It has been so long since I have posted, so please help me with this
post.
Tsunami,
Seven Days of Creation, Seven Letters of Destruction.
I have been thinking about how I can help, what can one person do?
I think of how small I am compared to the billions of dollars
nations are sending for aid.
Will my little contribution be needed. Then I think how could it
not be. But if my little contribution was needed and I did nothing.
I make Judaica. At the installation of my first commission,on
December 31st.
I was approached by a Bat Mitzvah girl asking if I had any projects
she could work on to complete her Bat Mitzvah requirement for
Tzadakah- community service.
I used to do beading and have a lot of old supplies that are sitting
in my studio.
I suggested that I teach her to make some simple pieces of jewerly,
and have her sell it and raise money for the Tsunami disaster.
I also have Bali beads that I no longer use in my work, which I am
willing to contribute to a fundraiser.
So here is my idea for a fundraiser for the victims.
Let’s make a Bali Silver Bead, on a simple leather cord or on a
silk cord - maybe of a specific colour and make it an international
symbol of grassroots support.
We need some major retailers and organizations to help us sell them
for a reasonable price say $5.00.
This program could be launched at this years orchid dinner.
I suggested that I teach her to make some simple pieces of
jewerly, and have her sell it and raise money for the Tsunami
disaster.
WHAT a great idea. Not only will there be tangible support for the
victims, but you are forming a much longer-lasting gift to the world
someone who cares and sees that her actions make a difference.
Congratulations on your choice.
There’s no better legacy we can leave than a child who grows up to
be a truly good person.
<edit - Messages combined>
Let's make a Bali Silver Bead, on a simple leather cord or on a
silk cord - maybe of a specific colour and make it an
international symbol of grassroots support.
Well - duh - I glommed onto a side issue at first (though I think
that’s terribly important too). How about a Hill Tribes silver
based item? Those materials are already the main support for many
rural Indonesians (did I get the location right? I’m really bad at
remembering where even I live) and a major uptick in their sales
would help them twice over.
Now is the time to listen to the major relief agencies. If you what
to give aid, give it to where they direct you to give. These
agencies are the ones that are experts at the distribution of aid
through agreements with the affected countries.
Realize that you just cannot deliver aid anywhere in a country.
Each country has its soverniety and aid must be distributed through
the cooperation of the local government. If you donate money through
agencies that are not professionals and accountable your money could
be sidetracked into many different avenues that have nothing to do
with disaster relief.
I give every year to the Americn Red Cross. Plus I pay lots of taxes
each and every year. So far my taxes have contributed $350,000,000
USD to the relief. I have no idea how much the Red Cross has
contributed. Plus our tax dollars are being used by the agencies of
the US Military to stabilize the region and provided aid
distribution.
Can I do more. Yes. When the aid agenecies request more in time to
come I will donate to them. Remember there are other tradgedies that
still need our help. Sudan, Somalia, Bangladesh, all of Africa vrs
Aids, money to solve the Palestinian/Israeli conflict, Iraq,
Afghanistan… We will help, but do it wisely through the
professional aid organizations.
My daughter’s godfather died and I never sent a condolence note to
his widow (I didn’t even know he had married). The more time that
passed, the more guilt I felt and the harder it was to initiate
contact (“Hi, I should have introduced myself over a year ago,
but…”)
Today I donated to the Red Cross in honor of Uncle Len, and they
will send the acknowledgement to his widow. That’s an introduction
if I ever heard one. Now I can write without feeling like a total
stranger.
I’m probably not the only one burdened with a “shoulda”. A
charitable donation is a good icebreaker…
In general, to everyone, don’t worry so much about what to say, just
say something, send flowers, take a meal. The card or note really
matters, send it. Just show that you’re there. And keep it up,
grief is a long process.
Just want to let you all know, that last night we watched a 3 hour
telethon, with a concert at the Sydney Opera House, and during those
3 hours, $15million where raised by the public. When I say by the
public, I mean kids ringing up donating they Christmas money, tooth
fairy money and old people giving the last of they pensions. All
these donation came after the Australian government donated 1 billion
dollars and the public a further $65million. And thats not the end of
it yet. Next weekend there is another charity cricket event. As well
as lots of companies promising to donate part of they profit until
next July.