Handstands for Humanity

Today marks the two-month birthday of Handstands for Humanity! While it may sound silly to celebrate such a short amount of time, I am happy to report that I am 10% of the way toward my goal of raising $2,500 to help rebuild Haiti.

To celebrate, I thought I would share about why I chose Haiti as my cause, why I am partnering with One Day’s Wages, and how you can help!

Why Haiti?

In 2008, I spent ten days visiting schools and orphanages in Haiti. The harsh reality of what life is like in Haiti was painfully apparent after witnessing firsthand the unprotected bare feet of most children, deathly ill orphans without adequate care, a tremendous lack of food, unsafe school houses on the verge of collapsing as well as several other issues of concern. Before the 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook Port Au Prince on January 12, 2010, Haiti was already the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Consequently, this devastation has worsened Haiti’s living conditions and exaggerated human rights issues that previously existed. The rebuilding effort has been desperately slow and more than 500,000 people are still living in displacement camps. The country is burdened by dilapidated buildings and structures, a weakened justice system, increased vulnerability of women and children, a lack of education and compromised healthcare. So why Haiti? Because my heart breaks for them, they are still in crisis and they need our help.

Here are some recent photos of Haiti, taken two years after the quake.

Why One Day’s Wages?

One Day’s Wages (ODW) is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization that is working to alleviate extreme global poverty. ODW raises funding and partners with other nonprofit organizations around the world that focus on various aspects of poverty (learn more about ODW’s partner organizations). I value ODW’s vision to come alongside other organizations that have already developed relationships and sustainable programs within poor communities. In 2010 I had the privilege of working closely with the ODW team for several months. I am inspired by their deep passion, and I am encouraged by the progress they have made so far. So why ODW? Because they are effectively inspiring and challenging people to collaborate with others in the fight against extreme global poverty.

Learn more about ODW here.

How you can help

You can make a difference in the lives of those who are living in extreme poverty. I would like to challenge you to donate $5, $10, $20 or another amount of your choice. A small amount can have a large impact. Donate here. All (100%) of your donation (minus credit card fees) goes directly to projects focused on rebuilding Haiti.

In celebration of Handstands for Humanity’s two-month birthday, I hope you’ll consider joining me in this effort. Together let’s stand up (side-down) for change.