby essentials.
There’s also some good-goodbye stories of people bidding farewell to their adored indoor plants in exchange for a set of grocery items to be given to the less fortunate. Also, others would volunteer to drive around just so the trade would reach the agreed ‘barter’ location without both parties spending a penny or two. Because it wouldn’t be a fair barter if you spend for a fare.
The standout ‘bARTer’
Girl in the Rain, The Geisha, Mother, and a Child. These were just a few of Jared’s artwork he, with the assistance of his parents, ‘bartered’ to help distribute grocery packs to a number of families in need.
As of writing, the post already garnered almost 3K shares and likes. More than that, instead of 5, they managed to distribute grocery packs to 30 Families and more requests are coming in from ABCD’s members for a new set of artworks.
How it all started
“Jared started his passion for art when he was two years old. My husband and I noticed that he likes to doodle. What we did is we place huge papers on the wall, wherein he can draw anything. There is always a story in every drawing. He began painting at the age of three. And each stroke of his painting brush on the canvas, splashing of colors is pleasing to the eyes. During that time his favorite subjects were mountains and greenery. As he grew the subject of his paintings changed as well and now it is more on a portrait. He even gives titles for each painting, like the ones we bartered.
His imagination is exceptional, and his paintings are one of a kind. As the saying goes “Every canvas is a journey of its own“. Jared’s artwork is evolving. He can paint on anything, he painted a portrait on my denim pants, on my bag, and painted on his dad’s wallet. He can transform a plain table to a picturesque one. At his young age, he is now starting to search for the best art school in the world and told us that he will study college in the UK. We love his attitude towards his great passion for art.” – Jhea Jadraque, (Jared’s Mom)
Charity begins at home
At a young age of 11, It’s normal that he doesn’t know what ‘barter’ is. But after Mommy Jhea explained how bartering works, Jared loved the idea and willingly offered his artworks.
This only goes to show that kids in this generation are capable of making an effort to get involved in societal issues and we, the older generations, have to validate those efforts.
Get Involved
Recently, ABCD’s Founder, the power couple, Cesar, and Lou Parroco together with Jared and Mommy Jhea were featured in BXD Now’s First Live Segment. It was such a meaningful exchange of conversation discussing the impact of the Page on the community and how we can contribute to help each other facing this current situation. (Click here to watch the video)
If you haven’t heard of this community yet, perhaps it’s about time you get involved and start some inventory with your preloved items. Your altruism goes a long way, it’s no doubt. Surely, my granny was right, regardless of what the world will throw us, you always win when you’re kind.
So let’s set a standard for a ‘new normal’ by disrupting the world with kindness. Happy Bartering, everyone!
