Showing posts with label good cause. Show all posts
Showing posts with label good cause. Show all posts

Saturday 5 December 2020

Donate to a good cause - All Hands and Hearts - for people in need

Hi There..... Have you ever considered giving to a good cause, to people in need? Have you ever heard about the All Hands and Hearts organization?

Don't you think a little kindness could go a long way even in these trying times? I know many people have suffered financially from this Corona crisis, but I hope you still have some love to give to a good cause, to people in need. The last thing you need right now is someone like me that says there are far worse things. 😘

That is something I really hate myself when I tell them about my illness 'Some people have it worse'. It makes my hair stand up. 😒

Still, it doesn't mean we should be ignorant of people that suffer from natural disasters. Last year I wrote 2 posts about good causes and I have to admit that I was hesitant to do this again this year but as you can see I ignored myself. Why? 😲

Well, even though my mom passed away 2 years ago, she still had her say in this. I can still remember what she often said 'what have you got to lose. You already have a no so go for a yes'. 😄

And maybe this is not the best time for you, but who knows in a few months you may think about my blog when times are getting better. If I do not write this post, you may be lost completely and might have to Google to find a trustworthy good cause. 😫

What if you get a virus on your computer by doing this search or maybe you go completely crazy because you can't find one and you fall from the stairs not having your head in the right place? Oh yes, I am saving you from all those problems just because I am a good soul. 😁


With record numbers of hurricanes hitting the US in 2020, there is an urgent need for a thoughtful approach to disaster relief. The organization All Hands and Hearts arrives early and they stay late to assist with long-term recovery. 

Currently, they are running programs in Texas, Florida, CA, and The Bahamas. All Hands and Hearts has quickly adapted to open a new initiative, a 12-week service commitment to communities impacted by natural disasters with health and safety measures in the time of COVID19. It’s called DM-12. 

96 cents of every dollar donated is spent on their programs, which is one reason they’re rated in the top 9% of U.S. charities evaluated by Charity Navigator, the most trusted charity assessment organization.

I love that I found this Charity Navigator. I used it to choose which charities I wanted to share with you. Imagine that I would tell you about a charity and it would be a hoax. I wouldn't want that to happen to me, so definitely not to my followers either. 😊

They have a lot of programs running, but some of them had to be suspended because of the Corona crisis. I picked out a few to give you a sense of what they are doing.


Florida Hurricane Relief

Disaster Profile
On October 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael slammed into Mexico Beach, Florida as a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained wind speeds of 160 mph. With record-breaking wind speeds, Michael was both the strongest storm to make landfall in the continental US (since Hurricane Andrew in 1992) and to ever hit the Florida Panhandle. Tracking across the Southeastern United States, winds plunged 1.4 million residents into complete darkness in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, and the Carolinas. Communities across the region were devastated, with full towns in the Panhandle demolished beyond recognition.

Program Work
Thanks to the support of partners, donors, the local community, and volunteers they have committed to carrying out critical home repairs on 40 homes in Jackson County between October 2020 and April 2021. Their first DM12 cohort began work last month and are focusing their efforts on mucking and gutting, mold sanitation, home repairs, and renewal projects.

Program History
Phase I: Panama City, Florida (October 2018 to December 2019)
Assessing the immense and widespread destruction of the storm, their Rapid Response team jumped into action immediately after the storm’s landfall. Identifying a great need in Bay and Calhoun counties, the majority of their work focused just outside Youngstown, Florida. Their initial efforts were chainsawing, debris removal, and residential flood cleanup; they then worked on mucking and gutting homes, as well as performing mold sanitations.

Their Hurricane Michael program officially transitioned to the recovery phase in June 2019 and began with the rebuilding work on affected homes; they worked in tandem with local community partners to effectively support recovery and helped more than 800 people.

Louisiana 2020 Hurricane Relief

Disaster Profile
Louisiana has been hit by four storms this year, the two largest of which have caused significant damage. On August 27th, Hurricane Laura pounded the Louisiana and Texas coasts, making landfall near Cameron, Louisiana as a Category 4 storm with 150 m.p.h. winds. Hurricane Laura tied the Last Island Hurricane (1856) for the strongest land-falling hurricane in Louisiana on record.

