I really believe that the way a person treats animals says a lot about the type of person they are. For many of us our pets have become extended family members. I’ll admit it, if it came down to saving a human that was a stranger versus my dog, I’m jumping in and saving the dog. I’ve never met a human that is so unconditionally loving and happy just to be with you (other than my parents but they don’t count because they’re obliged through their hopes of legacy preservation). I got an email from my other animal-lovin’ friends about the USPS’ philanthropic campaign Stamps to the Rescue! featuring shelter animals as a way to promote adopting shelter pets. The five cats and dogs featured on the stamps were all adopted from shelters. This seriously makes my heart melllllllltttttt. I can’t imagine what life would be like if my brother hadn’t rescued our family dog. So head to the USPS site to order your stamps because other than your rent check, someone out there needs to get a hand written note from you along with a smile at the site of these little critters!
On Friday night the “Hope For Haiti Now” Telethon raised a record breaking $58 million. Like the millions of others that tuned in, seeing the images of Haiti brought me to tears. I loved seeing all of the performances by so many talented artists and hearing stars like Julia Roberts connect with callers on a real, emotional level. I made my donation online because I knew that if I got patched through to Reese Witherspoon it would take every ounce of me not to ask what really happened between her and Jake. Besides the haunting images that were shown I could not get Christina Aguiler’s performance out of my mind this weekend. I have re-played her performance on YouTube over and over and continue to rave about it to anyone who will listen. Her voice and passion sent chills down my spine and I am moved every time. Here it is for all of you to enjoy. If you didn’t get a chance to donate on Friday you can still do so on the Hope For Haiti Now Website.
After writing about the Soles 4 Souls and Sports Chalet shoe donations for Haiti, I got to thinking about the philanthropic shoe company, TOMS Shoes. TOMS is a shoe company that works off their mantra of One for One. You buy one pair of shoes and they’ll give one pair to a child in need. Started by Blake Mycoskie (you may recognize the famous curley-haired Chief Shoe Giver from his popular AT&T commercial) the line can be found in fashionista stomping grounds such as Neiman Marcus and Begdorf Goodman. I myself have a pair of their Silver Glitters Classics.
They’re extremely comfortable but offer a good amount of support. Surprisingly they go with a lot of different outfits and I have never worn them and NOT received a compliment. I went shopping through their site and here are a few more of my favorites.
I am still truly devastated by the images that continue to come in from Haiti. They are in such desperate need for aid and fortunately it seems that the international community is stepping in with relief efforts. Moments like these force us to take a step back and realize the things that truly matter in life. In an instant everything can change and we should never take this life for granted. But with our terrible economy I wonder how much are people really able to help in the relief? It’s great to hear of celebrities like Brad and Angelina throwing down $1million to relief efforts but frankly I, and most people, don’t have that to give. But we do what we can, right? Here are a few small ways that can create a big help:
Ways to donate to Haiti:
Check to see if your employer has a charity matching program. Many businesses will match your donation if you provide a receipt of your contribution.
TEXT your Donations: Text “HAITI” to “90999″ to donate $10 to the American Red Cross. Or you can text “YELE” to 501501 for a $5 donation to Wyclef Jean’s Yéle Haiti charity. The donation will be charged to your cell phone bill.
The earthquake in Haiti is a reminder just how fragile our world is, and seeing the devastation that has affected so many, we have partnered once again with Soles4Souls to lend a helping hand.
Starting today, all 55 of our stores will be accepting gently worn men’s, women’s and kids shoes until Sunday, January 31.
All the shoes collected will be sent directly to Soles4Souls for distribution to the Haitian people.
Perhaps you can organize a local shoe drive in your community and bring them in… during our last shoe drive… one young man actually went door-to-door in his neighborhood asking for gently worn shoes.
Many of us live with the threat of an earthquake every day, it’s only a natural response to want to do something to help… please stop by and drop off one, two, or even three pair of shoes that can help someone in need today.
I am devastated for the people of Haiti. While most of my posts are aimed at holding on to your money, all of us would be nothing without the last saying of the Campus Confidant mantra, PEACE and LOVE. I wish peace and love to the people of Haiti as well as strength, support and relief. I also hope you will extend a donation to one of the following organizations to help relief efforts:
