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Thirst Aid

July 27, 2011 By Charities Blog

The non-profit group has been running for quite sometime since the Tsunami’s of past and they have been filling the gap that left millions of people without clean drinking water. Founded by Curt and Cathy Bradner, an American couple who have given up everything to help the poor people of Myanmar (formerly Burma) many of whom lack basic necessities for safe and healthy living as most of Asia’s developing countries. Myanmar, being run by a Military Junta has been cut-off from the rest of the world by a military that reports directly to their generals. Suspicious of Westerners (mostly Americans) whom they distrust due to criticism they receive from most of the West.

thirstaid.JPG

The couple have been working in the country for quite sometime and have bought Visas (long term) which is a rarity in the country. The tsunamis devastated much of the effected areas contaminating water tables, decaying animals and people who were left without proper burial have also contributed to the pollution which if not corrected, would kill just as many people that were killed during the disaster itself. Disease is the aftermath of any disaster and many of them are spread through contaminated drinking water. Many of the developing world’s diseases are water-borne and the couple who started it all has been working ever since to get safe and clean drinking water to all who needs it. They have focused their efforts on Myanmar due to the utter isolation of the country from the rest of the world.

They sold everything they had and made a promise to get clean and safe drinking water to all who need it. The tsunami ravaged Myanmar was a perfect area for them to operate in due to little or no contact with the outside world. They designed simple filters made of pottery and lined with coconut husks that are capable of filtering out almost all of the harmful bacteria and other contaminants that may be present in the water. It is estimated that every 15 seconds, a child dies form disease caused by drinking untreated or polluted water and they have been fighting ever since to bring their low cost water filters to poor people who do not have much cash to purchase commercial filtration systems. The coconut and earthen filter removes all but the tiniest contaminants with a colloidal silver solution mixed in to kill any deadly pathogens that may still be left in the water. They are then safe for all to drink, especially children whose small bodies can be easily ravaged by disease.

The country is so poor that most live in huts outside of the capital with not much in terms of modern infrastructures to support the country’s growing population. They need help in their projects and their children back home manage and maintain their web site which is one of the ways they earn money for their many projects. They have managed to produce filtration systems that run from car batteries and they are in urgent need of money for funding and other purposes for them to continue helping those who need it the most.

Filed Under: Campaigns, Charities, Disaster Relief, Environmental, News, Products, Websites Tagged With: Children's mortality, Safe Drinking Water, Thirst Aid

World Oceans Day

June 7, 2011 By Charities Blog

wod.jpgJune 8 is designated to be the World Oceans Day and the event started in 2007 with over 50 countries spread over 5 continents participating. Various marine conservation groups have been part of the celebrations which aims to heighten the awareness of the problems our seas are facing as well as the creatures big and small who live in them. We humans are the most destructive beings to ever walk this earth due to the huge amount of destruction we have brought about in our short history as the dominant species on the face of the earth. There are millions of animal and plant species the world over but none has been so to blame for the extinction of the most animals and plants. Deforestation, dumping garbage into the land and sea are just some of the destructive acts we have committed against mother earth and the event aims to educate more and more people as to what we can do to lessen the impact we have on our environment.
This planet of ours has 70% of its total area as bodies of waters and of that 70% not much is known of vast oceans of the world. To this day, scientists are still finding formerly unknown species of plant and animal life from the seas, many of which hold unique and interesting properties that can prove solutions to some of our most pressing problems. The WorldOceanNetwork.org is one of the many organizing bodies which coordinates and provides materials of the scheduled events with organizations such as the Marine Conservation Society of the UK, UNESCO, TheOceanProject.Org, Nature Conservancy and many others taking part in helping our seas get the respect they deserve for theirs and our survival.

Filed Under: Activities, Campaigns, Environmental, News, Programs, Wildlife Tagged With: conservation, Creatures_of_the_Sea, Preserving_our_seas, Sea

Disaster Fatigue

May 22, 2011 By Charities Blog

disaster-fatigue.jpg
The term denotes the slow influx of aid and donations form countries that used to be generous enough to send billions of dollars to countries that have been devastated by disasters like the recent catastrophes in Myanmar and China. The government has sent aid but for most of the private individuals who used to give a buck or two to help people rebuild their lives, donations are relatively small compared to other disasters on record. Maybe its the recent financial crunch that has many either fearing the loss of their jobs in the coming months or maybe just that they are quite fed up with the situation as in Myanmar with the government committing crimes against humanity by refusing to help their own residents. They initially refused to accept aid from Western nations saying they had the capacity to do it on their own, but as the obvious became apparent and they finally let some aid in the officials of the Military Junta began to stockpile imported aid for their own sending rotten stores to their citizens.
This is a sad yet true story for even the most generous people do have to deal with their own financial woes. China, which has spent billions of dollars in developing and constructing new structures (airport, athletic venues and other such Olympic aimed infrastructures), has appealed for aid from the outside world countering their previous denial for aid. Myanmar which showcases everything as normal even with the rest of the world saying and knowing it isn’t is truly hypocrisy in the highest levels. With thousands of corpses lining rivers and villages, and with no immediate sanitary way of dealing with them the threat of epidemics is high and possible.
People will continue to give like they have always done in the human tragedies of past but world wide economic slowdown may make it more difficult for those who give and receive aid. People are also frustrated that even with the billions in aid being sent to areas and people in need, their government’s themselves fail to take up the cause of helping their own. The world is filled with compassionate and caring individuals that allow us to remain human, compassionate and ever helpful.
A reality that has to be accepted is that these people will have to do the healing by themselves and that is by far the only certainty in this disaster plagued world. The resilience of humans has amazed us in all of the world’s disasters from then till now, let us just hope we as a part of the human race continue to help each other in spite of political, ideological and other differences.

Filed Under: Analysis, Disaster Relief, Environmental, Events, News Tagged With: aid, charity, China, Myanmar, natural-disasters

ThoughtsFurPaws

October 21, 2010 By Charities Blog

thoughtsfurpaws2
The blog is a collection of pet charities and concerned individuals, which combines posts from pet lovers from all over who are tasked into improving the lives of neglected and abandoned pets. The many charities that deal with pets have been wrecked by intrigue and drama that you don’t know which is which. The pages contain warming stories straight from the people who do the rescue work themselves as well as pet lovers who are passionate about our furry friends.
Not just for furry but all types of animals and pets are subject with many links to several blogs that also aim to raise awareness regarding the plight of dogs, cats, birds and even farm animals that are being raised for the pet trade. Hear the warming stories of adopted animals as far as Baghdad that have been brought home to the States, helping their adopted owners deal with the turmoil that is war.

Filed Under: Activities, Animals, Campaigns, Charities, Children, Disaster Relief, Environmental, Families, Fundraising, Ideas, Inspiration, News, Organizations, Websites Tagged With: Animal-charity, animal-protection, animal-welfare, Animals, Organizations

Wherever the Need

August 11, 2010 By Charities Blog

There are people in need everywhere. Some of them are right in your own backyard. Some of them are on the opposite side of the world. No matter where it is, Wherever the Need (WTN) tries to assist.

Wherever the Need is an organization that chooses to implement projects that will have long term effects. Water for example is of prime importance to them. They work to provide clean drinking water for the people- which is critical for people to stay healthy, and if possible to the livestock and plants as well. They are very environmentally minded. They always try to ensure that their projects are earth friendly.

Wherever the need isn’t as big an organization as some but they are registered in the UK and the US.The fact that they aren’t as big an organization means that it is possible for relationships to grow between benefactors and the recipients. For those who like to make a difference and feel like they are extending their circle of family and friends, this is a great choice

One beauty of this organization is that you can approach them about a project that you woud like to start and they can help you to make it happen. It is your project but they help get it up and running. So if you know of a group that really needs your help, don’t hesitate to bring them to the attention of WTN. Be prepared to do your part of course. You will be involved every step of the way with your project; it is worth it!.

Filed Under: Activities, Charities, Disaster Relief, Environmental, Fundraising, Ideas, Organizations, Tips, Volunteering Tagged With: charitable-organizations, charity, donations, Wherever the Need

Waste Trading Markets: Convenient Recycling

July 16, 2010 By Charities Blog

I recently received an email with the following information regarding Waste
Trading Markets
in my area. I think it is a great idea to get people recycling and hope that this kind of markets will come up in many more commercial areas. What do you think?

THE “WASTE” TRADING MARKETS!

Trade scrap paper for new (office/ mimeo) paper!

Trade used ink cartridges for new!

Sell your electronic waste (junk computers) and old /broken appliances!

Sell your used lead acid batteries! Redeem the following for cash:
PET plastic bottles and other plastics, aluminum/tin cans, scrap glass.

Drop off points also provided for junk cellphones, cellphone batteries, styrofoam…

These Waste Markets aim to make recycling convenient and accessible, especially for those who frequent commercial shopping areas, and also to show
that we all CAN make recycling a habit!

Please help spread the word to family, friends and colleagues. Ask around at your local community service offcice, or better yet, start one yourself. Proceeds of this can go to the needy – another fantastic way one person’s junk can help others!

Filed Under: Campaigns, Environmental, Ideas, Tips Tagged With: charity, environment, philippines, pollution, recycling, waste-trading

Environmental Cause To Benefit From eBay

February 24, 2009 By Charities Blog

ebayWhere do you go when you want to find things to buy online? We all have our special favorites but I would be willing to bet that a lot of people have eBay at the top of their lists of web sites. And why not? You can find most anything on eBay.