Just six weeks later, on October 9th, Hurricane Delta made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane in Creole, Louisiana. It followed a similar path to Hurricane Laura and compounded the damages already left by previous storms, as well as causing a lot more rainfall accumulation, with several places reporting up to 18” within a few hours. Flood emergencies and wind damage were reported across large areas, and many communities got significant damage to their properties.

Their Work
Their team is assisting families impacted by both Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Delta, and with the support of AmeriCorps NCCC members, has been focusing on response activities to date (chainsawing, roof tarping, debris removal, and mucking and gutting). They committed to staying in Louisiana into 2021 and will be transitioning to recovery activities in December 2020, starting with a resilient roof repair program.

Los Angeles COVID-19 Relief

Crisis Overview
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause a significant impact on the Los Angeles (LA), California county area. To date, there are more than 310,000 confirmed cases, 7,000 deaths in LA County and the threat level remains high — signifying that COVID-19 could overwhelm the community and health care system if not controlled.

Program Work
As they investigated the idea of leveraging their volunteer model to support other NGOs providing COVID-19 assistance to their communities, Los Angeles County was identified as one potential place they could help address critical needs for the community. They learned from NGO partners, with local affiliates in the area, that demands for services were at an all-time high and local volunteer availability was significantly constrained.

Their team has been in Los Angeles, since early July, working with new and existing partners to identify how they can be most effective in supporting the Los Angeles community. Through their current program, they are working to increase the capacity of partner organizations, LA Food Bank, and CORE. With up to 30 volunteers, on a weekly basis, they aim to assemble 35,000 emergency meal kits, distribute 55,000 meals to families in need, and orchestrate 30,000 COVID-19 tests.

I just got a message today (09.12.2020) that there are a few program changes that were just updated yesterday. Currently, All Hands and Hearts is only accepting the DM-12 volunteer applications in The Bahamas, Mexico, and California: The applications are not open in Louisiana and Florida. 

Be sure to visit their website if you want to know more. 😍

Hope you like my blog post. Until next time. Have a nice day.    
Renata (Seadbeady) 



Want to be on my blog next time??  Want me to review your product?? Just send me a message at seadbeady@telenet.be 😊

Saturday 23 May 2020

What good cause to support when you are a pet lover?

Hi There..... Do you have a soft spot for animals?

I mean in your heart of course..... No, No..... Not the soft spot on the couch that's reserved for your four-legged friend 😂

Actually, I wanted to come back on a blog post I made in December last year about The AAP or Animal Assisted Projects 😊

You can read my previous blog post here

The AAP focusses on the relationship between man and animal..... And they have found great ways to do so 😀

Like their plus-owner initiative..... Where people of 55 or older are given the chance to take care of someone else's animal for the day..... That way the owners can benefit too by knowing someone is giving their pet some extra love 😍


Picture from zoegammon on Pixabay

Another important goal of them is to also use their knowledge to offer training about the relationship between animal and man  😀 

And if that's not enough..... They also use their know-how to work together with the government and organizations..... And not just a tiny bit..... They really are devoted to their job if you ask my honest opinion..... I might try to fool you sometimes maybe..... But definitely not this time  😊

They have a helpdesk where you can ask all kinds of animal-related questions..... Citizens can report animal-abuse or neglect and they work together with the police or other services to find the best possible solution  😍

Hearing that really makes me happy..... If there is something I can't stand its people neglecting or abusing animals..... That is simply unforgivable  😖

Also very important for people who live in the neighborhood is their emergency care and transit if owners can temporarily not take care of their pet..... They have enthusiastic volunteers who are happy to support them in this task  😀 


Picture from Wokandapix on Pixabay

Where are you going..... No, no don't go..... I haven't finished..... Stay..... Sit  🤣

They also often intervene when an animal is seized..... They sit down with the parties involved to see which measures would be appropriate..... If necessary they give advice and support after the return of the owner's pet  😊

