Some days, social networking can seem like a hassle. Staying caught up with your acquaintances and obligations online isn't always easy, but there are occasions when we are reminded of all the meaningful ways in which our efforts can be rewarded.
Now, in the aftermath of the recent earthquake that devastated Haiti, is one of those occasions. The internet has made it infinitely easier for us to follow news reports, make donations, and reach out with our hearts and our hands to people in need, no matter how far away they might be. Recently, Tami's daughter alerted us to the existence of
Help_Haiti, an online community set up shortly after Haiti's tragedy in order to raise money for survivors. Members of the community offered up their talents--as writers, artists, knitters, bookmakers, and just about everything else under the sun--in an online auction where 100% of the proceeds go directly to charities for Haiti. The first auction closed Wednesday of this week, and although moderators have yet to even finish counting up confirmed donations, the standing amount of money raised for UNICEF and other various charities is roughly $25,000. In a direct quote from the site:
Since that only covers about 1/4 of the total donations we expect and hope for, we are wondering if the total could possibly hit six figures, once the various matching funds from people's offices, colleges and countries are factored in.To put it mildly, this is inspiring. An extended online community coming together in total devotion to helping people in need reminds us of all the good social networking can be capable of. We live in amazing times when this kind of effort, made largely by people who have never met anywhere outside of a computer, is possible.
If you would like to be a part of the extended community, you can donate to Help_Haiti's UNICEF page
here.---
Tami DeLand and Steve HansenSaint Cloud and Central Minnesota REALTORS
Coldwell Banker Burnet
(320) 258-6675
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St. Cloud Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleCentral Minnesota Real Estate---
