Celebrating Juneteenth

155 years ago today, the last slaves in the U.S. were granted freedom. As we celebrate #Juneteenth, it is a reminder of both how far we’ve come and how far we have to go in the fight against racism.

This year, Juneteenth takes on a special meaning as the fight for equality and racial justice gains momentum and a feeling of urgency.  We live in a country where the lives of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Rayshard Brooks and George Floyd were snuff out by lethal violence.  And as we are hearing from students, too often classrooms fail to connect these events to our country’s complex, violent and racist history.  Perhaps this is why Juneteenth still isn’t a federal holiday, and its history is often overlooked.  But Black history is American history.  And as we celebrate Juneteenth together, let’s use this moment to renew our commitment to creating opportunities for all of California’s students to thrive.

– Tony Thurmond

 

How to Help

It’s easy to be scared during these unprecedented times. We hope that you are safe and well, practicing social distancing and staying safe at home.

If you are able and want to help, some of the hospitals are requesting items, due to the lack of PPE (Personal protective equipment).

Our sweet friend, Melissa, a nurse, forwarded me an email that her hospital (St. Joseph) and CHOC are requesting  the following items:

In addition to new, unused 3M, N95 and surgical masks, we can accept the following supplies for making face shields:

• Bolts of 16, 18 or 20-gauge clear vinyl
• 3/8-inch and/or 1/2-inch braided elastic in white or black
• 1-inch Airtex High Density Foam (green)
• Gorilla Glue or 3M Scotch Heavy Duty Double-Sided Mounting Tape

You can mail them directly to

 St. Joseph Hospital
1100 W. Stewart Drive
 Orange, CA  92868

or

CHOC
1201 W. La Veta Avenue
Orange, CA 92868

For questions, pls email COVID19Donations@providence.org

You may also contact your local hospital and ask if they need these donations.

We have also found Masks for Heroes (website) and a Facebook Group. There are instructions on how to make facemasks and how to donate to hospitals directly.

There are also many online patterns and Youtube tutorials if you want to crochet a facemask for personal wear for minimum trips to the grocery store.  Just google Crochet Facemask with face shield.

We underline that you should only donate if you can and have these items available to you without making unnecessary trips to the store.

We are so appreciative of all of you in our community of prayer and hope.

We send our best wishes and positive thoughts.

Thank you!
~Pali

The Biggest Contribution Yet!

The American Heart Association from Atlanta, Georgia sent us 4 boxes full of red baby hats, which is the largest shipment we have ever received! The hats are all red, but different sizes and styles to raise awareness for February, which is American Heart month!

We were quite surprised and amazed by how many hats were shipped to us! We will start counting, labeling and getting these ready for the deliveries.

Thank you for finding us and thinking of sending these to spread hope and love!
~Pali

World Cancer Day 2020: I Am And I Will

This World Cancer Day, we recognise that our commitment to act will lead to powerful progress in reducing the global impact of cancer.

So, this 4 February whoever you are, your actions – big and small -will make lasting, positive change. Because, progress is possible.

We need your commitment to create a cancer-free world.

This World Cancer Day, who are you and what will you do?

Source: worldcancerday.org

 

Happy Mother’s Day

Hope your day is filled with love and hope.

Earth Day 2019

From Earthday.org website:

Nature’s gifts to our planet are the millions of species that we know and love, and many more that remain to be discovered. Unfortunately, human beings have irrevocably upset the balance of nature and, as a result, the world is facing the greatest rate of extinction since we lost the dinosaurs more than 60 million years ago. But unlike the fate of the dinosaurs, the rapid extinction of species in our world today is the result of human activity.

The unprecedented global destruction and rapid reduction of plant and wildlife populations are directly linked to causes driven by human activity: climate change, deforestation, habitat loss, trafficking and poaching, unsustainable agriculture, pollution and pesticides to name a few. The impacts are far reaching.

If we do not act now, extinction may be humanity’s most enduring legacy. Here are some quick facts on the current wave of extinction and additional information about this problem here.

All living things have an intrinsic value, and each plays a unique role in the complex web of life. We must work together to protect endangered and threatened species: bees, coral reefs, elephants, giraffes, insects, whales and more.

The good news is that the rate of extinctions can still be slowed, and many of our declining, threatened and endangered species can still recover if we work together now to build a united global movement of consumers, voters, educators, faith leaders, and scientists to demand immediate action.

Earth Day Network is asking people to join our Protect our Species campaign. Our goals are to:

• Educate and raise awareness about the accelerating rate of extinction of millions of species and the causes and consequences of this phenomenon.

• Achieve major policy victories that protect broad groups of species as well as individual species and their habitats.

• Build and activate a global movement that embraces nature and its values.

• Encourage individual actions such as adopting plant based diet and stopping pesticide and herbicide use.

A Gentle Reminder

 

Stay close to people who feel like sunshine

World Cancer Day

Today (February 4th) is World Cancer Day.

February 4th is celebrated as World Cancer Day each year.  ‘I Am and I Will’- a call to people to identify themselves and pledge action in support of cancer care.

Why cancer?

Cancer is a critical health and human issue. Today, 9.6 million people each year will die from cancer. Making it the second-most deadly disease. Yet, at least one third of cancers can be prevented. This gives us all every reason to act.

Count me in:  Get involved any way you can. Because together, we can create change.

Link to World Cancer Day website: https://www.worldcancerday.org

 

Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day is observed on December 10th every year.  It was on this day, that the UN adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

The UN website (link: http://www.un.org/en/events/humanrightsday/index.shtml) states that there are universal values and a common standard for all peoples and all nations:

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all. The principles enshrined in the Declaration are as relevant today as they were in 1948. We need to stand up for our own rights and those of others. We can take action in our own daily lives, to uphold the rights that protect us all and thereby promote the kinship of all human beings.

#StandUp4HumanRights

• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all.
• Human rights are relevant to all of us, every day.
• Our shared humanity is rooted in these universal values.
• Equality, justice and freedom prevent violence and sustain peace.
• Whenever and wherever humanity’s values are abandoned, we all are at greater risk.
• We need to stand up for our rights and those of others.

Racism, xenophobia and intolerance are problems prevalent in all societies. But every day, each and every one of us can stand up against racial prejudice and intolerant attitudes.

Be a human rights champion, fight racism and Stand Up for Human Rights!

Friends that Count

When it comes to friends, always choose quality over quantity.

One real friend who stands by you during tough times is worth a hundred who are only there for the good times!

We are so glad you are part of our community… so happy that you choose to be part of a small community on the mission of making this world a better place!

We greatly appreciate your support, positive thoughts and encouraging words.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
~Pali