Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Where is Haiti Now? Heart of Haiti Project


As we come to the anniversary of the devastating earthquakes in Haiti, we start to have our thoughts wonder back to the country and we wonder, Where are they now? The quake on Jan. 12, 2010, killed 200,000 people across Haiti, including 58 Canadians, and left hundreds of thousands more homeless.
After all the front line efforts that were made to raise funds shortly after the life altering event I wonder where do they stand now? Have we forgotten about them and moved on with our lives since they feel so far away? I find myself asking when was the last time I have thought about the earthquake the destroyed Haiti? Honestly, not since last February when all the "hype" and celebrity funding winded down and we moved onto the next big story. That is hard to admit but it was definitely an eye opener for how my charity focus can come on go based on which celebrity is backing up the newest trendy cause.

Through the Clever Girls Collective the organization founded by Willa Shalit, Heart of Haiti was brought to my attention. This is one organization that has taken strides to continue to support Haiti in this time of need. In partnership with Macy's they are providing a channel for Haitian artisans to sell handcrafted goods tot he mass in the US.


Here is what the Heart of Haiti Organization has to say:

"From recycled oil drums and wrought iron to paper mache and stone, Haitian artisans transform some of the most unlikely materials into extraordinary art. These one-of-a-kind crafts reflect a rich culture and history and the Haitians unwavering drive to rebuild their lives in the face of tremendous adversity.

Give a Gift that Gives Back
Proceeds form Heart of Haiti purchases help provide better nutrition, improve education and health care-life-changing resources for the artisans and their families."

In partnership with Fairwinds Trading and BrandAid Haiti

For more information follow this link - http://bit.ly/HeartofHaiti-ShopforABetterWorld

My only other wish is that a Canadian department store a would join forces with Macy's to bring these items to Canada. What to you think The Bay?Any other takers??

You can find Heart of Haiti on Twitter (hashtag: #HeartofHaiti) and Facebook.

K. Paterson

I was selected for this very special “CleverHaiti” opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. All opinions are my own.

Thursday, January 06, 2011

What I am Proud of Today...

So with January being well on its way, the lingering talk of resolutions gets dim as each day passes. We all make promises to ourselves or loved ones in the glimmering light of the new year's ball and find ourselves making excuses for our failed resolutions over the next coming weeks.

I have decided to acknowledge all I am proud of so far even if I have not been 100% perfect or been able to accomplish all the resolutions I stated at the end of 2010

- I have not driven to work since the new year started, thus saving money!
- I have been on the Wild Rose D-Tox for three days, nine more to go!
- I have been at work before 8:45am everyday to ensure I do not miss my morning meeting.
- Been in bed by 9pm to wind down for the night and get shut eye by 10pm

Not too bad, I could now list a bunch of things I also promised on New Year's Eve that I haven't accomplished but I don't think that would be productive. Instead I am going t celebrate my successes to date!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Reverb 10 | Prompt 23 | New Name

December 23 – New Name

"Let’s meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why? (Author: Becca Wilcott)"

Well I really like my name "Katie" but my legal name is Katherine so really I wouldn't change a thing.

I always introduce myself at Katie but will also answer to Kate.

Short and sweet! Nothing to see here!! :)

Reverb 10 | Prompt 22 | Travel

December 22 – Travel

"How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year? (Author: Tara Hunt)"

{Future Tool: New Year’s Goal Questions for No-Goals Creatives from Jeffrey Davis. For the next 10 days as you round out your year, the Reverb 10 Crew and Jeffery Davis we’ll share one tool each day to help you plan your year ahead.}

Travel as always been a big thing for me and something I can never get enough of! It has been way to long since I have been back to Europe and I am dying to go back but I do not think it is in the cards for 2011 and that is okay there are many there places I can venture for 2011 and have great experiences.

This is where I traveled in 2010

  • July: London, ON/St. Jacob's Road Trip & San Francisco for HR Star Conference
  • August: Florida with BF's Family
  • October: Frankenmuth, MI with BF's Brother & Blue Mountain for Company Retreat
  • December: Cancun with friend's from Work
Not the longest or most exciting list but sometimes I think I expect too much when it comes to traveling since I have been so blessed in previous year's. I sometimes think I worry to much with the actually destination rather than actually trying to make the most of where I am at the present. So many local places have a so much to offer and I really want to take advantage of that this year. I also want to travel more with work, below is my wish list of places I would like to travel to in 2011.

Boston
Las Vegas
San Diego
Jamaica
Quebec City (been before but would love to go back with the BF again)
New York (want to take the BF!)
Waterloo (for Oktoberfest)

I think that list is long enough since I am also trying to save for a down payment for my first house!!

Reverb 10 | Prompt 21 | Future Self

December 21 – Future Self

"Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?) (Author: Jenny Blake)"

Advice I would give myself a 5 years from now...
- Be patience and enjoy the journey with the ones you love!
- Make the best with the life you got, you are lucky and have the world at you finger tips.
- Remember you are not defined but what you have but what you bring to others.
- You may think life is complicated now but enjoy it because there is a lot lying ahead of you!
- You are strong, believe that!

Signing off for now,
Future Self :)