Philanthropy for the rest of us

Holiday Gifts that Give Back 2011

2011-11-25T07:54:00.000-08:00

Forget gifts that keep on giving; this year get gifts that give twice — with 100% of net proceeds benefiting worthy causes.
Christmas is just around the corner, but instead of buying run of the mill presents this year, you might want to consider something totally yummy that loved ones on your list will love and that will do some good in our world as well.

Here are 10 do-good gifts that scale new philanthropic and fashionable heights:

UNICEF Woven Reed Handbag
Support vulnerable children worldwide with this beautiful bag that is both practical and spacious. One of the most recognisable charities in the world, UNICEF provides support services for children in need whether it be in famine stricken Uganda or post-disaster Haiti. ($60)

The Joyful Nuddle Blanket
These cozy fleece blankets will give Mom her “serenity now”. The nuddle blanket (nap + cuddle) covers the body from neck to feet with arm openings to use your hands without leaving the cocoon. The best part? For every Joyful Nuddle purchased, one is given to a victim of sexual abuse. ($75)

JUICY Robe
Wrap yourself in fashionable comfort with this warm, fluffy robe from Juicy Couture. Cotton-poly blend, signature JUICY logo and ruffled sleeves come together for a touch of sassy fun. All profits from this robe go directly to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, a facility treating children with life-threatening and terminal cancer. ($98)

Viva Glam lipstick or lipglass
Stocking up on any of the various flattering shades means that 100% of the selling price goes to the MAC Fund which supports the fight against HIV/AIDS. To date, MAC Cosmetics has raised over $100 million for the Fund. ($16.50)

Noodle & Boo Believe Honey Bar
As if you didn't already love this hypoallergenic soap before, now with 100% of the selling price from their Believe Honey Bar, going to the Raise Your Hand campaign (funding water purification systems in Ethiopia), Noodle and Boo offers the ultimate in luxury and double-gifting. ($12)

Warrior Woven Scarf
If you haven't seen the fashion forward silk scarf and other warrior-wings apparel on TV or in the latest magazine, then head over to fordcares.com and find out how you can help fight the good fight with fashion! 100% of net proceeds from all Ford “Warriors in Pink” apparel goes to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. ($38)

Charity Pot
When you buy a Charity Pot of hand and body cream from Lush.com, the Canadian handmade cosmetics company, every penny of the retail price (excluding taxes) goes directly into an assortment of nonprofits, including Oceana, Bicycles for Humanity and Amazon Conservation Team. ($20.95)

Kiehl's Acai Damage Protecting Toning Mist
All the profits from this 100% organic acai-berry toner, with a label designed by actress Julianne Moore, benefit the Rainforest Alliance which works to protect biodiversity and give people living in forested areas sustainable livelihoods. ($26)

Hope Love & Healing Necklace for Haiti
Turquoise, soothing blue and natural, is the stone of healing. Paired with sterling silver hand-cast charms, this necklace bring hope and love to all that wear it! The Satya Foundation donates 100% of the proceeds from this necklace to the Give Love Foundation for displaced children and families in Haiti. ($38)

WWF Lunch Bag
In honour of Eco-friends give a handy, reusable neoprene lunch bag that benefits The World Wildlife Fund. This lunch bag is made from 100% neoprene rubber – yes, the same fabric as wet suits, and insulates both hot and cold foods for up to 4 hours. Perfect for those who are aiming to make a difference by using fewer plastic bags and bringing fresh food for lunch each day. ($29.99)

L'oreal Paris ~ Color of Hope Collection ~ Ovarian Cancer Research Fund

2011-09-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

A sobering statistic: More than 20,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year - and only about half will live to see the five-year mark. To suport research, L'Oreal Paris is donating a dollar of every purchase from its Color of Hope Collection - a line of glosses, shadows, lipsticks and laquers - to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Check the products out at your local drugstore.

Here's to hope and a helping hand...

