Life is everchanging. It seems to become more chaotic the older we get and the more industrialized we as a society become. So, going into stores or malls isn’t as feasible as it once was. Consequently, online shopping has become more common, and in many cases, is the new normal.
Although online shopping is much more convenient, there are some downsides including the possibility of not getting exactly what you thought you were buying. Additionally, more intense downsides exist, such as safety concerns. To combat some of these concerns and ensure safety, Pembroke, Ontario, a small city in Canada, is using a handshake symbol as a new solution to ensure safety. Their idea, while unconventional, could prove to ensure the safety of thousands of shoppers. If proven successful, Pembroke may transform the way people undertake online shopping.
Handshake Symbols Represent Safety
A handshake symbol is showing up in parking spaces all over the city. Pembroke’s police department, Pembroke OPP, gave a statement regarding the new handshake symbol parking spots. “The purpose of Project Safe Trade is to create a ‘community safety zone’ at an OPP detachment parking lot to facilitate online property transactions,” the OPP said in the news release. “Creating a ‘community safety zone’ is about moving online transactions away from secluded parking lots, personal residences or other areas and bringing them to a public place.”
Parameters of the Project
Amazingly, the handshake symbol spots, called “safe trade spots,” will be available 24 hours a day and will not require appointments. The way these spots work is simple. If you’ve purchased something online but have to pick it up, or pay, in person, the handshake symbol spots become a neutral meeting point. It’s important to note these spots will not be monitored 24 hours a day. This means there will be no police intervention, such as mediation or witnessing a transaction. In contrast, they will have available officers on the scene if a call or complaint is made to the city regarding a criminal matter. The area will be well-lit and conveniently located just off the highway.
Holiday Shopping
With the holidays upon us, things become even more hectic, and people often stop looking into all the transaction details. The handshake symbol spots have been developed in tandem with the holidays. Steph Neufeld, the safety unit’s captain, says, “The local launch of Project Safe Trade comes at an ideal time with the busy holiday season upon us. Online property transactions are ever-increasing and the UOV OPP is proud to be launching a community safety initiative aimed at decreasing offences related to online marketplace transactions,” He continues in the statement, “Collaborative approaches like Project Safe Trade can help to reduce harm and victimization in our communities.”
Going Beyond the Handshake Symbol
The handshake symbol parking lots are a great start, but there is more the city has incorporated into the project. In particular, one Canadian resident and professional. Carmi Levy, a technology analyst, offers helpful hints. While seemingly obvious, they can be forgotten during an overwhelming time like the holidays.
Levy said, “Do your due diligence on the person that claims to be selling it. Look into their background, see what other things they’ve sold, look for information on how other buyers have dealt with them in the past.” Also suggesting people, “Insist on seeing the actual device that you’re buying before you hand over any money. Insist that they power it on. Insist that you make sure it works before you pay for it.” This is a great way to avoid being scammed and wasting your hard-earned money on something that just isn’t worth it.
Other Safety Suggestions
Other recommendations include going with someone you know and trust when engaging in online transactions. Save all interactions between buyer and seller, this includes voicemails, emails, or text messages. Additionally, shopping apps like ‘OfferUp’ and ‘LetGo’ tell you they won’t reach out for personal information. They suggest you use caution when doling out personal information with limited or only necessary information.
Furthermore, they suggest that you have those conversations strictly in the app. This ensures the conversation is logged in a secure environment so you can avoid giving your personal information to a stranger. For Canadian residents, specific to the Pembroke area, seeking handshake symbol parking lots can keep citizens safe this holiday season. Moreover, they can help bring higher levels of safety in years to come.
Dolly Parton: A Journey from Modest Origins to a Heart Full of Generosity
In addition to writing and recording the original version of “I Will Always Love You,” Dolly Parton is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who has also made her mark in movies and literature.
Dolly Parton was up in poverty and didn’t see a toilet until she was eight years old, yet she is now a dedicated supporter of many philanthropic initiatives.
A Poverty-Shaped Childhood
Dolly Parton, who was born in Tennessee on January 19, 1946, was the fourth child out of twelve and had to deal with financial difficulties. Her mother, who was descended from Wales, delighted the family with stories and songs, while her father worked as an illiterate sharecropper. Parton’s parents made sure their kids had clothes, food, and shelter in spite of their own hardships. Thinking back on her childhood, Parton revealed:
“I never felt poor, even though we were.” We always had a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, and enough to eat. Mama and Daddy identified individuals in worse condition than ourselves. I felt like everything was normal. We were poor, but you wouldn’t know it unless you remembered sleeping on shared beds, eating beans and cornbread, using newspaper as insulation, and having to go outdoors to use the restroom.
Acquiring Knowledge of Life’s Fundamentals
The Parton family was jammed into a tiny one-room cabin next to the Little Pigeon River, where they lived outside most of the time. Parton said that she didn’t use an indoor restroom until she was eight years old, and even then, she hesitated because she thought it would “suck them right down.” During the winter, the family manufactured their own soap and took weekly baths; however, due of her roommate arrangements in high school, she had to take daily baths.
Impact of Family on Professional Achievement
Notwithstanding the challenges, Parton gives her family, who have always been her biggest love and musical inspiration, a lot of the credit for her success. Her songs and performances reflect her love for them.
Dolly Parton, who has a $375 million net worth, is as generous as she is successful. She established the Dollywood Foundation in 1988, originally providing scholarships to her high school classmates. The organization grew over time to assist teachers and kids from different schools who needed their assistance. The Imagination Library is one noteworthy project. Originally launched in 1995 as a memorial to Parton’s father, it has expanded to provide nearly two million children in all 50 states with approximately 1.3 million books each month. In 2018, as the program commemorated its 100 millionth book distribution, Parton said she never thought it would be this successful.
Kind Deeds During Tough Times
Dolly Parton has demonstrated her willingness to assist in times of need. Following the horrific 2016 wildfires in the Great Smoky Mountains, she established the My People Fund, which generated over $9 million to support 900 families. After her niece’s leukemia treatment was successful, she made more contributions to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Her altruistic endeavors encompass aiding institutions such as the American Red Cross, charities fighting HIV/AIDS, and animal rights organizations. She started speaking out in favor of Covid vaccinations in 2020 and gave $1 million to help create the Moderna vaccine.
Giving from the Heart Generosity
Dolly Parton is a selfless person at heart. She admits that she enjoys giving to others and that it makes her happy to change their life. Her incredible path from humble origins to success has undoubtedly influenced her commitment to philanthropy, as it has turned her into a compassionate person.
How do you feel about Dolly Parton’s giving? Do you think her upbringing has an influence on her charitable work? Express your opinions and assist in bringing attention to this amazing woman’s philanthropic contributions.
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