utility bill

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-50871948?fbclid=IwAR0p1XYhpegJK3E1qHpI6HbwGZ2a635hzhNTJEUVUKBtFlQ3AvrtmoE2Q64

When paying his latest gas and water bill, 73 year old Michael Esmond noticed the bill said supplies would be cut off if not paid by December 26th. Michael realised this might mean some families who were struggling to afford their bills might spend the holiday without electricity or gas. So he decided to pay bills for them.

Michael contacted the city of Gulf Breeze Florida, where he lives, and asked how many families were overdue with payments. He then paid all the overdue bills, so that 36 families in his city would not have supplies cut off.

Michael back in the 1980's when he was struggling to pay bills, his gas was cut off over winter, meaning his family had no heat.

Unbeknown to Michael, the city sent out cards to all the families whose bills had been paid. The cards read, "It is our honour and privilege to inform you that your past due utility bill has been paid by Gulf Breeze Pools and Spas" (Michael's company)

"You can rest easier this holiday knowing that you have one less bill to pay."

Michael says he was inundated with messages of thanks once the cards went out. Many people have said they will pay the money forward or donate money to charity.

What do you see in the picture?
who do you think the person is?
what are they holding?
can anyone guess the story?

explain the story

- why do people need gas and electric?
- why might some people struggle to pay for gas and electric?
- why would a supply be cut off? What happens then?
- why do you think Michael had this idea?
- Did Michael know who he was paying bills for?
- the people could have been black or white, follow different religions, be in families where there are two Mums or two Dads, have disabilities, come from different countries. Why didn't Michael check first who he was paying bills for?
- what does this show about how Michael feels about difference and diversity in his city? (he doesn't care if you are different to him, he just wants you to have gas and electric and be warm)
- how do you think people felt when they heard Michael had paid their bill?
- people are saying they will 'pay it forward' what does this mean?
- Do you think news of Michael's choices and actions might have any impact on people living in his city?
- when people talk about community cohesion, what does that mean?
- why is this about No Outsiders?

www.no-outsiders.com

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the Equality Act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat