I love a good cause. I’m a firm believer that small offerings by many good hearts can combine to make a big difference. This week Alissa Haight Carlton is running her annual Action Kivu fundraiser. In this fundraiser the money raised goes directly to teaching women in the Congo how to sew and giving them their own sewing machine when they have passed their courses.
I love a cause that empowers under-privileged and abused women by giving them tools to and education to make their lives better. Not only so they can provide for their families but to give them confidence and self-worth.
Visit Alissa’s Blog for more Action Kivu information. Your donations also enter you to win awesome prizes!
I know the goodness of this community first hand as many of your were so generous last winter in raising money for the Sewing Machines for Ecuador cause to buy sewing machines so that these indigenous women of northern Ecuador could help supplement the income for their families who typically earn as little as $300 a month. Over $1200 was raised within a couple of weeks for these women.
With the money that was donated these sweet ladies were able to buy 4 industrial sewing machines and a serger. After they have received training on the machines those who work are paid wages for the products they sew that are sold. Women are also given the opportunity to use the machines to sew for their own families needs. Many, many thanks again to those who helped!
There are lots of opportunities to out there to help. Here are links to past posts. If money is tight, but you want to contribute no-longer-needed fabric and supplies that you have on hand consider sending fabric (or unfinished quilt tops) to Serving with Smiles (more information and background here.)
Two other great causes include Days for Girls and Quilt Angels. If you know of other causes in need of quilt/fabric donations, please feel free to leave them in the comments!
Doris
What a good cause, as are the others you mentioned. I will visit their sites. Thanks!
Elisabeth
Great to see this work in Congo and thanks for mentioning Days for Girls as well. Great organizations all of them!
Rachel @ Engineering A Joyful Family
Wow, what a wonderful cause! I love the idea of allowing women to grow and be able to provide for their families this way. Thank you for sharing!
Brenda Ackerman
Amy, I want to thank you for providing this informative post today! I am beginning to sew quilts just for charities quite often now. I have donated a few quilts here and there but most of the time as soon as a family member saw a quilt I was working on they would claim it. Now, most everyone has a quilt and I have the strength to say “NO” this quilt is for a special person. I will check out the other sites also. I hope that you have a wonderful creative day!
Amy Smart
Good for you Brenda! (and nice of you to take care of your family too 😉 )
Rosemary
Thanks for sending this out. I know that we (my daughter and I) did try to help a little over the last year or so. Totally worthwhile causes. I love to sew and quilt and my family and friends have what they want and need of my quilts so it’s great to pass them on. There are people out there that can use them and need them. I love donating them. I so appreciate what you do, Amy, and have so much respect for you. Thank you again and I’ll be doing my little bit to help again. Such worthwhile causes.
Amy Smart
That’s so wonderful! And thank you for your kind words, Rosemary. They mean a lot. xo
hopflower
Those are good causes indeed. Unfortunately, there are so many people needing help and so many causes to contribute to. I have just a few that I can afford to work with. One must pick the most heartfelt projects and causes to the individual. I only wish the world was better off.
Amy Smart
Absolutely. I know what you mean – so many people/causes in need. It’s impossible to help everyone, but good for you helping someone. If we all help someone, the world will be better off. xo
AdAna
Eyes for Zimbabwe is always in need of quilts and fabric. 🙂