Artists for Peace and Justice: On the Ground Help in Haiti

I haven't been blogging for some time. Mostly because I feel that I don't have much to say these days. Some despondency has been creeping into my pysche since the end of 2009, a defiantly difficult year, not just for me but for a lot of people I know and love. But my own personal angst as a small business owner about unpaid invoices and the precariousness of sole proprietorship gets sharply snapped into focus when one sees real suffering, deprivation and death - and on such a large scale.

Haiti should be in everyone's thoughts now. And it does seem that the world is responding generously and compassionately. It is quite remarkable really. Give, give, give cash is the rallying cry now. Charitable organizations large and small are seeking funds to get aid out to desperate Haitians - food, water, medicine. They need the basics.

They need everything.

I gave it some thought before I rushed to the phones or the Internet. I wanted to find an organization that could put the funds to good use immediately and would be so "hands on" that I could donate with peace of mind, knowing that even my meagre contribution would translate into something tangible for a Haitian in need. As soon as possible. Right away. Maybe hydrate a child, or prevent a baby from dying needlessly.

Well, I found that organization and I want to spread the word.

I am so proud to call Paul Haggis a fellow Londoner. (I was born in London, Ontario, Canada.) Last year he started an organization called Artists for Peace and Justice. Please follow the link and watch the video. And donate. This money will go directly into the hands of Father Frechette so that he can provide emergency aid to the children of Haiti. While all people in Haiti right now need help, regardless of their age, it is the children who are so vulnerable, so fragile. So many are orphans - were orphans even before the quake struck.

Just visit the website and see for yourself, because quite frankly I don't feel very eloquent these days. Let the images speak for themselves. The video is not easy to watch. But watch it you should.

National Philanthropy Day

Our federal government has done a great thing by officially acknowledging philanthropy and the hard work of the charitable sector in this country. November 15 will be, henceforth, National Philanthropy Day® in Canada. So thank you, Prime Minister Harper and Minister Moore, our Canadian Heritage Minister.

National Philanthropy Day is celebrated around the world as a day to recognize the work of charities, to remember the extraordinary achievements of social engagement and philanthropy, and to acknowledge the difference these efforts make to our world.

Canada is the first country to officially recognize National Philanthropy Day since its creation in 1986! As a Case for Support writer for charities, organizations and institutions, I am very pleased and proud of the message that Canada is sending the world. It says that we support philanthropy. It says we are committed to being a compassionate and caring society. It will help raise awareness of philanthropy and social responsibility in general and of hardworking organizations such as the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in particular.

I spent some time on Sunday the 15th thinking over the various charities I want to support this holiday season. I also decided that this is the year that I will abandon gift giving entirely and make donations or give memberships instead. Everyone I know is thinking about ways to give back. It's inspiring, uplifting and moving!

For example: do you know a child who loves toads, frogs, turtles and birds? Why not buy them a year's subscription to Owl Magazine so that they can learn more about our amazing planet?

Do you know a woman who is passionate about the education and the welfare of women? Then visit Care International and learn about the Power Within campaign, striving to empower 10 million girls around the world to access quality primary education and gain leadership skills by 2015. Donations are needed!

And as Christmas approaches, you can go any number of animal welfare sites and "buy" a gift for a friend who cares about animals: save elephants from poachers, clean up waterfowl caught in oil slicks or help provide medicines for dedicated vets saving the lives of animals in war-torn countries.

Closer to home, there are organizations working hard for the poor and the needy in our cities: Dixon Hall in Toronto and Covenant House. Hospitals, hospices and homeless shelters all need our help.

The choice is endless, because the need in our world is so very, very great.

I do not need another sweater, another pair of gloves or a bottle of perfume. I am sure that most of us don't need more useless, even if well-meant, gifts that will end up in a drawer. So let's do something better, smarter and greater this holiday season.

We have a world to heal.