Auctioning off things for a profit is not the only thing that eBay is busy with these days though. One of their projects is to hold a sale – not an auction, mind you – of fashion items for charity. Auction Bytes has this report:

eBay announced a collaboration with fashion designer Yigal Azrouel for Mercedes-Benz Fall Fashion Week. eBay is an online sponsor for Azrouel’s men’s and women’s Fall/Winter 2009 runway shows and will host a charity sale – not auction – from the designer’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection.

eBay said the collaboration represents its continued commitment to support the fashion world. In 2005 and 2007, eBay partnered with the CFDA and Vogue to present 7th on Sale, the largest sample sale on the Internet. eBay has also partnered with leading designers for past charity auctions.

So where does the charity part come in? Read on:

As part of the collaboration, eBay will sell a variety of looks from Azrouel’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection in a sale to benefit Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The charity sale, launching on June 4, is unusual in that typically such charity fund-raising events are offered in an auction format. eBay said all pieces would be offered at fixed-prices that are below retail in order to make high-end fashion accessible to eBay’s users while raising money for a charity benefiting environmental causes.

High end fashion pieces for lower prices and the environment benefitting – not such a bad deal, don’t you think?

Filed Under: Activities, Campaigns, Charities, Children, Environmental, Fundraising, Ideas, News, Organizations, Programs, Shopping

Beware Of Bushfire Charity Scams

February 17, 2009 By Charities Blog

Person putting coin into donation box

And you wonder why some people are averse to giving to charitable causes. Every time we hear of a large scale catastrophe, we also hear of charities stepping up and doing their share to help the people who have been affected. But then, we also hear of those unscrupulous people who try to take advantage of the whole situation.

Take for example the latest disaster to hit parts of Australia. Bushfires have left countless of people homeless. Others have lost more than their homes; they lost family members and friends to the raging fires. Naturally, charities are stepping up their efforts to raise funds to help those in need.

Then scammers enter the picture. Late last week, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission sent out a public warning that “scammers could take advantage of the situation.” Live News reports:

In the wake of previous disasters, such as the 2003 Canberra bushfires, scammers collected money after pretending to represent legitimate charities.

ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel has warned that scammers could use door knocks, emails or even approach people in the street asking for money.

While giving to charity is admirable, you should not leave yourself vulnerable to scammers. What can you do to avoid being victimized?

One, always ask for appropriate identification. This, however, is not foolproof. IDs can be forged any time. It would be better to seek the official channels of charity and give your donations there. Instead of merely handing out your donations to anyone who approaches you, look for registered charities and make sure that the money or goods that you donate reach the appropriate people.

Filed Under: Charities, Environmental, Fundraising, International Aid

Got Old Mobile Phones? Don’t Chuck Them!

January 31, 2009 By Charities Blog

Mature Man Using Cell Phone

Have you gone through your old stuff lately? I have not, really, but after reading this a short announcement on The Belfast Telegraph, I realized that I might be hoarding a treasure trove without really knowing it.

The announcement was about donating your mobile phone and helping certain charities. If you are like some people, you might have several old mobile phones just sitting around at home. This is especially true for those who have a penchant for getting a new gadget every so often.

Think about it, what do you do with your old mobiles when you buy new ones? Personally, I usually give the old ones away. In spite of this, however, I found that I have at least 3 more mobile phones that are unused in my house. Check – you might have the same situation.

In any case, how can you help while getting rid of the technological clutter at home? I did some simple searching on Google and actually found many organizations which accept mobile phone donations. The Charity Guide provides an extensive list of groups which accept mobile phone donations.

In case you are wondering, old cell phones that are donated are used for a variety of reasons. Some of them go to victims of domestic violence so that they can call 911 in emergencies. Some go to senior citizens so that they can also reach help easily when they need it.

So if you have a cell phone or two that you do not use anymore, check out Charity Guide and other resources – you can help in this simple way.

Filed Under: Elderly, Environmental, Science & Tech, Tips, Websites

Help is on the Way against Tropical Storm Gustav

August 31, 2008 By Charities Blog

This year has seen a lot of storms and hurricanes and the aftermath of them all is what we must all brace for. If you are among the people hit by them, then accept our sympathy. For the others spared by them, perhaps it would not be too much to ask to extend a helping hand to our brothers and sisters who have unfortunately been hit by these freaks of nature.

Surely, expect the Red Cross to lead the way as they have done so in preparing for the apparent coming of a new hurricane names Gustav. Based on previous hurricanes such as Katrina, advanced measures to help avoid worsening disasters would be the foremost importance and hence to make sure that help is at hand, advanced appointments on where Red Cross personnel should be stationed has already been made.

Food and aid are among the foremost necessities needed in times like these and each helping hand would count. With the past storms as basis for what hurricanes have brought to various parts of the world, hopefully the Red Cross as well as the volunteers are ready and prepared for whatever lies in between and after the aftermath of Tropical Storm Gustav

Source

Filed Under: Disaster Relief, Environmental, Jobs, News, Volunteering Tagged With: disaster, gustav, hurricane, red-cross, storms, tragedy

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