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Monday, February 22, 2010

H20pe for Haiti



I have to admit, since Thatdad's death, I have become extremely self centered. I used to consider myself pretty empathetic, but now I have a hard time mustering up even an ounce of sympathy for others. People close to me have also suffered - physically, emotionally, economically, and I can't even feel sorry for them. I'm very me me me centered. But I'm trying to improve. Selfishness isn't an attractive quality. And when we are confronted with the suffering of millions, it's difficult to remain apathetic.

Last month, I was contacted by Jeanne, Val, and Giz of BloggerAid- Changing the Face of Famine about a fundraiser for the victims of the Haitian earthquake. H2Ope for Haiti was devised as a way to raise funds to supply water to Haiti, after an account of a volunteer informed of the acute need for water.

These women have created an online raffle to raise funds for Concern Worldwide's relief effort in Haiti. They chose Concern Worldwide because of its long track record and quick response after the quake to provide clean drinking water and water purification tablets. This non-governmental international humanitarian organisation works around the world to reduce suffering and work towards the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world's poorest countries. Concern International has been working in Haiti since 1994 and had over 100 staff members on the ground when the earthquake struck. Despite losing several team members in the tragedy, they have been quick to act with distribution of supplies.

Concern Worldwide estimates that its initial response to the emergency will last at least six months. The money raised by this raffle will be paid directly into Concern Worldwide's account by Justgiving and will be used exclusively for the Haiti relief effort.

The raffle prizes range from personally autographed cookbooks to parcels of French baking goodies to original art - there is something for everyone. Unless stated otherwise, all prizes are available for worldwide shipping and tickets cost £6.50 (roughly $10) each. (Because these kind souls running it are Canadian)

You have until midnight on Sunday 28 February to bid on the raffle prizes. Just click on THIS LINK to begin!

3 comments:

  1. Don't be so hard on yourself, life takes twists and turns and sometimes we just need to take care of ourselves to better deal with what life hands us. We appreciate the shout out for H2Ope for Haiti. It is a small gester in the grand scheme of things but as Jeanne says, "Although each person's donation may be small, even single drops of water will eventually fill a swimming pool."

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  2. it's not always easy to think of others around the world who are suffering when our own lives are comfortable. it's much easier to stay in a little bubble. don't be too hard on yourself - i think most of us are guilty of that too.

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  3. It's a great cause. Sometimes I feel guilty for not giving enough too... Prayers for those in Haiti.

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