Oh yes, there is more..... They follow up on incidents with animals by consulting with the animal shelter, the vet or another expert about measures to guarantee public safety and the welfare of humans and animals  😀 

And last but not least..... There is their involvement in School projects, youth projects, and awareness campaigns in which they develop a diverse range of training courses and workshops tailored to young people..... Fabulous..... Right  😍


Picture from Free-Photos on Pixabay

What did you say..... You would love to help..... Of course, you can..... No obligations but you can't blame a girl for asking..... Actually, they mailed me to ask for help so I am just passing the buck 😁

So maybe you have a grandpa or grandma that you miss so much..... Who knows maybe it could be a mom or dad, a girlfriend or boyfriend even..... Maybe you should let them know that you are thinking of them..... Or maybe you just want to spread some joy around the world 😘

What better way than to order their fun postcards to put a smile on someone's face..... You receive a full package of 10 different cards for 12.50 euro..... Here is the link to them https://www.aapvzw.be/steun-ons-shop..... Come on now..... It's not that much and it's for the welfare of animals  😍

By the way..... If you might ask yourself.....I have no benefit from posting this.....I just have a big heart for animals..... Not literally of course..... It's not like you can feed my heart to your dogs  😂

Hope you like my blog post.....Until next time.....Have a great day 

Renata (Seadbeady) 

Want to be on my blog next time ?? Want me to review your product?? Just send me a message 😊

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Saturday 14 December 2019

What good cause to support when you are an Animal lover? part 2

Hi There.....Are you a fan of animals in the wild?

As I told you in last week's post I am for sure.....and that is why I wanted to write this week and last week's blogs about good causes involving animals. Just follow this link to go to last week's blog post if you are curious to know what it was about.

It's a win-win situation because you get to satisfy your curiosity and I get an extra reader for that post haha 😉

So as promised this week I will be telling you some more about the WCC or Wildlife Conservation Society 😄

It seems they were already founded back in 1895 as the New York Zoological Society. The Wildlife Conservation Society was one of the first conservation organizations in the U.S. They had a clear goal from the beginning to advance wildlife conservation, promote the study of zoology, and create a first-class zoo. 



Did you know they have five zoos already.....The Bronx Zoo, Central Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium.

I know some of you might say that a zoo is not the right place for an animal.....and they are right in a way because an animal should be free in the wild. I think nowadays people are much more aware of that fact and the wellbeing of an animal should come in the first place. 

But these Zoos are working hard together with scientists in the field to save wildlife. Field staff report back their observations of animal behavior and need in nature, which in turn bolsters animal wellbeing in the parks 😃



But it goes much further than just a few Zoos.....their goal is to conserve the world's largest wild places in 16 priority regions, home to more than 50% of the world's biodiversity.

Their strategy for 2020 is to maintain the WCS's historic focus on the protection of species while developing an ambitious plan to engage with the rapidly changing world. 

They say that the challenges are greater than ever but with the focus, dedication, and passion of a committed staff.....combined with a unique mixture of field, zoo and aquarium expertise they will continue to set the bar for science, conservation action, and education that has driven their success in protecting wildlife and wild places for over a century.



The WCS envisions a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas, valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth.

That doesn't sound like an easy task but it makes me glad to hear that people are willing to work hard to make this dream come true 😄

Although I don't want those big animals too close to my bed.....I have a hard time sleeping as it is.....I don't want to wake up hearing things running around in my home. Who knows I might happen to walk into the lion's den instead of my own den 😂



Hope you like my blog post.....Until next time.....Have a great day 

Renata (Seadbeady) 

Behind every unique handmade piece is a lot of hard work. It's a labor of love and every piece you buy will make someone's day a happy day. 

Want to be on my blog next time ?? Want me to review your product?? Just send me a message 😊

Sunday 8 December 2019

What good cause to support when you are an Animal lover?

Hi There.....Do you love animals?

No???.....Impossible how can you not love animals???

I have always had a heart for animals......except for bugs.....they only bug me 😁

My big love has always been cats but I love all kinds of animals. I just love watching the National Geographic Wild Channel.....Especially the documentaries about the big cats.....After all, my zodiac sign is Leo 😉

That is why I wanted to dedicate this blog post to a good cause for animals. Maybe at the end of this year, some people might be persuaded to give to one of the causes I selected.