2011-09-11T12:07:00.000-07:00

I think this poem greatly reflects how many of us feel on the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Amid the reflection of the tragic events that unfolded ten years ago, many are celebrating the remarkable news of 3-year old Kienan Hebert returned to his family safe and sound after being abducted.

There is always something beautiful to celebrate. There is always hope when we keep working together...

If I can stop one heart from breaking;
I shall not live in vain.
If I can ease one life the aching,
or cool one pain,
or help one fainting robin onto his nest again;
I shall not live in vain.
-Emily Dickinson

ReadGive.com: Combine your passion for reading with your passion for giving

2011-07-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

Glamour, Cosmo and Lucky... I love 'em all! And I especially love buying my favorite mags from companies who give back.

I'm talking about ReadGive!

ReadGive offers a large selection of magazines at competitive prices and with every subscription and renewal you order through ReadGive, you contribute 40% directly to the charity or organization of your choice — at no additional cost to you! How great is that?

And it gets even better!

ReadGive is partnering with Giveback.org starting July 25, 2011 when GiveBack announces their $50,000 winner! ReadGive is offering Giveback customers 50% back to their foundations on Giveback.org until August 31st (normally 40%). Customers can renew their old magazines, buy new subscriptions for themselves or give magazines to friends and families as a gift!

With a large array of children, home, and entertainment magazines ReadGive is the perfect way give back to the foundations you hold dear while getting something for yourself.

I love their selection of magazines. I love the ease of navigating their site. I love their “Give Back” philosophy. And I love buying things I normally use, with that added punch of charitable goodness.

Next time you order magazines or resubscribe, please go through ReadGive and make a difference with every purchase! And don't forget to pass this simple way to help charities on to others!!!

Be sure to check out ReadGive on Twitter and Facebook

www.facebook.com/readgive - With several contests and Giveaways for all ages, ReadGive is an enjoyable page worth following.

And if you're looking to fundraise, ReadGive offers an innovative ReadGive $15 gift card to both schools and charities alike. Here's a great opportunity to raise incredible amounts of much needed funds with an easy to use gift card.

To get in touch with ReadGive call 1-877-316-5787, email info@readive.com or visit them at www.readgive.com

Miranda Cosgrove, Vanessa Hudgens, Hayden Panettiere – Neutrogena’s Wave For Change Bags

2011-07-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

Emma Roberts has has got on board the Neutrogena's Wave For Change campaign by promoting Neutrogena's new range of pretty Tote bags. The profits go to charity Global Giving. So you can feel good AND get a stylish bag.

The bags have been designed by the Neutrogena Brand Ambassadors Vanessa Hudgens, Hayden Panettiere and Miranda Cosgrove.

As Neutrogena ambassadors, Miranda, Vanessa, and Hayden were asked to help design a bag to support the cause of their choice. Miranda’s (center) is a heart constructed of pencils – made to benefit educational courses. Vanessa’s (right) benefits disaster relief projects in the United States, and Hayden’s (left) benefits environmental charities.

The bags are available from July 1st to August 31st at Target stores.

Also, during July and August, Neutrogena® will be donating $1 for every Neutrogena® Acne, Cleansing or Cosmetics product sold and registered on their website, with a minimum of $100,000 and up to $250,000 to GlobalGiving.

Wave For Change is a charitable program that makes it easy for teens everywhere to give back in the U.S and other parts of the world where can make a huge impact before they head back to school and this year doing good has a stylish reward

Tom's of Maine Giving Back: 50 States for Good

2011-07-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

Join Tom's of Maine in supporting nonprofit organizations.

Celebrating grassroots goodness efforts nationwide is the ongoing mission of the Tom's of Maine annual "50 States for Good" program. 50 States for Good is a national initiative to support the goodness behind grassroots community projects. Six organizations will share in a $150,000 sponsorship fund, including one organization that will be given $50,000!

The six winners will be determined by a public online vote starting in early August 2011. The organization with the most votes will receive $50,000 in sponsorship funding; five additional organizations will each receive $20,000. Each finalist, along with its project, will be showcased at the Tom's of Maine Web site during the voting phase. Projects must be completed within six months of receiving funding.

The panel of judges will select 20 organizations doing great things in their communities to be voted on by you. In the meantime, here's what you can do:

"Like" Tom's of Maine on Facebook to stay updated on the results and to share your own volunteer stories.
Check back in August to vote for your favorite nonprofit.

Bake On and Give Back! Duncan Hines 1,000,000 Cupcake Challenge.

2011-07-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

Duncan Hines^® invites bakers across the country to join its 1 MILLION Cupcake Challenge to help end childhood hunger. Working with Share Our Strength’s Great American Bake Sale^®, Duncan Hines hopes to inspire passionate bakers with a national baking and fundraising movement.

“Each cupcake sold at $1 will help connect hungry children to up to 10 healthy meals and gets us closer to fulfilling our mission of no kid hungry by 2015.”

Join the Duncan Hines One Million Cupcake Challenge!

One cupcake at a time, you can help end childhood hunger. And, passionate bakers could win a trip for two to Los Angeles including seats on the Red Carpet of the 63rd Primetime Emmy® Awards and weekly Great American Bake Sale donation matching of up to $5,500 per week.

Those who join the Duncan Hines 1 MILLION Cupcake Challenge and host an official Great American Bake Sale from April 11 through July 24 are eligible to win one of five grand prizes in the Duncan Hines 1 MILLION Cupcake Challenge Sweepstakes. Each grand prize includes a three-day/two-night trip for two to Los Angeles including Fans in the Stands seats on the Red Carpet of the 63^rd Primetime Emmy^® Awards on Sept. 18, 2011.

Lauren Bush and FEED Team Up With Clarins on New Makeup Bag

2011-07-13T08:06:00.000-07:00

Lauren Bush's FEED Projects has joined with French cosmetics company Clarins for its most ambitious partnership yet: They are aiming to feed 1 million children in two years. FEED, which supplies meals through the United Nations World Food Programme, has raised over $6 million and delivered over 60 million meals since it was founded in 2007.

Lauren Bush continues to up the ante with her FEED bags. The resulting organic cotton, recycled nylon-lined makeup bags are packed with travel-sized versions of Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion, Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, and Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector.

As with all of her bags, the new addition to Bush’s collection of totes and clutches includes a number—15—denoting how many meals it will provide for children in need through a donation to the United Nations World Food Programme.

Clarins and FEED Makeup bag, $30, available July 15 at www.nordstrom.com.

Fulfill your Wildest Dreams at CharityBuzz.com

2011-07-09T12:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to visit the Glee set and sit down to lunch with Matthew Morrison? (Um, yes please!) Attend the world premiere and after party of the new Justin Timberlake flick? Have a private shopping experience with design icon, Nicole Miller? These wild stylish dreams are just a click away, available in a CharityBuzz.com auction, the auction site that offers a myriad of fashion and beauty experiences. At charitybuzz, you can win one-of-a-kind experiences with your favorite celebrities, luxury travel, designer merchandise, access to VIP sporting events and much more. Their innovative auctions feature something for everyone! The best part? Your winning bid raises money for some of the world's most well-respected charities in support of dozens of different causes.

Buzz on over to CharityBuzz.com now to place your bids — and make a difference for kids in need.

JUNE IS CHARITY WALKS MONTH! #5: Stop Violence against Women

2011-06-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

There is an old saying: "You can't really understand another person's experience until you've walked a mile in their shoes." Walk a Mile in Her Shoes asks men to literally walk one mile in women's high-heeled shoes. It's not easy walking in these shoes, but it's fun and it gets the community to talk about something that's really difficult to talk about: gender relations and sexual violence.

Firemen, burly police officers and bankers in suits squeeze into high heels and click-clack through towns across the country in support of theWhite Ribbon Campaign to end violence against women. Women are welcome to join in, says the campaign’s director of development, Nick Rodrigue, “but we encourage them to wear flats.” Walkamileinhershoes.org.

June is Charity Walks Month! #4 Walk for ALS

2011-06-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. People living with the disease become progressively paralyzed due to degeneration of the upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Eighty per cent of people with ALS die within two to five years of diagnosis– unable to breathe or swallow. Ten per cent of those affected may live for 10 years or longer.

We are taking to the streets, pathways, sidewalks and parks to raise money for breakthrough ALS research and services to support those living with ALS and their families. We need you to join us.

WALK for ALS is a fun, family friendly event that occurs across the country each year in more than 78 communities and is organized by local volunteers. In 2010 the Walk generated over $2.4 million, thanks to more than 18,000 walkers and more than 165,000 donors.

All participants will be encouraged to solicit donations. To make fundraising easy, each participant that registers on-line is able to set up a personal web-page with access to on-line fund raising tools.

Click here to get involved.

June is CHARITY WALKS month! #3 Luekemia & Lymphoma Light the Night Walk

2011-06-07T09:06:00.000-07:00

Light The Night Walk:
Taking Steps To Cure Cancer^TM

Each year, in communities all across the United States and Canada teams of families, friends, co-workers and local and national corporations come together to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS's) Light The Night Walk events and bring help and hope to people battling blood cancers.

Friends, families and co-workers form fundraising teams and millions of consumers help by donating at retail outlets. These efforts culminate in inspirational, memorable evening walks in over two hundred communities each fall across North America.

Anyone can take part - children, adults and seniors are all welcome. This is a casual fundraising walk with no fitness requirements. There are many ways you can help. You can register to walk individually or as part of a team; just make a donation online; or become a volunteer or sponsor/partner. See local walk sites for time and date information.

Every walker is encouraged to become a Champion For Cures by raising $100 or more to help support the work of hundreds of the world's best and brightest researchers in their search for better therapies and cures for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Learn more about Light The Night Walk.

June is CHARITY WALKS month! #2 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

2011-06-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® ~ Dates vary throughout the year. Check location dates.

One of the best ways to impact the global movement to end breast cancer forever is to fundraise for Susan G. Komen for the Cure^® as part of your participation in the Komen Global Race.

By participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®, the most successful charity event ever created, you will experience an event that has changed the way the world views breast cancer. You can make a difference as you celebrate survivorship, honor those who have lost their battle, and most importantly, raise funds and awareness for the fight against this life threatening disease. Join the fight where you live, work and play.

Register for the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure^® and be a part of the promise to end breast cancer forever. You can run or walk the 5K or the one-mile route, or if you can’t make it to a event, register to Sleep In for the Cure^®. Kids ages 5 to 12 can register as Kids for the Cure^® and participate in their own special race and activities. If you prefer to work behind-the-scenes, you can be one of the all-star volunteers.

June is CHARITY WALKS month! #1 Walk 4 Water

2011-06-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

If you've been looking for a challenge, looking for a 5k to inspire you, wanting to help a good cause, or want to make a difference in your health and your life - this could be just what you need to inspire you and get you going!

THE CHARITY

Water 4 Kids International www.hope4kidsinternational.org/w4ki is a charity that raises money to build wells in Africa. The village that the SparkTeam is sponsoring is Kirewa "B" in Uganda. Villagers must travel 2.5km each way to access their current source of water, which is not even clean. A well will give over 8500 villagers a clean, safe, local water source for year-round use. Over one billion people in this world are living without access to safe drinkable water among other basic necessities. Water 4 Kids International is responding to this need by drilling wells in remote areas especially close to schools.

THE WALK

This is a virtual race. Participants of this challenge will do their walks/runs between Sept 18th and 24th - plenty of time to train!

Soles4Souls, The International Shoe Charity, Kicks Off National Barefoot Week

2011-05-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

The shoe charity rolls out event plans celebrity support to encourage the public to go barefoot

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Soles4Souls announced its schedule for Barefoot Week 2011 today, which includes media events and shoe distributions in seven cities. As it does each year during the first week of June, the non-profit organization will be distributing thousands of pairs of new shoes in the United States while it also collects much needed donations through shoe drives at schools, churches and community centers. The charity is asking Americans to choose one day during the week to go barefoot–at the office, at school or in public– to raise awareness for the millions of people worldwide who live in extreme poverty and can’t afford shoes.

Barefoot week will begin on June 1st with “National Barefoot Day.” The first shoe distribution will be held in Detroit, with events in Boston, St. Louis, L.A., Atlanta, and Newark to follow. StubHub and Ebay are also hosting a Take Off Your Boots event in San Francisco on June 5th, and individuals who bring a pair of shoes to the Hard Rock Cafe will receive a free pair of U2 tickets (quantities are limited, first come, first serve basis) for the show the following evening.

“Barefoot Sunday” (June 5th) offers unique opportunities for congregations to remove their shoes and walk out of worship services barefoot. The efforts of participating congregations will help put shoes on the feet of the 300 million children around the world don’t own a single pair of shoes. Northstar Church in Atlanta will host Soles4Souls Founder and CEO Wayne Elsey that morning to go barefoot on stage and talk about the importance of shoes in developing nations.

“We want to invite people to join hundreds of thousands of Soles4Souls supporters around the world to participate in Barefoot Week,” said Mr. Elsey. “Anyone can make a difference to someone in need by starting their own shoe drive, cleaning out their closet, sending us a new pair of shoes or making a simple monetary donation. Our charity thrives on the active involvement of everyday people making the decision to step up and help less fortunate people, both here in the United States and around the world,” he added.

Celebrities are also lending their support of Barefoot Week by donating their shoes for a celebrity shoe auction starting June 1st on the auction site CharityBuzz.com. Stars like Sarah Jessica Parker, Elton John, the Kardashian sisters, Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton, TODAY show cast, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Jimmy Fallon, Chelsea Handler, and others donated their shoes to be auctioned off with proceeds benefitting the charity.

“You know you’re NEVER gonna wear those shoes that are sitting in your closet. The ones you don’t even consider anymore; they’re just there to make it look like you’ve got a lot of shoes… It’s time for them to go. Let someone else walk in your shoes. Donate your shoes to Soles4Souls and help some of the millions of children around the world in need. It takes 2 seconds and you’ll feel good all day. I promise.” - Zach Braff

“300 million kids go barefoot every day because they don’t have shoes. Let’s do all we can to fix this. Souls4Souls is an amazing organization and I encourage everyone to help out as much as they can, whether it’s donating your time, your shoes, or just going barefoot for a day to promote awareness of this grave problem.” – Joshua Radin

“It is easy to support charities like Soles4Souls that help children of all cultures. Monies raised pay for expensive shipping and even a small donation of $5 for new shoes will help those children who are battling life’s problems and need a positive step up.” –Donald Faison

“It’s an honor to donate shoes to help Soles4Souls as they do incredible things for the less fortunate people in this world. I encourage everyone to lend support.” -Jessica Simpson

“I’ve got sole but I’m not a soldier. However, with Soles 4 Souls I am helping to fight the war against poverty in my own small way by giving to those in need.” – Perez Hilton

“Hosting a small shoe drive during Barefoot Week is a great way for everyone to participate in giving back. Many of us are fortunate to have what we need but many families are in need during this tough economic time. The gift of shoes is a simple way to help erase the stigma of poverty.”
– Sean Avery, New York Rangers

Get more information about how you can get involved, visit www.barefootweek.com.
Religious organizations can learn more about Barefoot Sunday at www.barefootsunday.com.

About Soles4Souls®, Clothes4Souls®, and Hope4Souls™
Soles4Souls collects new shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering and collects used shoes to support micro-enterprise efforts to eradicate poverty. Soles4Souls’ other two divisions, Clothes4Souls and Hope4Souls, provide the same relief and support through clothing and other necessities. Donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org, www.clothes4souls.org, or www.hope4souls.org for more information.

SOURCE Soles4Souls
http://www.giveshoes.org

Eat Chocolate ~ Do Good! The Cadbury Bicycle Factory

2011-05-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

For a second year in a row Cadbury Canada is supporting kids in Ghana with a purpose in mind - sending 5,000 bicycles to Ghana so children can to go to school, do their chores, and hang on to their life’s dreams - a well suited cause for a company that sells chocolates and candies to children in the industrialized world, using cocoa as an ingredient farmed in Ghana – well done!

Cadbury is keeping their 2010 Bicycle Factory campaign open until November 14, 2010 so UPC codes from candy and chocolate wrappers can still be added - each UPC code represents a single part of a bicycle - each bike in the campaign needing 100 parts or UPC entries. In 2010, this campaign has already built 3799 bikes and is striving to reach its goal of 5,000 bikes by mid November. Real-time monitoring captures the campaign’s progress on its microsite of a virtual factory at www.thebicyclefactory.ca

Last November 2009, in its first year, the Bicycle Factory successfully delivered 5,000 bicycles to more than 200 communities in Ghana. Cadbury saw the Bicycle Factory program as an opportunity to help under privileged children, particularly those in Ghana, a region close to Cadbury’s heart due to its involvement in the country for over 100 years.

Share Joy and Johnsons donates $1 to March of Dimes

2011-05-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

In honor of Johnson’s “Treasuring Everyday Joy” campaign, I wanted to share with you my thoughts on what Motherhood and everyday joy means to me.

I'm blessed to be "Mom" to three healthy, happy, very energetic children. I have two sons and a daughter all under the age of eight. For as long as I can remember, becoming a mom was something I always wanted. "A big, big family," I'd say to anyone who asked how many kids I'd like to have. My husband and I were engaged in New York, married in Canada and both lead very busy lives. We seem to be able to manage it all in great part to a promise we made to one another before having children. The promise: family will always come first!

We've spent almost seven years now in that intense toddler faze, when everything is so urgent, so dramatic and yet, so precious. My babies aren't little enough to rock to sleep anymore, or hold for hours in my arms without them running away to grab this toy or that teddy. The kids are on their own cruise-control now. Seeking more independence and searching their boundaries but still needing Mom's arms or Dad's guidance when feeling vulnerable.

My privilege as a parent is being there whenever they need to feel needed...which happens to be, everyday.

Johnson’s Baby has a Facebook campaign going on to benefit the March of Dimes.

With every “pledge” (“like”) to celebrate family everyday, made at facebook.com/johnsonsbaby, Johnson’s will donate $1 to the March of Dimes.
Johnson’s will host a series of photo contests on its Facebook page beginning in May. Selected monthly winners will receive one of a variety of prizes and be eligible for the $25,000 Grand Prize, to be announced in January 2012.

The Big Spring Giveaway!

2011-03-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

April is National Volunteer Month and Everyday Philanthropist wants to make it easier for families to participate. We know you're busy, but it is possible to make this month count even if you’re short on time and short on cash.

Though the average person may not be aware, there are a myriad of charitable organizations around the world that are finding new and innovative ways to make a difference – in no time at all!

Whether you're surfing the web, playing a game or taking a walk in the park, families can get enjoyment - and a dose of social awareness - from everyday activities that double as a charitable boost.

Computer time
Surf for the earth! Powered by Google, Ecosearch.org returns the same search results but with an environmental kick: The site donates 100 percent of search revenues to nonprofits, such as Rainforest Alliance. Make it your computer’s default search-engine.

Craft time
Encourage children to help organizations like Make a Child Smile and Hugs and Hope by crafting cheery notes, drawings and cards that bring joy to hospitalized kids.

Kitchen time
Bake cookies for a local fundraiser to support a chosen cause or host a charitable bake sale of your own to benefit Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.

Game time
Play online games for good, such as the vocabulary test game at freerice.org that donates rice to the hungry for every answer you get right. It’s entertaining and you’re helping a great cause.

Any time
Be Someone’s Eyes. Provide a free reading service for the blind and visually impaired through Read This to Me. All you need is a working phone and a fax.

Summer time
Go the website, Alexslemonade.org to find out how the kids can organize a charitable lemonade stand to help raise money for cancer research.

