Archive for the ‘Charities & Foundations’ Category

Continuing where I left off on the Boating for Two Dummies story, we may have found the one for us. I can tell you it is a very good idea, if you are first time boaters, to take the time necessary to find the right one. There is so much to learn and the more boats we saw the better we became at asking the questions and doing our own visual inspection.

We did manage to secure a slip at a Marina which in itself can be quite the hassle as many marina’s have waiting lists in Vancouver and surrounding areas. At one point we wondered if we would just be setting up  deck chairs with drink in hand staring at our newly rented slip and no boat.

What was nice about looking at boats in Marina’s and privately, was how friendly the people are. This appears to be a whole other world where people still acknowledge each other as they walk past, get to know their neighbours and extend invitations to upcoming events. We were invited to join clubs as soon as we get a boat and to me it looked like the party had already started. This friendly atmosphere is in stark contrast to the daily existence within our own neighbourhoods. I like it!

We met a very nice couple this past weekend and truly enjoyed seeing just how much care and pride they had in their boat. Sure they are now looking to move on up to accommodate grown kids and grand-kids, but still this boat appeared to hold a special place in their hearts. What I also enjoyed was sitting and talking, we had a very interesting conversation that I won’t soon forget. Pleasant surprises made it worth the ferry ride and 45 minute drive to get to their cabin.

I highly recommend this hobby or lifestyle depending on how you look at it. I haven’t even got started and I am excited for the future. My husband has discovered that he loves looking at boats and could have continued inspecting more if it weren’t for that “NEED TO MAKE A DECISION BEFORE THE SUMMER IS GONE, DEAR!”

So here is hoping that this is “the one”  and that it will turn out well with the final survey. We both can’t wait to be setting sail for one of the many beautiful locations that adorn our west coast, or just hang out at our slip, either way its “Cheers…to new adventures.”

SAVE THE DATE:

June 27, 2009 is a big day for the US Friends of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and they are inviting you!

A fundraising party is being held in Seattle, Washington to, as the save the date card says, “celebrate elephants and their contribution to our world.”

A formal invitation will be following but for all those that may want to be part of this celebration and contribute to such a wonderful organization please contact:

Wendie Wendt - Vice President and Fundraiser

Email: wendiewendt@sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

PART TWO OF MY INTERVIEW WITH WENDIE WENDT. YOU CAN ALSO READ THIS TWO PART SERIES AT TIMEFINDERS MAGAZINE – WORLDLY WOMEN COLUMN:

http://timefindersmagazine.com/selffamily/worldly

Why do you believe it is important for women to be informed about world issues?

It is important because it gives us perspective on our own lives and how we live. Having that kind of information is essential to being well informed on various issues, it broadens our horizons. How do other people live their lives? What are other people doing in other countries?

Do you think that today’s younger generation or working Mom’s with a little free time on their hands, are interested in world issues and particularly causes such as this one?

We are in a really good time for the younger generation to step up, especially as it relates to the environment and the emphasis on global warming. It’s amazing when you talk to people, even when I talked to my godson about buying a car, I know a couple of years ago he would of been buying the fastest, coolest, car out there, now it has to be a hybrid. It is actually kind of hip to be involved in environmental issues and causes.

The Trust has a lot of appeal, who can’t look at these baby elephants and not want to be involved? Even after the airing of 60 Minutes I had a call from a woman in Manhattan, who is very successful but she and her family are taking a hit economically. She felt that at least one day a week she could try to do something and help.

Now for the working mom, who is a single mom, the sole breadwinner; there is a lot of pressure to raise her children and pull in the money, she may have more difficulty finding the time for something like that. But there are women out there who work or raise children who do have time left over for causes they feel are important.

It is all about the type of person you are and there are so many different reasons why people volunteer. Some people do it to fill a need within their selves that is not being met, find their place in the world or for networking and a non-profit organization can facilitate that.

If a woman wants to get involved with making the world a better place, where would you recommend that she start?

