Blessed with many of life's riches, Kandi White is determined to help others who are not as fortunate as her.

Mrs White, a member of St. Monica's Anglican Church, in Pembroke, teaches almost 25 children aged three to 17 about the word of God each Sunday.

She also helps young people with their homework and seniors with computer problems each week at the church's I.T. centre.

Mrs. White admits she has been given so many blessings in life from a wonderful husband, children, job and her health and believes it is important to share her talents and gifts with others.

The Royal Gazette is featuring her in our 'Dare to Care' campaign which aims to encourage people to carry out simple acts of kindness, whether it's helping an elderly next door neighbour or giving up some time to volunteer for a charity.

It was almost seven years ago when Mrs. White went to a motivational conference that changed her outlook on life.

She had been a Christian all her life, but at that conference learnt to use her talents to benefit others.

In addition to co-writing the motivational book 'In Service' and a children's inspirational journal 'Hours of Pure Gold' with part proceeds going to autism charity Tomorrow's Voices Mrs White teaches young people in her Sunday School class they can achieve whatever they want in life.

"It's important that a child has a person in their lives who can keep them on the right track and is just there for them. The impact I want to leave them with is that everyone has a purpose, but also that they have value. They are just as important as the person next to them," she said.

According to Mrs. White: "These children need stability. They need people they can look up to, depend on, that they know are there and that really love them. That is what I do at Sunday School, treat the children like they were my own children."

She also mentors between three and five young people through the church's I.T. centre each Wednesday.

Mrs White started that project with mentor Newvilla Dill as part of the church's initiative to get more people actively involved in service.

The I.T. centre is open to the entire community and gives children help with reading, spelling and math homework, as well as computer skills.

Mrs White believes there is great need in the community "because there are a lot of mothers working two to three jobs" unable to help their children after school. The centre also helps seniors improve their computer skills whether it is as simple as learning to turn on the computer or send an e-mail.

These sessions have made a positive difference for several young people, including one young boy in particular who learnt to take pride in his school work.

According to Mrs White, he would often turn in soiled, dirty homework with food and other items spilt on it, but now takes care of the work and teachers have taken notice.

Though Mrs. White gives up more than ten hours each week to volunteering with her church, she maintains it only takes an hour or two to make an impact in the community.

She urges people to start with small time commitments and get involved with a programme like St. Monica's I.T. Centre which needs more volunteers. To find out how you can help call the Anglican Parish of Pembroke Church office 292-5308 or visit www.hoursofpuregold.com.

l Do you or someone you know do something to care about the community? Contact us at cspencerroyalgazette.bm.