I’ve decided to reapply this blog post from Anna Smith at The Penny Sophisticate to help do my family’s part in helping out the poor families in Haiti that have been rocked by the earthquake. She has decided to donate $0.50 for every comment that is left on a blog post similar to this one. I will do the same – for every comment left here, I will donate $0.50 to the Red Cross to help the rescue and repair efforts in Haiti. Somehow I don’t feel like that is enough, but it is something.
I have to embarassingly admit that I have steered clear of almost all of the news and pictures on the subject. An occcasional Facebook post or tweet has passed my eyes, but I quickly move on, scared to catch a glimpse of a sad story that will instill a fear that I could lose people I love or my own life that easily. I just can’t bear it. It’s kind of like when the commercials for the abused animals or hungry children come on. I hurry up and change the channel. I realize that this is not noble, but it’s true of me. I’m embarassed about this because it is a choice. The people living in or visiting Haiti didn’t have a choice, and they never will. The devastation they have faced will be with them forever. What a spoiled person I am.
But I can help. My family has the funds to assist in the efforts to save lives there, and I do care even if I can’t bear to read about it or look at pictures of it. So please leave comments – many, many comments – and together we’ll help restore some semblance of life and community in Haiti. Thank you.
Update (1/20/10)
I’ve actually decided to redirect my donations from this post to Heartland Alliance. Here is a statement about this organization:
“Heartland Alliance advances the human rights and responds to the human needs of endangered populations–particularly the poor, the isolated, and the displaced–through the provision of comprehensive and respectful services and the promotion of permanent solutions leading to a more just global society.”
Much of my network in Chicago is banding together for “Helping in the Wake of the Quake”, a benefit to take place downtown next week. The proceeds are going to Heartland Alliance, who has sent a team of staff and volunteers to Haiti to establish long-term services for survivors of the country’s devastating earthquake. Since I cannot be at this benefit in person, I am choosing to donate to the cause directly.
To all who have commented thus far, THANK YOU!!!! I really appreciate your support!
And yes, I am also donating $0.50 for every comment I wrote myself =)
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