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

Replies

Pam Antink September 23, 2011 at 8:44am

Just a note to say that we were unsuccessful in getting Ronda nominated - boo hoo! It may well be that it was was getting a bit late for a submission from an overseas project, although we got the nomination posted on 25th July (the closing date was 31st August). Anyhow, we'll try again soon as nominations have opened for 2012. We'll wait a little while for any further developments, plus we can add the Jigsaw (UK) support to a new submission. Thank you Jeanne for the original suggestion and all the comments of encouragement and support. Dawson can now uncross his fingers!
- Dawson > Pam Antink September 23, 2011 at 9:07am
  
  Ah well, there's always next year.
Pam Antink July 25, 2011 at 7:54am

Just a note to say that the CNN Heroes application has been completed and emailed! I need a lie down!!
- Rachel A. > Pam Antink July 25, 2011 at 7:57am
  
  Good for you, Pam! I bet that was a lot of hard work!!
  - Pam Antink > Rachel A. July 25, 2011 at 8:01am
    
    It was a group effort with Ronda and Sandy, but thanks to everyone who suggested or recommended it. Having checked out the other nominees - and they are truly wonderful people - I feel that KAS stacks up too. Hopefully, the TV Angels are doing their bit.
    - Dawson > Pam Antink July 25, 2011 at 9:15am
      
      Fingers crossed! And if KAS makes the top ten, they get $10,000! Do any of the nominees that don't make the top ten get money?
Pam Antink July 4, 2011 at 5:53am

Just to update you all, Ronda has agreed (with much natural modesty & reluctance) to have her named put forward to CNN Heroes for KAS. As far as Ronda is concerned we are all heroes, but I personally do not believe CNN would appreciate 1700 names............
- P. Jeanne Haessler > Pam Antink July 5, 2011 at 4:58am
  
  I agree. And while I understand Ronda's feelings about it all and I agree there are a TON of heroes involved in this, CNN heroes might be a superb way to up the funding, recognition and contributing members to Knit A Square beyond my capacity to calculate. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" eh? Keeping my fingers crossed! :)
Linda Maltby June 30, 2011 at 5:21am

Pam, thank you for taking on another project for KAS ! Your efforts are appreciated.
Pam Antink June 29, 2011 at 8:50pm

Dawson, just to let you know that I'm in the process of seeking the McDonald's family permission to go ahead with this wonderful idea. I'll provide feedback as things progress. This is an excellent idea and if anyone hears of similar places to nominate KAS please do flag it up. Many thanks for your support and encouragement.

of 3

This reply was deleted.