My name is Nikki and my blog is an outlet for sharing the things I am most passionate about. I love travelling, yoga, writing, and eating Indian food. I am passionate about advocating for the special needs community and educating our youth around the world. I run a blog design business, Blogs For A Cause, and live in Toronto, Canada.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Christmas Love

I have a new update on the girls in India and their new ayah (click HERE to read the history behind this project):

"She's doing such a great job. April looked beautiful today (didn't notice Molly from close by). Whenever I see Nagendram she has one of those two in her arms, combing their hair, carrying them... As we work with her she will do even more, but for now this is major--they are not spending hours alone lying on beds; they are being really cared for. Hope this model will eventually inspire lots of support so we can adopt it throughout the place. I also noticed that both of their hemoglobin reports for this month are EXCELLENT. they're getting enough to eat and showing it."

Having their own ayah is really changing their quality of life. Sarah is hoping to duplicate this with other kids because it has been so successful, but first, we need to hit 100% so we can fundraise enough for the girls' ayah for a full year.

We have been stuck at 52% for a while. In order to get it back going again, I have made these certificates that you can give to friends/family this Christmas, when you make a donation for the girls' ayah in their name. Simply make the donation at the Chip In below, and then send me an email at ncochrane3@hotmail.com letting me know your name and the name of the person the gift is for. If you would like any special text, I can include that. I will then email you a copy of the certificate, which you can give electronically or print off.

For one week of ayah costs per girl, it is $22.50 a week, so consider this as a possible amount.

Thank you so much and Merry Christmas :)

Friday, November 4, 2011

Christmas Gift Ideas

Every year for the past few years now I have written a post close to Christmas with ideas on gifts you can purchase that serve a greater purpose. It has always seemed appreciated so I will do it again. If you have never bought a gift like this before, make a goal where 1 of your gifts this year supports a good cause. If you have done it prefer, see if every gift you buy has a greater purpose.

Tortoise Shell bracelet
Juan, the stepfather of the kids I work with, is the artisan behind these beautiful bracelets. They are fair trade, so 65% of funds go to him, and the rest goes into Project Esperanza programming, the program that set up this site and that provides educational assistance to kids, mostly Haitian, in the Dominican Republic. You can view all the other items, by other artisans, HERE.


SCH Wall Calendar
I volunteered in Sarah's Covenant Homes last year and, as anyone who reads this blog knows, fell so in love with the kids. SCH is selling calendars with amazing photos to raise money to support the care of the kids. I already have mine ordered, and can't wait to get to look at their adorable faces every day!


Punjammies
PUNJAMMIES™ are made by women in India rescued from forced prostitution seeking to rebuild their lives. Proceeds from the sales of PUNJAMMIES™ provide fair-trade wages, savings accounts, and holistic recovery care. I have one pair, and will be ordering another so I can wear them when I go to India! For now I wear them as pajamas.


Sseko Design Shoes
During my trip to Uganda, I took a visit to the Sseko headquarter and was really impressed with what I saw. Sseko sells beautiful shoes and supports higher education of Ugandan women. Check out their website for full information, and then go and purchase a pair... I love mine!


Other great places to shop...
Nightlight Designs
Haitian Creations
Light Gives Heat
Global Mamas