Once you have identified the organization, contact them to find out what kind of programs they have available and how you can help out. Many organizations have volunteer programs and they are excited about getting more volunteers, like Boys and Girls Club or Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, they run off of volunteers.

You just have to find an organization and look at whether they have a program in place, if they don’t, try to create an opportunity. I created my opportunity with the Trust, because they don’t have a volunteer program. It took me awhile, the first few times I was met with resistance because they hadn’t had such a call before, they didn’t know me and I’m halfway around the world. We get a lot of people who were very interested who fade into the background once they find out the requirements. When you find the right place, think about creative ways in which you can get involved.

If you don’t have the time, you can still make a difference, money is always appreciated, especially now with the economy the way it is. When the economy is down people start looking for ways to cut and the first cut is usually donations. Some people are donating to fewer charities at this time, but when they give, it is more money to selected organizations. I give all my volunteer energy to the Trust as well as money and I have other organization that I donate to.

What would you say are the rewards you have experienced in the philanthropic work and how has it changed you, personally and professionally?

Well without question, I feel like I’m making some small difference in the world. I think elephants are so important to Africa’s environment. For me personally, I’m contributing to that, it helps me feel like I do have a place, in this area of my life, a place where I am putting that energy. It has been such an exciting experience, eye opening on so many different levels. When I go over there, I meet the people; get a feel for the culture. I see the baby elephants that were at the Trust and now out at one of our release places, getting ready to go back out into the world on their own. It makes you feel good, and it’s fun, exciting.

If there was one thing that you would like to say to the women reading this what would it be?

I think it would be to try to volunteer or get involved in something that you are passionate about or that you feel connected to, because it is so rewarding. It opens up your life to different experiences and possibilities, especially for people who feel like they are doing the same thing every day. They get up, they go to work, they come home to their family, everything is great but they want something just a little bit more. To give a woman something that is her own, her own focus, for herself and the organization.

As long as you get with the right organization, and it is something you feel passionate about or connected to, I think it makes a huge difference. It can open up avenues to things you never thought were possible. When I talk with women who are depressed I try to suggest they get involved with something, involved in an organization. Step outside their life for awhile, and do something, shake it up a little bit. Try something new, you can’t keep doing the same thing every day and waiting for something to happen to make you feel better. You have to go out there to try to make it happened for yourself. There are many ways in which you can do that, this is just the way I found most helpful.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us -

Feeling inspired by Wendi and The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust? Visit their website www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org and research all the projects that make this organization worth supporting.

As well as the work that they do for the animals the Trust also has excellent community outreach programs that benefit local children from various schools.  In addition to providing desks and sporting equipment, the children are treated to field trips that allow them to see elephants and other wildlife; this also serves to educate the children on the importance of conservation. There are employment opportunities for local people who commit five years of their life as an elephant caretaker and other community initiatives that benefit Kenya.  If you are not sure which one of their projects are in need ofyour help, let the Trust decide where your donation is most needed.

Worldly Women acknowledges the great vision and dedication of people like Dame Daphne Sheldrick, Wendie Wendt and everyone involved with The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

After one of our worst winters for cold, the arrival of daffodiles, hyacinths and crocuses are a welcoming site. The pilgrimage begins for gardeners to the nearest nursery, loading their carts full of colour and hope. The hope that this years garden will swiftly awaken from its long, cold sleep. The hope that this years plants that were so carefully picked to join the garden will add new life and a new way to enjoy the landscape before us.

Yesterday, was a good day to take some time to leave the office and place my hands in the dirt. To place my flowers in their new home, grab a watering can and give them a drink to help them along. I am by no means an accomplished gardener, in fact, if it wasn’t for my mother I wouldn’t know where to begin. Her gardens of the past were so English, a beautiful display of controlled chaos. Things grew where they should not, a profusion of colour wrapped around her home and little gems would pop up in tiny spaces. She has adapted now, at this stage in life, to container gardening and that too amazes me. A patio that draws the eye to beauty and whimsy with little solar statues that light up at night to remind us her garden is there.