The first one I would like to share with you is The AAP or Animal Assisted Projects

They started up in 2017 because they saw what friendship between pets and people could do. They found a solution for pet owners who don't want their pets to be at home alone all day.....who want their pets to get some extra affection.....who want their pets to get some extra care......who want to make someone happy by letting them take care of their pet......who want to create a better bond between people and pets.

Their solution is the plus-owner.

I can hear you thinking up to here.....no matter how far you are.....what the heck is a plus-owner 😄

It is someone of 55 or older who has time during the day to take care of an animal.....who wants to enjoy the company of an animal of someone in the neighbourhood.....who likes to bond with this animal......who likes to chat a bit with others and feels at home in a group of people who have a heart for animals.

Since this is a Belgian cause I am actually thinking about doing this

Some of you might know but I have a lot of joint and muscle problems and it's impossible for me to work at the moment because that comes with a lot of pain. 

3 years ago we moved out of our house to an apartment with everything on the same floor to make things easier for me. That also meant that we couldn't keep animals anymore. Weird as I still choke up talking about this......needless to say that was pretty hard for me since I had to give my cat away to someone else. I do still yearn to give some cuddles to cats. Having it softly purr on my lap or give me soft bites in my neck or toes.

Haha yes I did have a cat that softly bit me in my toes to remind me of giving him his food 😂

But let me show you a picture of our new pet since we moved.


Isn't he the cutest ever.....he is not noisy at all and doesn't make a mess 😁

Ok enough about me let's get back to the cause....You see combining pet owners and plus-owners is not the only thing they do......they also find pets to be very valuable in therapeutic centra. 

Dogs and cats have the ability to get through to people that have mental or physical disabilities. They send out people to these places with pets to give those people a special experience that benefits their mental wellbeing.

You may find me a little cheesy but that warms my heart 😄

In order to contribute to a better society, they would also like to share their knowledge so they offer training about this relationship between man and animal.

I just love knowing that there are so many people out there with a heart for animals.....don't you?

As a reward to their plus-owners and volunteers, they organize excursions, lectures or workshops in order to mix business with pleasure.  

If after reading this you feel like becoming an active member of this organization by becoming a volunteer or an ambassador.....don't hesitate to contact them for more information.

Next time I will share some information about another good cause I found interesting - The Wildlife Conservation Society 😃

Hope you like my blog post.....Until next time.....Have a great day

Renata (Seadbeady)

Behind every unique handmade piece is a lot of hard work. It's a labor of love and every piece you buy will make someone's day a happy day. 

Want to be on my blog next time ?? Want me to review your product?? Just send me a message 😊

Friday 3 November 2017

Introducing to you - MyLila

Hi There.....Are you looking for some cute baby things?

Yes? Then let me introduce you to Reena, the shop owner of MyLila.
As a little girl, she saw her mom knitting sweaters for her, her sisters and a lot of her cousins. That inspired her to get an education on apparel and textiles. And after several years of professional experience she decided to design her own collection. She handpicked the colors and let Indian artisans make each product hand knit with 100% acrylic yarn. Each item is signed by the artisan who has knit it.

This way she wants to empower other women. Mylila is commited to support economically challenged and low-income artisans in India. 30% of the profits are given back to the artisans. So if you decide to buy something, you will actually be contributing to a good cause 😀 Let me show you some of those cute baby knits.

Avery - Unisex Cream Vest With Orange Trim



Bella - Raspberry Cardigan



Eva - Babies and Girls Headband



India - Black Baby Hat



Emma - Pink Baby Hat



Justice - Baby Booties



Max - Unisex Charcoal Vest With Black Trim



Meera - Baby Booties



Taylor - Orange Baby Hat



Tkai - Baby Hat



See anything you like? Or maybe you just want to help support those indian artisans.....feel free to contact Reena through her website. Or follow her on instagram - www.instagram.com/mylila.store

Hope you liked my blogpost.......Until next time.......Have a great day

Renata (Seadbeady)



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