I struggle to write this post. I wake up every morning in a warm home, with plenty of food in my refrigerator and in my cupboards. I flip a switch and the lights come on. I turn a faucet handle and have warm water in which to shower. I drive to work in the morning and don’t have to worry about putting gas in my pickup, because I have a job and money in my checking account. I am greeted by warm morning light in my rearview mirror that gives me hope for a wonderful day.
By contrast, those in Haiti stand in line and are grateful for their allotment of rice and hope it is enough to feed their family. Some go without. They scramble for shelter. They worry about their loved ones, if they can even find their loved ones. Their world is in chaos. They wonder if there will ever be hope again for a wonderful day.
There is a website, To Haiti With Love, that is holding an online auction of art, photography, papercrafts, clothing, and creative goods. All proceeds from the auction will go directly to the St. Joseph’s Family of Homes for children in Haiti via Broken Wings Missions. The auction is based in Canada and the bids are in Canadian dollars. The auction items have been donated from all over Canada and the USA, as well as England, Ireland, and Australia.
A note from Peter Eyvindson, the founder of Broken Wings Mission (copied from the To Haiti With Love site):
The UN has hired 30,000 people — mostly women — to begin the cleanup of Port au Prince. While it’s great to know that so many people are finding work, it’s distressing that these workers are paid only $5.00 a day.
For us in the developed world, it’s difficult to wrap our heads around the economic realities of Haiti. But looking at this from the perspective of the Haitian worker, this is work that they would not otherwise have. That five dollars, in real terms, means that these women workers are able to feed their children.
So to the bidders: your enthusiasm so far is overwhelming. Every time you add a five dollar pledge to an item, you offer the same impact as a day of employment for a woman in Haiti. A day of food, of shelter, of safety for her children.
The auction opened on Monday, February 1, 2010 and closes at midnight EST on Monday, February 8, 2010. There is still time to bid on some really fantastic items. I was outbid on one item, but as of right now am the only bidder on another really cool item – check it out here. Better hurry!! [Edited to add] I was outbid on this one, too, at the eleventh hour. I’d been checking all day and thought I was going to get it, but this is better because they now get even more money. Yay!
Also, The Enchanted Oak is donating $2 for Haiti for every blog who posts a simple things list. Write your list, link to The Enchanted Oak and leave a comment there so she knows. An easy way to help out those in need.
What a beautifully written..and important post. So hard for us – here in our comfie everyday lives – to even conceive of what it might be like for those in Haiti. The auction looks great..and I hope you get this lovely piece (especially love what the artist wrote about her creation).
Marcie´s last blog …Dare Devils
This is a lovely post, Toni. We do have lots to be grateful for.
Thanks for raising your voice to help those in Haiti.
It’s really great to see the worldwide outpouring of love and support.
one love.
Thank you, Toni, for this thoughtful and bittersweet post. I feel the same exactly as you do. Every time I turn on my faucet, I think of people who have no running water. No home left. No job. No family. So little help getting to those in need of major help. Ah. Maybe they have lost a leg or an arm on top of it all. God Almighty, may He be merciful.
Thank you for the link up. May you win your bid.
Chris
Very cool shot. Love the lighting
I know, it’s so hard for us who have so much to even comprehend what the Haitians (and many others in the world) are going through. They had very little to begin with and then they lost even that. I really hope that all the millions that have been raised for Haiti will actually make it to the people.
This auction is a very nice idea, there are a lot of really nice things on it. Hope you win yours!
Someone I know locally is arranging a benefit, with auction, for Haiti, also. Since I know him, I’ll be able to donate some things so I’m excited about that.
Candace´s last blog …Guest Photographer
Very touching and meaningful post. Shortly after the earthquake, I wrote a poem on my blog, called, “Chaos in Haiti” talking about the devastation and the need for aid to continue long into the future.
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Thanks for sharing this! It is certainly a terrible situation that is so hard to comprehend…
Charles Das Todd´s last blog …Windows and Doors
A wonderful photograph and a very honest, thoughtful post which says much of the caring person you are, Toni.
a great message
BoB´s last blog …Old and New Ruins
This reminds me of something the director of World Vision said years ago, Toni: “Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God.” I don’t guess I’ll ever experience anything close to this kind of devastation. I lost everything in a fire once, but was able to get started again almost immediately, especially with help from the insurance company. Not like these people! Thanks for drawing attention to this tragedy that will remain a tragedy for months to come. Lest we forget!
Ginnie´s last blog …One New Life Together
I visited your post yesterday and got so carried away with the links that you provided that I forgot to leave a comment. Simply stated, this is a thought provoking and timely post spoken from your heart. Love the image as well.
Sue´s last blog …Sunrise
My heart still aches over what has happened in Haiti… Thank you for this lovely post and inspiration on how to give and help.
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Tracy´s last blog …Quiche Epiphany
What a lovely gesture to post. Let us not forget.
Ken´s last blog …Mixing it Up
If all those who are more fortunate can just give a little it makes a big difference. Thanks for providing the links, the web site looks really interesting.
Liss´s last blog …Oh my, does this thing still work?
This post touched me deeply Toni…
Speechless.
bluechameleon´s last blog …everything ends in darkness
thank you for sharing!
Yvonne´s last blog …Cherry Tree
That etching was neat.
The auction is a lovely idea.
elizabeth´s last blog …the ten thousand foot view
Yeah, the situation in Haiti is so heartbreaking, it is hard to handle, and hear about it. But yes, we have to all be doing as much we can to help them, that is very clear.
Kelly´s last blog …How to Make a Photography Portfolio