Heart of Haiti for Mother's Day

This Mother's Day, give a gift to mom that gives back. 

My take:  For this post, there really isn't a product to review so the Clever Girls Collective has asked us to talk about a woman who helped us (just as purchasing these products from Macy's helps other women).  So I thought I would share with you the story of my best friend Jane, who helped me more than she ever knew. 

I first met Jane when my late husband and I were attending Bible classes at our new church back around 1994/1995.  She was one of two instructors and I was quickly drawn to her quiet but steady presence.  Jane quickly became my best friend and faith mentor.  Our age difference didn't matter a wit - we were sisters of the heart, drawn together through our love of our dogs, love of our families, and above all, a love of our Lord. 

When my husband died in 1999, I wanted to die as well.  But Jane would not let me.  She became a constant companion - quietly grieving with me and encouraging me to live again.  She was the only person in my life who always remembered the day he died, and made sure to call me on that day.  She was the first person in my life I introduced my current husband to - just before he took me on our first date.  It seemed fitting that she would have a first look at the new life I was building, as I never would have built without her.  For all the years I knew her, until she died four years ago (way too young from cancer), she kept me going when I most wanted to lay down and give up.  For that, I will always be grateful.  I love you Jane. 

Jane

6/26/56 - 2/24/07

Bonus: Promocode (to use when purchasing a Mother’s Day gift from the HOH collection): CLEVERGIRLS [Discount: 15% off Heart of Haiti and Rwanda Path to Peace products (code is good 5/3 - 5/8/2011)]

ABOUT THE HEART OF HAITI PROJECT:  The Heart of Haiti Project is an initiative founded by Willa Shalit (daughter of Gene Shalit) and her company, Fairwinds Trading, a for-profit company that uses business as a strategy for economic empowerment of people, especially women, in the Majority World. The Majority World is where two billion of the world’s three billion people live, in poverty.


Through a partnership with Macy’s and their Shop For A Better World' initiative, Heart of Haiti offers artisan-crafted decorative arts and jewelry for sale. All income derived from sales of the products on the Heart of Haiti site enhances an artisan’s family’s nutrition, educates children, and brings access to healthcare and dignity.

For additional information on Fair Winds visit: http://www.fairwindstrading.com/


To view the Shop for a Better World / Heart Of Haiti collection in it's entirety (including just added items for Spring), visit: http://bit.ly/gaalFP

The devastating earthquake of January 2010 has made it virtually impossible for Haitians to make a living. Raw materials have been wiped out, there are a lack of secure and sanitary conditions and little funding to support economic relief.

Purchasing one of these handcrafted masterpieces directly benefits Haitian artisans by allowing them to support their families with dignity and purpose. Artisans receive 22 percent of the retail price for each item in the collection.

This initiative offers the first sustainable income since the earthquake, enabling artisans to repair homes, pay school fees and feed and clothe their families. With steady income comes better nutrition, improved education and access to healthcare.


Heart of Haiti also offers new opportunities for artists to collaborate with US designers, strengthening artisan associations and inspiring and energizing their communities. Men and women are working together, gaining confidence and hope for the future. Master artisans who planned to leave the country are now staying behind to train the next generation. The tradition of rich and unique Haitian art lives on... through the generosity of many like you.

I was selected for this very special “CleverHaiti” opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. All opinions are my own.