Regarding the latest Ezine.....and Ronda for CNN Heroes!
Hi everyone!
I was thrilled to find a new ezine in my Inbox over the weekend and as usual I feasted on the distribution pictures and happily read of InterFace FLor's amazing square contribution that snowballed on them. Even more exciting was that the company paid to ship the squares to South Africa!
I love reading Ronda's comments as I really got a sense of how busy it gets there with people coming in from all over to take hats and blankets back or to drive to a distribution, and lots more contacts and people willing to help. How thrilling!
I admit I gulped when reading of G4S Cash Solution's "we need 100,000 squares a month"! I mean it's thrilling BUT I had to take a moment to remind myself that KAS gets contributions from over 40 different countries around the world now, over 300 schools, many companies and it's not just ME and my sometimes wonky crochet hook supposed to supply that need! Just saying that so some of you don't FAINT, lol.
Remember the story of the guy walking along the beach where thousands of starfish were beached and he was chucking some back and somebody asked him "why bother? There's so many how can you make a difference?" He chucked another starfish back into the ocean and said, "I made a difference to THAT one." That's US, exactly and totally, We make a difference one hat, one square, one vest or sweater at a time, to one precious darling child. Us...you and me. And THAT is something to smile about! We ARE making a difference...a HUGE DIFFERENCE...in a TON of people's lives.
I love that so many people are delighted to hear that we CARE about the children in Africa. They're a worldwide treasure and we're willing to prove it...we ARE, by our sewing, knitting, crocheting and our blog writing, book writing, tweeting....giving presentations....it's all amazing and wonderful to me.
So, anyone else have any comments to make about the ezine?
Love,
Jeanne xoxoxo :)
p.s. Anyone besides me thinking that suggesting Ronda as a CNN Hero might be a good idea??? For her, the kids, the cause...etc.?
p.p.s. I know all those squares sounds like tons...remember this. G4S can ask but we can only do what we can do. Don't feel you have to run yourself ragged. It's super if you can do a bit extra but please NOT at the expense of your health, all your spare time, family time or your bank account staying out of the red!
It's very very likely, I would think guaranteed, that the total number of squares arriving in South Africa will keep increasing but not by us panicking. I nearly ran for the hills when the total of 1.2 million was mentioned! I admit it. Nobody can handle such a huge number, I can't get my head around it, but I took a deep breath and regrouped and remember this...that's a LOT of squares but we should NOT feel forced or pressured to try. Remember....burning out won't help any of us, or the kids. We're doing this out of the love in our hearts, we ALL are. Just keep doing what you're already doing, it WILL be enough. Trust and have faith in the process. Remember how fast we filled the buses up? ALSO....
We must remember that it's not just us here...there's a LOT of corporations, schools and others in other forums involved in this, around the world and it's increasing every day. It isn't all on our shoulders. Knit-A-Square is growing really fast, faster than I can keep track of at the moment though I always suspected it had the capability to expand massively. Even so, I had NO CLUE over 300 schools are now involved in this/have ordered kits...and look at all the churches, bless their hearts.
Just remember....the heart of Knit-A-Square is, and always will be, ONE ON ONE....you to a child, me to a child....a square, a vest or sweater, a hat, a toy, a plastic yarn needle (got 4 more today, yippee!). THAT is the magic of Knit-A-Square. "Yes I CAN make a difference. Little old me."
So take courage....what you're doing, every single stitch, needs to be done from the heart, from love...no stress...we'll do what we can, we all will. Trust it will all come out okay! :D
love, Jeanne xoxoxoxo
Tags: 000, 10, G4S, ezine, latest, squares....
Views: 65
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sue Gillman on -
Ditto to all above Jeanne.
As usual it is an inspiration to get the needles clacking. I just have to find postage!! Never mind the pile is growing and wasn't Interflors contribution amazing! Iove that G4S are so involved but I am afraid sweet friend they require 100,000 Aaaaagh! As usual the pics of the kids are heartwarming and it was so nice to see a dolly had arrived safe and sound in a child's arms. The soft toys are really appreciated aren't they? I love that the kids get a blanket a beanie a garment and toy now. My word KAS has grown in ambition and size!!! I am looking forward to seeing vests/slipovers on the kids too because so many people have posted beautiful vests on the photos page.That will come in good time I guess.There are thousands of children now receiving gifts of warmth and loving thoughts and isn't that amazing. Thanks Sandy and co.Our thoughts are with you too.
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Permalink Reply by Linda Maltby on -
I agree Jeanne and Sue. It is so lovely to have this connection with South Africa 100,000 squares ! Good thing we have lots of needles and hooks working to reach this target. Even one or two squares could mean the difference between finishing a blanket and needing to set it aside until the next postal delivery....which means one more child will be warm that night.
