Following up from the last post, I just read a press release that the Ronald McDonald House Charity gave 50,000 teddy bears to needy children all around the world.

A great thing I think, because although food, medicine, clothing and so on are pressing needs, theres nothing like a teddy bear to brighten up a child’s life. So last May, the charity made and gave 50,000 teddy bears to Ronald McDonald Houses all around the world.

Together with Build-A-Bear-Workshop’s “Stuffed With Hugs” program, the only store of its kind around the world when children can make their own teddy bear - anybody could virtually walk in (the first 200) any of their stores located in the US, Canada, Asia, Europe and Australia, and make a teddy to be given to needy children.
In turn, thousands of children participated in creating teddy bears for their less fortunate counterparts around the globe. What a wonderful way to spread a hug.

Categories: Charities, Children, Organizations, Products, Programs

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Even if you believe that the fast food giant is nothing but a junk food factory, you have to give it to them for what they do to help kids.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RCHC) are committed to help and improve the lives of children and their families through a number of programs which focus on a child’s health and well-being.

The charity’s work, which help millions of children and families in need around the world, are based on 3 core programs: The Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

The charity began in 1974 based on wanting to provide a “home away from home” for families with seriously ill children. So, the Ronald McDonald House gave families a place which they could feel comfortable in, close to hospital facilites.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room followed in suit, giving families the same kind of facilities and atmosphere, but in a hospital setting, usually steps away from the pediatric and neonatal unit.

Nest, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile travels around rural and urban areas around the world, giving low-cost, high-quality medical, dental and health education services to needy children.

On top of that, the RMCM contributes to other grants and programs for children in the US and internationally, already giving more than $400 M.

If you are interested in volunteering or donating, click here to visit their website.

Categories: Campaigns, Charities, Children, Organizations, Programs, Volunteering

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Its always shocking and sad when we hear of news of people taking advantage of others generosity.

Well, following the sudden death of Australia’s Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin who was killed in a freak stingray attack, a disturbing number of con artists have tried to cash in on the tragedy.

Online, there were bogus ticket sales for Steve’s funeral in several Ebay listings, and two women were just caught selling bogus Steve Irwin Charity Stickers at the Gold Coast’s Pacific Fair Shopping Centre in Australia.

The 20-year-old woman caught, was selling stickers for AU$3 and AU$5, and claiming that 50 cents of that would go to the Australian Zoo in memory of Steve Irwin. She pleaded guilty to fraud, and was fined AU$200.

A 16-year old girl was also arrested and cautioned, although police suspect there were 2 men behind the scam. The stickers featured a crocodile, and said “In Loving Memory of Steve Irwin 1962-2006″.

If you’d like to find out more about Steve Irwin’s charitable works, click here.

Categories: Charities, Fundraising, News

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The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is to kick off their philanthropic world crusade with what sounds like the most noble project of all - to end world hunger.

The world’s richest charity is set to donate $100 M. in an initiative in sub-Saharan Africa which will revolutionize farming. From the introduction of new seeds to the training of crop scientists, the view is to greatly improve food production in the region, and change the lives of the millions who starve and live in dire poverty each year.

Joining the Gates Foundation is the Rockefeller Foundation with a donation of $50 M., who has already succeeded in a similar project (The Green Revolution) which began in the 1940’s.

Also to jump on the bandwagon is financier and philanthropist George Soros, who although usually sticks to governmental issues, has taken an interest in the Gates-Rockefeller project. Set to also donate $50 M., Mr. Soros’s money will be used to increse crop yields as well as improve health facilities and literacy in 10 African countries.

Categories: Campaigns, Charities, Environmental, Organizations

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One of the worst things that can happen to the environment is an oil spill. And about a month ago, the Philippines experienced a catastrphophic one.
On August 11th, a 998-ton tanker, Solar 1 sank of the coast of Guimaras island, spilling 500,000 gallons of bunker fuel into the sea.

Guimaras island was once known as one of the most idyllic holiday spots in the Philippines, with long stretches of white sandy beaches and fantastic marine reserves.

The oil slick has damaged 187 miles of coastline, thousands of acres of mangroves and seeweed plantations, killed millions of marine life, and has affected 40,000 villagers who have lost their livelihood and/or homes.

Today, the tanker remains underwater and is continuing to leak the deadly oil. There has been ardent appeals for oil giant Petron to help remove the tanker, but so far nothing concrete has been done and the problem remains - polluting the sea and beyond.

Enter Project Sunrise, a website created to increase awareness and hopefully get help. Backed by the Governor of Guimaras island, the website includes background information on the island, the situation today, personal stories and ways to help or get involved. It has great links to news, web feeds, and even blogs dedicated to the spill.

Because of low funds, the Philippine people have started a nationwide hair donation drive to help in the clean-up - inmates recently went bald so that their hair could be used, and more than 500 salons in the capital joined in the effort. Chicken feathers and straw is also being collected all around the country.
Visit the website today and see how YOU can make a difference.

Categories: Campaigns, Disaster Relief, Environmental, Wildlife

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