How was your weekend? Just like many other people around the world, you probably enjoyed your break from your work week; but I am sure that you also heard about what happened in Chile. They got hit by an 8.8 earthquake – more than a degree stronger than the quake that shattered the country of Haiti.
It hasn’t been more than a day or so since this happened, and the damages are only now being seen in Chile. The death toll has reached hundreds, and the numbers are expected to rise. Tsunamis have been triggered by the quake, with the waves reaching as far as Japan and Russia. Fortunately for those countries, they didn’t really get affected.
It’s another story in Chile, though. The people of this country need our help now. In the United States, you can help through SMS:
• SMS text “CHILE” to 25383 to donate $10 to Habitat for Humanity
• SMS text “CHILE” to 20222 to donate $10 to World Vision
• SMS text “REBUILD” to 50555 to donate $10 to Operation USA
• SMS text “YOUTH” to 20222 to donate $10 to UNICEF
You can also donate through Google Checkout here. They are receiving donations for UNICEF and Direct Relief International.
There are also numerous other ways by which you can donate – those are perhaps the most convenient. However, I challenge you to step out of your comfort zones and find more ways to help. Mashable has an extensive list here. Visit your local Red Cross and other organizations that may be holding their own operations. This is not the time to sit back and relax. You never know, next time, it might be you needing this kind of help.
Categories: Campaigns, Charities, Disaster Relief | Tags: Charities, Chile, Google Checkout, Haiti, Mashable, SMS donations
They were the best of friends in the long running TV show Friends, and they are really close friends in real life as well. I am sure you know the people I am talking about – Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox. These girls have taken their friendship to great lengths, and now, they are getting together to extend a helping hand to some women who need it the most.
The friends are currently busy with a project which is aimed at empowering women in Congo. More than giving their verbal and public support, Aniston and Cox are actually spending time to help the cause out. One activity they engaged in was to take part in a dinner which helped raised awareness for their charity. They were joined by Sheryl Crow. The friends are now working on catching the attention of Senator Hilary Clinton.
The organization is called OmiPeace, which is actually a humanitarian fashion brand, and is run by Mary Fanaro, another friend (not a TV “Friend,” as I am sure you know). Courtney Cox is really passionate about what they’re doing. It was quite touching to read what she said: “OmniPeace was created to give back. I can’t think of a better way to support my best friend and all the work that she and OmniPeace do to donate to causes supporting peace, education, human rights and the end of extreme poverty by 2025. Mary’s passion is so contagious and wonderful. It has taught me that anything is possible with enough perseverance and tenacity.”
To find out more about OmniPeace and how you can help, visit www.omnipeace.com/.
Categories: Campaigns, Charities, News, Organizations, Websites, Women | Tags: celebrity charities, Charities, Congo, Courtney Cox, Friends, Jennifer Aniston, OmniPeace, women's charities
No thanks to the series of hurricanes that have been hitting the various parts of the world, the Red Cross is seeking donations from anyone at the moment since helping most, if not all, of these areas in need may soon become a growing concern.
We have seen various hurricanes and typhoons like Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike and mind you, the aftermath of their visits leaves a lot for consideration. The Red Cross will be there but as far as providing aids towards these people who have become victims of such, a lot of problems as far as serving and making sure that they are able to extend that needed help may soon become a wish rather than a reality.
True enough, the Red Cross can only do so much. With the growing number of casualties brought about by these storms and floods, one has to wonder on the maximum capacity that this organization can provide as far as help is concerned.
For the people who have been spared from such wraths, perhaps adding a little something in the form of cash or in kind items can go a long way. The Red Cross is the last group you would think who would ask for help and once that happens, you know that they really need help in assisting our brothers and sisters who have become unfortunate victims of these unruly freaks of nature.
Source
Categories: Charities, Disaster Relief, News, Organizations | Tags: Charities, donations, gustav, ike, red-cross
Whenever the last quarter of the year comes in, expect a lot of charities to be put up. While most of us are planning on what stuff to buy and what food to prepare on Christmas, there are people who are sulking in a corner, wondering what Christmas would be like this year.
A lot of them are made up of orphans and old people who have been abandoned. For orphans, they never really experienced what the true meaning of Christmas truly brings. They only hear about it through the papers or from stories by people who visit them but as far as really enjoying the season of giving, majority are clueless on how it is like.
As for elders who have been abandoned, they have at one time enjoyed the spirit of the Yuletide season. They know how much joy it brings to any home and while they are sure that past experiences are cherished memories, the fact remains that they have to spend Christmas differently from hereon.
Social community services have been put up to try and share the spirit of Christmas to these people. It is not simply about giving gifts. It is about being there for them since they really have no one else to celebrate anymore. Even if you ask them, it is about fighting off the loneliness that they experience during these times. Apparently, it all comes down to making do with what they can this coming holidays and rest assured, being loved or having company around is more than enough for them this time around.
Categories: Activities, Analysis, Campaigns, Charities | Tags: Charities, christmas, orphans
Some people are thinking about what good business to do this Christmas. Decors and small tokens that they can give to other people are surely on their mind. But while others are thinking of profits, others are doing it for organizations where hopefully their talents can be put to good use. Charitable organizations have to think of some way to generate income although it is not really the main purpose of their existence.
We see Christmas cards or even some baked goods coming from them. Ideally, anyone would be touched at the efforts and for sure, endorsing or buying them can really do a lot than get money for all their efforts. It is about acknowledging and valuing what these people try to come up during the Christmas season. Also, many would be surprised at how these made goods and items would be of better quality than the ones that we find in the usual department stores.
That is perhaps the funny part. While many companies are trying to find cheaper materials, these people make do with what they have. It is not a business for them but rather an outlet to see what they can come up with. Charities are not income-generating groups. They are there to support their occupants and discarded people of society.
Hence in a manner of speaking, it is like training them and helping them give their lives a purpose. This is something that they have truly forgotten and with these ventures, perhaps they can discover themselves and find intent to live in the process.
Categories: Activities, Campaigns, Charities, Children | Tags: cards, Charities, christmas
How was your weekend? Just like many other people around the world, you probably enjoyed your break from your work week; but I am sure that you also heard about what happened in Chile. They got hit by an 8.8 earthquake – more than a degree stronger than the quake that shattered the country of Haiti.