It is very hard to believe it has been only a few years since Sandy and her family were sitting at the kitchen table with Ronda. They have accomplished so much and inspired so many people to help the children. Without their initial efforts, many, many children would be forgotten.
Now if we could just find someone or company who would provide financial backing, think how this charity would grow !!!!
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Permalink Reply by Dawson on -
I think suggesting Ronda as a CNN Hero is a great idea! Is anyone willing to fill out the application form?
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Permalink Reply by Pam Antink on -
Agree, Jeanne, it is long overdue that Ronda, her South African team and the McDonald clan received some Reward & Recognition from the wider world. So much has been achieved in the past 3 years, and, the family have had to sacrifice so much in order to get (and keep) it off the ground.
Not only has KAS made real quality improvements to the lives of the children, but our own lives have been enhanced. I would say that my own life has much more focus and purpose, plus more diverse and positive friendships than I could ever make on the ground. KAS has created something which has a two-way benefit for everyone of us - so very very special............
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Permalink Reply by Linda Maltby on
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I googled CNN Heroes as I hadn't heard about it. Great idea !
Pam and Jeanne, since you both have a wonderful way with words......
www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/03/25/cnnheroes.how.to.nominate/index.html -
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Permalink Reply by P. Jeanne Haessler on -
Well given my spotty memory for facts I was rather hoping someone else might take on the challenge, enumerating facts for them, who KAS works with...giving them names like the various charity heads out there, creche leaders, people who are up against it, like the Jebulani Khakaibos project (see I remember funky long names!)...like that guy who lived in Germany, went to Africa for a year or something and then moved there permanently, he runs that...oh blast it...see what I mean...I can't remember...usually I fudge my way through things...something about Hope? Or was it 10,000 Homes?
Oh well...but we need someone who can recall some of the various charities KAS has worked with, is linked to, so CNN could interview those people as well. I have to say that CNN does a big tv gala every year about the CNN heroes...the top 10 and I caught it last year and I was in happy tears the whole night. Each one of the top ten is given funds for their work and they pick a top hero. I highly recommend it. What an upper of an evening...last year a lady from India who runs a refuge for abused women got top award and sure deserved it!
Again....ANYONE with a better memory, more logic, better recall than me...could you help out here? They're always looking for nominated heroes on CNN, they keep asking for more nominees. :)
Or, if you want to supply me with a list of facts, names etc. THEN I can fill in the form...but right now I'm all muzzy brained...FMS does that to one. :P
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Permalink Reply by P. Jeanne Haessler on
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I forgot to say how excited I am to see another photo of Isabelle, our wonderful Air France Stewardess who flies into South Africa with at least one suitcase packed with offerings from France as often as she can. She's even got other flight crew members involved in this now. She's braver than I am, petting that lion! :D
p.s. I just added more to the start discussion above. :) Some encouragement in the face of LARGE numbers! :D
I must say on glancing at the CNN site, I'm not sure now if they'd consider Ronda as the Hero or see us now as an organization, which we're striving to be, because organizations aren't eligible. Hmmmm.
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Permalink Reply by Jan Wilcox on -
Maybe Lynn would do it. She does such a great job with her Squidoo lense and has a lot of the facts on her pages.
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Permalink Reply by Sue Gillman on
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I had to look it up and I think it is a great idea. Someone else seems to have won with an organisation associated. Anyway isn't Ronda a hero for opening her home and being swamped wth KAS and managing the KAS team? All those pics of her home should prove what a hero she is.
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Permalink Reply by Pam Antink on
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Sue is absolutely right. We can't call ourselves 'a proper organisation' - we have no office block headquarters (in a posh part of town), no one receives a salary, dammit, we haven't even got the obligatory 4-wheel drive car with a fancy logo on the doors - a 'must have' by so many African charities! No focus groups spending hours trying to develop a meaningless or yuk Mission Statement. Our monetary donations just about cover the website, forum and African expenses.
We are in fact, a 'virtual computer' worldwide network of good hearted people who like to get things happening. The photos of Ronda, her team of Lindiwe & Wandile, and the children - cannot be ignored!
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Permalink Reply by P. Jeanne Haessler on
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Pam you're spot on. I second your "dammit" but we'll get there. :) You so clearly stated it, I'm wondering if you'd like to fill-in the nomination form for us all? My brain isn't quite this succinct. Just a query, no pressure. I know I wouldn't do as good a job that's all. I have talents but logical clear thinking is NOT one of them, lol! :D
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Permalink Reply by Pam Antink on
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Hi Jeanne, oh alright I'll do it........where is the form. I occasionally catch CNN news, but it isn't broadcast 24/7 on Freeview in the UK - I'm too mean to subscribe to various broadcasters as most of the programmes turn up on Freeview or the BBC!
Have only just got in from market so a bit fatigued right this moment!
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