One day at a time
Offer your services as a family just one day a year for communal events like International Coastal Cleanup day or Family Volunteer Day.

Happy Giving!

A global marketplace where every purchase makes a positive impact

2011-03-10T09:33:00.000-08:00

More than 15,000 eco- and socially conscious goods are
available (some from as low as $2.50) on WorldofGood.com. Shop by gift category,
or, if you'd like, "purchase impact," be it eco- , animal-, or people-friendly.
Each product is vetted and comes with a short description so you can see exactly
where your money is going. Fair-trade lip balms, organic soaps and bath fizzers
are all under $15 and make excellent stocking stuffers.

Click "Like" on Facebook to Donate Free Juice to Children In Need

2011-02-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

Got Facebook? Here's a quick and wonderfully easy way to give to a child in need, using your Facebook "Like" button.

Now through March 31, YOU can make a difference in the lives of hungry children and families by becoming a Sun Shower fan.

For every new Facebook fan, Sun Shower is donating one bottle of juice to Second Harvest-supported food banks across the country.

Do it now. Do it for a kid.

Haven't set up your own Facebook account yet? It's easy and free! Look for the green Sign Up button in the upper left corner of the screen to get started. Welcome to the Sun Shower Facebook Community!

Double the difference made and become a fan of Drenchers, too!

Spread the Love: 5 Ideas for National Random Acts of Kindness Week

2011-02-17T09:37:00.000-08:00

Finally here, is National Random Acts of Kindness week! The week of February 14-18 is celebrated as the time to get out there and do an act of goodness. This is your opportunity to share love and kindness with the environment, your friends, neighbours, family, colleagues, charities and complete strangers.

The Everyday Philanthropist invites you to do an unexpected Extreme Act of Kindness to an unsuspecting recipient each day! Here are 5 ideas to get you started:

Monday: Donate blood and potentially save up to 3 lives.

Tuesday: Drop off a plant or home-made baked goods to your local police or fire department.

Wednesday: Donate used books to your local library or school.

Thursday: Volunteer an hour or two at a local shelter, school, soup kitchen or charity event.

Friday: Donate clothes, toys, blankets and other daily items to the Goodwill or Salvation Army.

No matter how big or small, your acts of kindness can change lives and create a chain reaction to spread even more generosity throughout your community and the world. Share your acts of kindness and comments with our community on the Everyday Philanthropist Facebook page.

“Do something wonderful, people may imitate it.” ~ Albert Schweitzer

Yoga Challenge to Beat Arthritis ~ PowerofMovement.ca

2011-01-20T09:21:00.000-08:00

On Sunday February 27th, 2011, do yoga for a good cause. Join the yoga challenge to beat arthritis and autoimmune conditions. Power of Movement is the largest yoga fundraiser in the world in support of arthritis research! It's not just a condition that elderly people have; arthritis and related autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis affect people of all ages, even kids. Register today to improve the lives of millions of Canadians by being proactive about your own mobility. Sign up at Powerofmovement.ca. When you register you'll be prompted to select either a Power of Movement MEGA-SESSION or a VIRTUAL CHALLENGE for February 27th, 2011.

If you can't take part in this great event, please support my Personal Challenge!
I’m one of thousands of people making a difference through this yoga challenge. I'm not seasoned at the art and zen of yoga by any means. However, I've been introduced to this great exercise a few months ago and have to say, I am completely addicted. I love the yoga. And I love that I can help others with one day of this yoga challenge.
MILLIONS of people need our support! Please support my yoga journey by contributing!

Life Rules of Wisdom

2011-01-08T10:34:00.000-08:00

Although there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to life rules and regulations, I created ten rules that work beautifully for me (when followed) and sum up the hopes and hearts of many. Living wholly is something we can all do in different ways. Here are ten guidelines that help:

Life rule #10 ~ Live well, laugh often, love much. And don't forget to say your prayers!

Life rule #9 ~ Happiness is not having it all, but rather doing something worthwhile that brings you all your hearts desires.

Life rule #8 ~ There are only 2 ways to live. One is heaven the other is not. One is the solution. The other is the problem.

