Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Action Kivu....A Call to Action

It's that time of year again.  Once a year Alissa, my friend from Handmade by Alissa, holds a week long fundraiser to support Action Kivu.  For those of you new to my blog, or hers, Action Kivu is a nonprofit that helps women who are victims of the conflict in Eastern Congo by teaching them to sew at a sewing workshop. Action Kivu also pays for children to go to school. The conflict in Congo has taken the lives of over 5.4 million people since 1998. Rape is used as a weapon of war, with estimates putting the number of rapes in the hundreds of thousands.  

Over the last three years, our donations have made a difference in the lives of many women and children.  Our dollars purchased this sewing machine and this woman now has a better life because of us.  A better life through sewing...I can't say it better than that.  

 Last year Cate, Alissa's sister, had the opportunity to visit the Congo and see the good work of Action Kivu in person.  These are the faces of the women we touch with our donations.  Cate also works directly with Action Kivu and knows first hand how difficult it is to raise the money needed to continue this work.

Action Kivu is a small organization and this yearly fundraiser is its lifeblood.  It is a cause dear to my heart in so many ways.  Spend some time on the website to learn more.

If that's not enough reason to donate, Alissa has lined up some amazing prizes. Head to Alissa's blog to see the prize details and while you're there, do what you can. Every dollar helps.  
For my readers who donate $40.00 or more, I have a special incentive for you.  Remember these Bouncing Wedges quilts?


If you donate $40.00 or more, come back here, leave a comment and tell me you donated (Alissa will confirm your donation) and I'll choose one of you to pick your choice of one of these quilts.  I'll use the random number generator to choose a winner at the end of the fundraiser.
Our goal this year is $20,000.  I know that may seem like a bunch of money, but we can do it, and think of the difference we can make if we do.  Please head over and do what you can.


Comments are now closed.  Winner to be announced shortly!  Thank you so much for your support!

84 comments:

Camilla said...

Yes I donated to this amazing cause and how generous of you to support it so wonderfully!

RedSparrow said...

This is a beautiful, and inspiring cause. I gave what I could; and I'd like to think that we can all take these lessons and apply them closer to home as well. Sewing, and other crafts, are a great way to give power back to those who feel they have none. I love the message behind this whole thing. Thanks for sharing!
-Sparrow

grendelskin said...

I'm in at the $45 level - thanks for the "push!"

Phoebe said...

I donated. It's an amazing cause.

Patti said...

More than happy to do my small part for this amazing cause.

Diane said...

This is my second year contributing to this really great cause. Thanks for all you guys do to make it happen!

Lindsay Conner said...

I love this event and the cause! Just made my contribution, and I am going to share on my blog this week. :)

Leila said...

I just donated! I love this fundraiser - thanks for giving us some extra motivation to donate. :)

Jenny M said...

What a great fundraiser! It's nice to have a pointer to an organization where you know someone (who knows someone who knows someone) 'on the ground' and can verify that they're doing good work. Otherwise giving to small charities can seem like such a gamble -- it really is special to have an 'in' with a group doing such good, important work, and sharing yearly updates through Alissa and her sister.

Thank you for your involvement!! I donated again this year (twice -- couldn't resist some of those great bonus prizes).

Margaret said...

Such a great cause. I am happy to support it. I'll spread the word.

Allison C said...

I just donated. It is a great cause and I'm happy to help out. Love these scooter print quilts! I happen to drive a scooter to work every day. They are super fun! My paypal account name is silverelements47.

bruinbr said...

Just made my donation. So happy to help again this year!

Di~ said...

Thanks Jacquie! I donated, so get my name in there for that awesome quilt! :)

Amy said...

I donated! How great to have a chance to win a quilt, in addition to the other prizes! Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Jacquie! I just donated!!!
This is such a wonderful charity, I donated last year as well.,

David & Dianne
dbienick@comcast.net

Sarahliz said...

So great to hear about this cause and be able to donate. Thanks for the additional incentive to give.

Dana said...

Just donated! Thanks for the possible win. :)

Infodetective said...
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Peggy said...

How wonderful this is. Sewing really can be life-changing! My heart aches for these women and children. I pray that they can find some peace. I donated $45.

Jodi said...

Incredible organization - I donated $60

laurie said...

What a great organization! Thank you for supporting it and bringing it to our attention. I donated $100.

Valerie W said...

Thanks for the opportunity to help these women. I donated $200 to purchase a sewing machine for one of them. Good luck!

aemily said...

I donated. Hope you reach your goal.

agnes said...

donation made!

jacquie said...

This is to acknowledge Diana's donation.

Norma's Bag Boutique said...

I donated. It's a great cause. Thank God for people who are generous. The giveaway is an extra incentive. Great quilts! Thanks!

Infodetective said...
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Ramona said...

Thanks for taking part in what appears to be a wonderful cause. I've donated $45.

Nona said...

I donated to this great cause. Hope they meet their goal.

Kelly E said...

I donated and am so glad I could!

Jess said...

Just donated to Action Kivu. As both a sewing enthusiast and public health professional, it's definitely an organization I am proud to support.

Leanne said...

I donated, and I am proud to support such a great initiative. Thank you for the chance to win such an excellent quilt.

Adele said...

I donated !!!

Thanks for the opportunity to help

Unknown said...

I donated and will post on our guild's site about it.

Kathryn said...

Thanks Jackie. I donated $60 dollars and appreciate you bringing this to the attention of your readers.

J said...

I donated to Action Kivu today! thanks, Janet

MCA said...

Just donated -- thanks for bringing attention to this wonderful organization.

The New Mrs. said...

I donated--what a great cause!

Carol said...

Just donated. Inspiring.

DKB said...

Just donated!

kristen said...

Just donated. Thanks!

house full of jays said...

I donated. Thanks for supporting this cause!

Nanette said...

I donated, and was happy to do something small and simple to help others! Thank you for spreading the word.

Gretchen said...

I donated. Thanks for supporting this great cause.

Cathy D said...

What amazing work they are doing! I love to see women taking their economic lives in their own hands. I donated $40.

QuiltingCyclist said...

Made my donation day before yesterday. Hope I am not too late. This is a great, great project. Thanks for supporting it and bringing us into it.

Cheryl Arkison said...

Of course I supported the cause! How could you not?

Dr. Emmie-poo said...

I get to support this amazing organization, and maybe win one of your quilts!? Sign me up!! (I am signed up-I just donated. So please enter me!).

Priscilla said...

I donated a few minutes ago and would like to be entered in your drawing; now I'll spend a few minutes looking at your lovely website!

pam said...

this is such a great cause. i was more than happy to contribute to it. and the bonus for me is finding new blogs to follow - thanks for making your contribution to the cause!!

Kristin said...

I donated just now! I would love to win one of your beautiful quilts.

Sandy Panagos said...

I donated $45.oo. How wonderful to help women make a life for themselves.

lori lober said...

Just donated and am sending thanks for your generous support of this amazing program!

Holly said...

I just donated to support Action Kivu. Grateful to have a chance to help these women help themselves!

Shannon said...

Just donated. Donated under address shannon_m_carr at hotmail

Linda at Roscoe's Ma said...

I just made my donation. Thanks for your generous contribution to this amazing organization.

Karen said...

So happy to be able to donate to this wonderful cause!

Unknown said...

I donated. I hope you reach your goal!

Anonymous said...

love the fundraiser - and few, and more, women making a huge impact! thank you for your beautiful contribulation too!

Sue said...

I've just donated - what a great cause!

Sarah D. in KCMo said...

I just donated to Action Kivu - third year & counting. Thanks!

arajane said...

i donated! thank you for your beautiful contributions to the cause!

Anonymous said...

I donated! I'm so glad I saw the post today so I could contribute! What a wonderful program.

Beth said...

I'm so glad to have donated to this great cause.Thanks for supporting it and encouraging so many to donate!

Mama Urchin said...

I'm always happy to support this organization. I donated this evening. Thanks for hosting an additional giveaway!

Stephanie said...

I just donated to this wonderful cause! Thanks so much for being a part of this!
Stephanie Hicks
scrappinscout451@yahoo.com
http://seastephscreations.blogspot.com/

Shannon said...

I just donated! Action Kivu is doing amazing work and I'm so happy to contribute each year!

Maureen T. said...

I donated. It's such an amazing organization! Thank you so much for making a difference in the world.

Andrea said...

Hello, I have donated to this amazing cause. Thank you for you generosity.

Tricia C. said...

I just donated to this wonderful organization. It's a blessing to have this opportunity!

Ashley said...

I guess I probably shouldn't enter, but your quilts are gorgeous and I'd love to see one here at my home! I've just donated (late, as i've been away without my computer!)

Meg Bloodworth said...

Just donated to this wonderful cause!

Emily said...

Just donated but from a different email address--it's emilyhope 11 at live. Thank you!!

Staci said...

Finally did it!! Thanks for supporting a great cause.

Tina in Boston said...

Hello! I donated to the cause twice. This is for donation #2 - $75. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to help people in need.

Tina in Boston said...

Hello! I donated to the cause twice. This is for donation #1 - $40. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to help people in need.

BFromM said...

I donated twice! What a great cause!

Sarah said...

Always glad to support women taking care of their families and education for children.

Emily said...

I donated! Woooo!

Paula said...

I donated to this great cause!!!

Cheryl said...

I donated for the 2nd year in a row. Great cause and thanks for your generous offer!

Valerie said...

Thanks for introducing me to this organization! I donated, and love being part of how sewing is improving women's lives everywhere!

Katie said...

donated. :)

Lisa said...

Thanks for helping the sewing community help out others by using our favorite hobby. Made my donation this morning.