WORLD MALARIA DAY

Since this is Easter Sunday, it may seem strange to be talking about  Christmas gifts. However, since tomorrow is World Malaria Day, the topic is relevant. In 2009, my sponsored child Golden, who lives in Zambia, received as a Christmas gift from me through CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL- an insecticide treated anti- malarial bed net. At the time, I just couldn't imagine a child in the United States being delighted with such a Christmas gift. This Christmas, THE MUSIC FOR LIFE INSTITUTE/ AFRICAN CHILDREN'S CHOIR used my contribution to buy Nora of Uganda bed sheets and a bednet.She was gracious as always in thanking me.
So what of these gifts. Let's look at the facts.
BEDNETS SAVE LIVES.
Worldwide, one half of the population is at risk of getting malaria.
Sierra Leone which has one of the highest infant mortality rates attributes 70% of infant deaths to malaria.
Estimates are that in affected countries the average mother spends 1/3 of her resources on malaria prevention and treatment.
Whenever refugees pour into camps, bednets are needed.
What can you do?
At present, FREEDOM FROM HUNGER has a matching grant program. With a current 4 star rating by Charity Navigator, this is one place among many you can donate to.
WORLD VISION also has an awareness activity NIGHT OF NETS which aims to get young people on campuses involved in the cause of Malaria Prevention.
OR, you can come with your own activity or campaign. Remember, in the case of malaria, it costs very little to save a life.

WHAT IF YOU CAN'T GO WITHOUT SHOES?

What can you do if you can't go without shoes for a day?
Buy a pair of TOMS shoes. For each pair purchased, one pair is donated to a needy child.

Have a pair or more of shoes in good condition?
Donate them to one of these places:
Goodwill
Salvation Army
BOX on a LOT stating Shoes and CLOTHING
Share a Shoe Foundation (see website)

Donate your old shoes   Mail to:
DONATE Your Old Shoes
13191 Winstanley Way
San Diego CA 92130

DR Castaway Kids
11167 Pulaski Hwy
White Marsh MD 21162

Organize a shoe drive at your church or school.
Interested in donating new FLIP FLOPS?
1. Purchase one or more pairs of flip flops. Children's sizes 0-13.
2. REMOVE sales tag.
3. Go to City Team Ministries website to download a gift tag and complete it.
4. Tie each pair of shoes together with a tag.
5. Include $1 for each pair of flip flops to cover shipping.
6. Mail to: City Team MINISTRIES
Attn: Flip Flop Fund
2304 Zanker RD
San Jose CA 95131

ONE DAY WITHOUT SHOES APRIL 5, 2011

This Tuesday, April 5 is TOMS Shoes project One Day Without Shoes. Some of you know that I like shoes. I frequently go barefoot around the house but like a comfortable pair of shoes when I'm outside. Therefore, when I heard about this project, I was doubtful that I could do this. After all, what would Dr. Gold think if I showed up for my annual examination shoeless. He is the one who did my knee replacement in 2006. On the other hand,  of the 23 countries this project is being done in, my sponsored children live in 16 of these countries. I know how important shoes are to these children They prevent infections and protect the children from cuts and sores. Those of us who have stepped shoeless on hot sand or cement know how painful that can be. One of the things Reyna of Honduras needed in order to continue her education was a pair of shoes. Today, I received a photo of her holding her new shoes and a note saying she was back in school as of  Valentine's Day. SO, how can I who took the name Claire as a confirmation name in my late fifties, mainly because it went well with Marie, ignore the legacy of St. Clare who went without shoes as she helped the poor?  So, I will try in honor of St. Clare and
Norma of Guatemala    Dixy of El Salvador    Geyling of Nicaragua      Charlando of Haiti     Reyna of Honduras     Jhon of Peru       Djenebou of Mali      Amsa of Niger      Nora of Uganda     Vincent of Burundi      Golden of Zambia    Ntefeleng of Lesotho      Addissu  of Ethiopia     Grace of Malawi   Artashes of Armenia   AND    Kanha and Samphors of Cambodia  to go without shoes Tuesday. If Dr. Gold or others on my way to his office are puzzled, I'll just hand them a copy of this to read.   

April is Autism Awareness Month

Many of you know a child or young adult who is somewhere on the autism disorder spectrum.
Towson University has a Center for Adults with Autism- one of a kind in this area. They are having some fundraising events.
Concert for Autism Sunday, April3, 3-6 pm Potomac Lounge Towson University
This Celebration of Life Concert features Gary Rubin and Debbie Miller. The event features the performance, dinner, drinks, and a silent auction.
LAPS Sunday April17, 8-10 a.m. Teams will walk/run laps at TU'S Johnny Unitas Stadium to raise money for the Center.
During the month of April, Bill Bateman's Bistro will donate ten percent of your dining bill to the CENTER. Family Dining Night THURSDAY, April 28 starting at 6p.m.
Golf Tournament Monday May 2, 8a.m. Shotgun Start , Rocky Point Golf Course, Essex
Drinks and lunch included in the cost of registration fee.
Other ways to help autism:
The Greater Good Network is giving part of sale proceeds to Autism.
Advocate for funds for Autism programs.
Advocate for funds for art programs in the schools. Temple Grandin is an example of someone who benefitted from and advocates for the arts in schools.
Read a book by a parent or family who is dealing with autism.