Life rule #7 ~ If you make one work resolution this year let it be "to work smarter, not harder!" Beware of the barrenness of a busy life.

Life rule #6 ~ All along life's broad highway, find loveliness in every mile and adventure.

Life rule #5 ~ We get out of life exactly what we put into it. Invest wisely.

Life rule #4 ~ Declare ~ I will not be a doormat for others! When others challenge you, meet them, not with conflict but with confidence.

Life rule #3~ Make mistakes, even serious ones. There is always another chance for you. The failure is not in the falling, but the staying down.

Life rule #2 ~ Don't take life too seriously. Only a few things are really important.

Life rule #1 ~ There's always room for jello. (Or chocolate. Or wine. Or whatever suits your fancy!)

GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK~ GIVEAWAY Bring Your Own Bag Individual Eco-Kit

2010-12-22T13:09:00.000-08:00

Did you know that every year, 500 billion to 1 trillion of plastic bags are consumed worldwide. Because only 1 in every 200 bag is ever recycled, almost all of them are discarded and enter our landfills, get blown everywhere, and float around in our oceans. Because plastic bags don't decompose well, their toxic elements seep into our soils, lakes, rivers, and oceans. They harm land, air, and sea creatures. And because they can take 400 to 1000 years to break down, they can do a lot of damage for a very long time.

This season (and all year long!) make the switch to eco-bags from companies who are committed to creating a healthier planet for future generations. At Conserving Now (an online community of earth friendly individuals who care about our planet.) you can find helpful tips, info, products and education resources and great eco-gifts everyone will appreciate.

The average individual uses 500-700 plastic bags per year. A "Bring Your Own Bag Individual Eco-Kit" is a great choice for family gift giving that has the added benefit of helping the recipient make an environmental difference! This individual eco-kit from Conservingnow.com contains everything you need to remember to bring your own bags!

WIN!!!!

Bring Your Own Bag Individual Eco-Kit

Includes:

1 Static Cling reminder for your car

2 Oversized Cotton Totes

Folding Tote Bag —Purse size, Nylon Shopping

Door Hanger

Magnetic Note Pad

Recycled Mouse Pad

Retail price: $24.99

Eligible Entries:

1. Follow my blog and tell me (or tell me if you already are). (1 entry)

2. Like Everyday Philanthropist on Facebook (1 entry)

3. Follow ME on Twitter (1 entry)

4. Follow Conserving Now on Twitter (1 entry)

5. ReTweet this blogpost on Twitter (1 entry) you can do this Daily

6. Like Conserving Now on Facebook (1 entry)

7. Add Everyday Philanthropist Blog to your blogroll (using my URL), with a link back to me! (1 entry)

8. FOR 5 EXTRA ENTRIES – Blog about this giveaway, with a link to my blog and come back and leave the link to your blog post. Post FIVE separate comments that you’ve blogged about this.

9. FOR 10 EXTRA ENTRIES - Purchase the book "How to Be an Everyday Philanthropist: 330 Ways to Make a Difference in Your Home, Community and World - At No Cost!" on Amazon.com and enter your receipt number in your entry. (Be sure to post TEN separate comments.) Receipt numbers will be validated.

Easy, peasy right! Giveaway will end on Jan 12/2011. 1 Winner will be chosen at random. Giveaway open to U.S. and Canadian entries only. Winners are contacted by email and posted HERE when confirmed. Winners have 48 hours to confirm before a new Winner is chosen. Many thanks to ConservingNow.com for this Review and Giveaway Opportunity!

Good luck!!!
Nicole Bouchard Boles

Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. The opinions expressed are my own.

Women's Bean Project Giveaway WINNER!!!

2010-12-21T22:35:00.000-08:00

Thank you all that entered our Women's Bean Project Tasty Giveaway! What fun it was to get to know our visitors more! Its time to announce our lucky winner:

#57 Belinda Nicholson Cage Skuta

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Thank you all who entered! Please stay tuned for our next giveaway! (ps. It starts tomorrow)