I can only aspire to see a garden the way she does, but at least the effort is there. In walking out into my garden of late I am reminded there is life, death and rebirth happening year after year. The story unfolds every year and it is good to stop and take it in, get your hands dirty, feel the grass under your feet and bathe yourself in the brilliance of it all.

During the week I try to avoid over-exposure to the news. Even if I don’t watch it somebody else does and I get the scoop. Most of the time it is bad news, but last night I watched a great story on Pet Oxygen Masks for fire departments throughout British Columbia.

As a pet lover, especially dogs, I would want that assistance readily available for my pet in the event of smoke inhalation from a fire. This story inspired me to get more information about supplying our fire departments with this equipment.

Dr. Christopher Booth D.V.M was featured on our news broadcast and I was touched by the story. Just thought I would send a big thank you and shout out to Dr. Booth for taking this on.  This is a good news story! You can check out their site at http://amblesideanimalhospital.evetsites.net/site/view/148644_PetOxygenMaskFund.pml

I’m hoping to set up a link to this site on my Charities Page. So my friends, if you are interested in donating to this cause let me know or email Ambleside Animal Hospital to get more information.

As some of you know from a previous post I am a supporter of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya.

So, it is by no accident that I chose to feature a woman who I felt was important for you to know in my column Worldly Women. Wendie Wendt is based in the United States and works tirelessly to assist the Trust through fundraising. She volunteers, along with a group of other dedicated people, to support the Trust and it’s effort to help elephants.

Dame Daphne Sheldrick, whom you will also learn about in the interview is inspirational. She has been featured on 60 Minutes twice and I understand a third show may be in the future. We will have to see, but until then take some time to get to know this worthwhile organization.

Read the rest of this entry »

Today I was heading out to the gym but I was not focused on my workout, I was anticipating where I was going afterward. I was on a mission to purchase A Sparkle of Hope pin from the local Medicine Centre Pharmacy. For those that are in the dark as to what I’m speaking about, let me shed some light.

The Salvation Army has a campaign that is raising awareness and funds for the Human Trafficking epidemic in British Columbia. The funds raised will go to a worthwhile program that assists women and children who are victims of sex slavery. Poor laws, lack of understanding and protection, big money, consumers and apathy; all play their part in this global  problem. Currently, there are proposals to toughen the laws as Canada has a poor track record for prosecution and sentencing.

Quite awhile ago the campaign’s commercials aired on our local station, I was instantly attracted to the information and message. It was powerful, but unfortunately I don’t believe it ran long enough to really catch the eye of the general public. Hopefully they will run more ads in the future.

My day was made complete by my detour down the road to buy this pin for $10.00. I encourage you to go to the Salvation Army’s website for more information. Click on my Action page, scroll down to Human Trafficking. Please take the time to read about their efforts and view the link to The Truth Isn’t Sexy public service announcement.

I will wear my pin proudly. It is a small symbol of my solidarity with those that wish to crack down on the sale of humans for sex and show the victims there is HOPE.

I am posting this information for all of you . This message is from Heather and she is an Engineer in Bellingham, Washington. The following is in response to my Spirit of Giving post and she has provided more worthwhile organizations to be informed about. I encourage people to link to the sites provided and see if there is a way for you to aid in their success.

Hi Jennifer,

Here is the beginning of some information I promised to forward you about an awesome organization and project I am involved with that provides support and compassion to those less fortunate.

As you know, I am an active member of the Northwest Washington Chapter of Engineers Without Borders-USA (EWB-USA) located in Bellingham, Washington. EWB-USA is a non-profit humanitarian organization established to partner with developing communities worldwide in order to improve their quality of life.

Besides helping with chapter organization and fundraising (grants, sponsorships and fundraising events), I have jumped in with both feet to work more specifically with our Thailand Orphanage Project - which was accepted officially by EWB-USA just last week. Yay!!

On this project, our chapter will be working with Displaced Orphans International to design and construct a building for one of their orphanages so that they can become more self-sufficient. This building will allow them to produce their own soap and fertilizer, and will be used as a template to develop similar structures in future phases of this project for the other orphanages under DOI’s stewardship.

