Xmas Torch 2010

Four months to go and we get to do it all over again with another so deserving 630 children! We are getting better at this all thanks to you and your continued support.

So here is how to do this:

We have a NEW website!

Take a look at our orphanages:
PROJECTS FOR THIS YEAR

Then make your donation! There are many options:
MAKE A DONATION AND TOUCH A CHILD.

This is a fantastic charity, which gives so much directly to those children who need it, so see what you can do to help.

ONLY 7 DAYS LEFT

Click HERE to find details on how to bid.

AUCTIONING FOR CHARITY

 

Muddy duck

 Signed original pen & ink drawing.

Unframed 21 x29 cm.

Postage free worldwide.

I am auctioning this drawing in order to raise funds for the charity 

Xmas Torch.  For information, see below or their website here.

100% of the money I raise through this sale will go to them. 

I am donating the drawing and the postage. 

I am not using a popular auction site, due to the ridiculous charges, so this is how the auction will be conducted...

Send your bids directly to me at sue_pownall@yahoo.co.uk 

Closing date: 28th February 2010.

Please bid in pounds sterling (£). The highest bid will be displayed in the blog sidebar, so you have an idea of how much to bid, or if you need to increase your bid. 

After the closing date, I will email the highest bidder with details of how to pay. When Xmas Torch receive the money, I will then mail you the drawing.

Let's see how much we can raise. 

Send your bids now, but keep watching the sidebar in case you need to increase your bid. 

Thank you.

  

Most less fortunate children all over the world have someone or group doing something to help them. What most of these homes or groups can provide is mostly food, shelter and those who can an education. It is often forgotten though that they are children after all, however brave or tough their situations have made them. 

Xmas Torch was conceived in 2007 specifically for these children and for this purpose. A day exclusively set for them to feel like children, a day of ultimate celebration especially during the festive seasons, Christmas in particular.

The main objective of Xmas Torch is to spend 1-2(depending on the money raised that year) unforgettable days with children who are affected or infected by incurable diseases, poverty, orphans, rape victims and others. Over these days, the children engage in various outdoor activities which are educational, motivational and above all fun! At the end of these 1-2 days stint, it is our hope that the children leave there feeling more confident and positive about life!

2009 End of Year Meme

I first saw this year end meme at Bleeding Espresso, who got it from Sundry Mourning, who originally copied it from Gwen's Petty, Judgmental, Evil Thoughts back in 2004. Check them out too. I haven't answered all questions, but left them in case you'd like to do this yourself. Don't forget to let me know below, if you do.

1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before? An  art spa. Sloshing paint about was very liberating & therapeutic.

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I kept 2 of 4 of last years', but haven't made any so far today.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Beccy gave birth to William

4. Did anyone close to you die? Unfortunately yes, my uncle.

5. What countries did you visit? South Africa, UK, Italy, Germany, Lebanon & UAE

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? A new roof.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? January for staying in my flat for first time, July for mum & dad visiting flat, and August for finally going to Lebanon.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Starting to draw regularly again

9. What was your biggest failure? My relationship with J.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Nothing too bad, as I don't remember anything other than a touch of flu.

11. What was the best thing you bought? Chandelier for the lounge with last year's birthday money.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration? Lorraine with her charity to help Kenyan orphans. Check out the website Xmas Torch

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed? A family member

14. Where did most of your money go? Plane tickets

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Doing Jenni's art spa. Also UrbanSketchers

16. What song will always remind you of 2009? Rise up, Yves Larock

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer? A) about the same B) same C) life is richer but bank definitely isn't.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Laughing

19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Crying

20. How did you spend Christmas? With mum & dad

21. Did you fall in love in 2009? I was still in love with my ex :-{

22. What was your favourite TV program? Harper's Island, although I still haven't seen the last episode

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? I try not to hate anything or anyone.

24. What was the best book you read? The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? James Morrison

26. What did you want and get? A new job

27. What did you want and not get? More of the flat to be finished.

28. What was your favourite film of this year? None

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I went for a pub lunch with my parents then out in the evening with Alison for a catch-up over a drink.


30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Better drawings.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? Same as always

32. What kept you sane? Claire

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

34. What political issue stirred you the most? Lack of resolution on climate change, and the continual deforestation

35. Who did you miss? Everyone who wasn't near.

36. Who was the best new person you met? Lorraine

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009. Never give up a gift or undervalue yourself.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Gratitude Friday: philanthropists

A friend of mine set up a charity, Xmas Torch, a few years ago with this objective
"Christmas is one of the best holidays for many. It is that time of the year that we all try to get time off work and spend it with our families. However there are those that have no idea what is Christmas because for them it is life as usual with nothing different but the same hard life they are used to. All I want to do for these children is give them an unforgettable [time] where they will think of nothing else but let them be children ... It is important for them to know that there is more to life than the problems they face daily."

She is an ordinary woman, like you and I, trying to achieve the extraordinary. She aims to give as many Kenyan kids, living in orphanages, a trip away from the homes with the surprise of a Christmas present for each of them.

Xmas Torch is targeting to gift each child, from ages 2 to 23, a backpack filled with a doll/football; math set; crayons/color pencils; coloring books; pencils; pens; under garments; books; and personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc).

Recognising the corruption that unfortunately exists in some countries, the charity Xmas Torch buys the gifts and gives them to the kids themselves, and arranges the outings. This makes sure the donations reach those who need them and doesn't go into someone's pocket.

I think it is important to be grateful to all the philanthropists in the world, who do what they can to help others. Also, with the onset of the Christmas we need to reflect that we may not be able to buy that extra box of chocolates or whatever it is we want, but compared to many in the world we have so much, from choices, to homes, to food we can afford to throw away. Today, I think we should all be thankful for all we have and that when we loose sight of that there are people like my friend who do what they can to make other's lives better. I know I am.
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