To learn more about DOI you can click on the following link: http://www.displacedorphans.com/about_displaced_orphans_international.php

In the next week or so I will have more specific information on this project that I can share with you in a second post.

Until then, our chapter contact information and opportunity to donate is at the following link: http://www.ewb-usa.com/chapters.php?ID=1061.

NOTE: The Thailand project is so new it is not currently listed on this site, however we hope to have it included in our project list within a few weeks. Until then, if anyone wishes to donate specifically to this project, you can contact Gary Fortenberry (gary.fortenberry@ch2m.com), our chapter’s president.

To find out more about our other project: the Ghana Clean Water Project, please follow these two links: http://www.ewb-usa.com/project_search.php?op=project&ID=486 and http://www.ewb-usa.com/project_search.php?op=phase&ID=586

Thank you for all your hard work to keep this site going, and in providing women everywhere with invaluable support and encouragement to help them realize their full potential. You are awesome!

Until next time…
Heather

“The Spirit of Giving” is certainly alive in the blog I have just been directed to, it is truly inspiring. Georgia Gilliland Macad is a Canadian who writes from Kalinga, Philippines. (See my blogroll for the link)

Georgia is a midwife who is using her expertise to support the women of Kalinga and surrounding areas by providing pre-natal, delivery and post-partum care. Health education, spiritual encouragement and mobile midwifery services is also a part of the care she provides.

This is what I noticed, see if you agree. Look at her face, her smile…does that not look like someone who is living a purposeful life. With all that she must see in a day, a week, month or year, and the stories that will come from this incredible journey. Truly amazing vision!

Again our contributions can be large our small to our world. Our help, humanity and compassion extending a few feet to the person in front of us or across this planet to a village in the Philippines. It does not matter how far your reach is, as long as you don’t stop reaching out.

As some of you may know I like to volunteer my time and give to various charities. Since I was first out on my own, earning my own dollars, I have done both of these things. I believe in the power of volunteerism to enhance the skills of an individual, develop a connection to others and to build a better community. I have met incredible people through volunteering and essentially began my career as a volunteer. I had a wonderful mentor, a woman named “Pat” who gave generously of her time, expertise and wisdom to my development.

I also have supported many different charities over the years, especially those benefiting women, children and our precious animals.

Adoption has become very rewarding for me but not in the way you would think, over two years ago I adopted a baby elephant named “Lempaute”. I had watched 60 Minutes in which they featured an incredible woman whose name is Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick. In Kenya, she and her team head up The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a charity started in memory of her late husband David Sheldrick MBE. I have loved the opportunity to participate in the saving and care of these magnificent animals and greatly appreciate the people who work tirelessly along side them. I really look forward to the pictures and updates I receive. www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

The SPCA has received in the past, my time for dog walking which subsequently precipitated me becoming a dog parent for 15 years. The society has also received multiple financial and food donations over the years. It is a job I could never do, as I know my emotions would get in the way, but giving helps.

Supporting women’s organizations is important to me too. Giving to the programs and shelters for abused women, preparing gifts for women in need, providing career coaching services, investing in the Girls Growth Fund and much more. I am always looking for more charities related to women, children and animals to focus my attention on, for information as well as to help.

Worldwide there are programs that need our time, energy and money and I believe it is in service to others that we gain the most. I encourage all women out there to see if in 2009 they can spare a dime or the time for one charity.

Maybe consider a career in the not for profit sector, there are plenty of organizations out there that may need your expertise. A good website in Canada for charities and employment is www.charityvillage.com. Become informed if nothing else, because when you are informed it allows you to pass on a message to others who may be in a better position to help.

Women who have influenced us through their service, started only with a thought to do something about an issue that was important to them. What grew from that affected their immediate family, then affected their community and with great vision went on to affect our world. Whatever you decide as your contribution it will be appreciated, great or small.

Future posts will help us all to become better informed of worldwide issues, feature women of influence and hopefully spark your interest in the spirit of giving.