Hi everyone!!! ... it's been awhile since my last challenge! I've kept track of some really good ideas in the past few months but with my little man keeping me so busy, I could never seem to get them online for you all until now.

Today I caught a segment on Oprah that really spoke to me and I was inspired to share it with you.. there is an amazing organization called "Invisible Children" started by three college friends a few years ago. Their whole purpose is to to 'end the use of child soldiers in Joseph Kony's rebel war and restore Northern Uganda to peace and prosperity.'
These three Americans went to Uganda and met some 'night walkers' - which are innocent children who are forced to wander in packs at night as the only way to stay safe and flee from those hunting them for escaping their fates as child soldiers. This is the 25th year that the war has been going on and we - together - have the power to make a difference for these children who are living invisible lives.

A documentary of the Americans' journey was created and is also called "Invisible Children." All the money they raise is put to really good use; if you can donate, your dollars will build schools, rehabilitation centers, and radio towers (so that the children can communicate across the country and try to find their way to their families). Together, $25 at a time, we can help reunite a parent with her baby, help that child get rehabilitation to live with the atrocities he was exposed to, and give him a life of opportunity through an education he otherwise could never have had.


THE CHALLENGE:
There are 2 ways YOU can HELP:

1) The simplest and easiest way is to donate to the organization. Because the number 25 has significance this year, they are asking for people to donate or fundraise $25 each. You can donate here:
http://www.invisiblechildren.com/

2) If you're up for a BIG challenge, you can participate in the "Break the Silence" challenge - to raise awareness and money for the cause by abstaining from speaking for 25 straight hours starting April 24th at 7pm until April 25th at 8pm!!! To register and find out more information, go to:
http://www2.invisiblechildren.com/25

Amazing, right?


**IMPORTANT** IF YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN THIS GOOD DEED CHALLENGE IN ANY CAPACITY, PLEASE 'CHECK IN' BELOW BY WRITING A SHORT COMMENT. (Either on this site or on my Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/YourFriendInDeed )
Because I'm obviously not picking up any donations or supplies this time, the only way I'll know if I have participants is if you tell me you will pitch in! (hint, prizes, hint) :D

Thanks so much for reading this. I hope in the very least that this helped open some new eyes to the horror.

New Life Challenge!

UPDATE: click the "PHOTOS" link under 'Pages' to see some pics of this Good Deed Challenge!

Imagine suddenly fleeing your home with nothing but the clothes on your back...

This NEW LIFE challenge gives you the opportunity to help women starting a new life AND AT THE SAME TIME, give a 'new life' to some of your perfectly-good-but-never-used products/clothing that are just collecting dust on your shelves.

The Crisis Shelter and Residence at the YWCA in Saskatoon accepts a range of items to help the women that temporarily stay there. Last year, they housed 951 women, children, and youth at risk - but they also had to turn away just as many.  Click here for their website.

For these women, something as simple as the novelty of a new shampoo, some yummy lotion, or some winter gloves could help bring back some sense of normalcy and dignity to their troubled lives. You never know what a little bit of new makeup, hair products, and an outfit can do for a woman's self-perception .. It just might be one girl's ticket to a better life!  ...Look at it this way: New products = higher self-esteem = successful job interview = income, self-sufficiency = NEW LIFE!!!  ... Don't you want to be part of that?!

YOUR MISSION, 

should you choose to accept it:

*EVERYTHING MUST BE IN CLEAN, GOOD, USABLE CONDITION*

Toileteries:
- New or gently used shampoos/conditioners/lotions (hotel size is great but not necessary)
- New or gently used and clean makeup items
- New or gently used brushes or combs
- Soaps, nailpolish, feminine hygiene products
- New toothbrushes, toothpastes, floss
*No aerosol cans, please

Clothing:
- Seasonal clothing to stay warm this winter
- Socks, new underwear
- Twin size blankets/ quilts
- PJs
*If you have other clothing (ie not winter clothing), there is a place at #4-511 1st Ave called the YWCA Opportunity Shop that will take your items and sell them. The proceeds will go to the YWCA (I was told that they've donated about $600,000 to the YWCA Saskatoon so far; usually about $20,000 / year!!!) You can contact them at 242-8002.

For Children:
- Baby bottles, sippy cups, formula, baby blankets, PJs/sleepers, clothing
- Diapers (generally size 5 and 6)
- Toys (but no stuffed animals and the toys should not be overly large)


THE COLLECTION:
If you want me to pick up your items to deliver them for you, I can do so! Please email me at friendindeed@hotmail.ca to make arrangements.
You could also drop off your items yourself at the YWCA: 510 25th St E, Saskatoon. Call the shelter at 244-7034 ext 132 if you need more information. **But if you drop off things yourself, please email me to let me know you have done so - I'd like to keep track of how many people get involved in this challenge!!!

THIS CHALLENGE IS NOW CLOSED! 

A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED!!! 

THE DONATIONS WERE ALL SUCCESSFULLY DELIVERED TO:

- The YWCA Crisis Shelter & Residence
- The Interval House
- The Adelle House
- The Mumford House / Salvation Army

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS GOOD DEED CHALLENGE

Quest to find the true Spirit of Christmas:

For my very first blog entry, I'd like to start with an easy CHALLENGE! It's simple and is promised to give you an extra spring in your step this holiday season!

CHALLENGE #1:

HELP  MAKE CHRISTMAS HAPPEN FOR OTHERS!

If you personally knew someone who went to sleep every night clutching a growling stomach, wouldn't you DO something for them?

Now imagine that's you. Wouldn't you hope beyond hopes that someone out there who HAS the ability to help you ... would help?

I have come across some people who have humbly asked for some blessings this Christmas.

1) "V" - a single mother of a 7 yr old boy and 6 yr old girl. Last year, they had to relocate to Saskatoon with only their clothes. They recently moved into a new place with nothing but a bed, a dresser, and their clothes. Any donations of food, furniture, or gifts would truly give this family a REAL CHRISTMAS.

2) "S" - a 20 year old girl who took in her siblings: a 5 year old boy, and three girls aged 10, 13, 16 years.  She can barely afford food and anything would help. There are apparently 6 people living in a 2 bedroom apartment. 

3) "J" - a father of 4 kids and cannot afford gifts this Christmas. Any gently used toys you no longer need would be appreciated - three girls aged 2, 3, and 4; one boy age 9.  

4) "D" - a father with a wife and 2 toddlers who will likely be evicted in January due to inability to pay rent. They need food right now. (And maybe gifts for the kiddies?)

5) Our Furry Friends: - The SPCA as well as a non-profit animal shelter is looking for donations of dog or cat food, bird food, small animal food, timothy hay etc... They rely on people for help but don't always have enough and anything is deeply appreciated.
The SPCA has a wish list: click here to see the list 

I will be collecting FOOD (both the human and pet variety) and GIFTS for these people to deliver on December 22nd. Any extra food would go directly to the Food Bank.

You literally have the ability to give someone else a CHRISTMAS ... So will you?

YOUR MISSION,  

should you choose to accept it:  
1) Email me at friendindeed@hotmail.ca to say you are going to help.

2) Put some food or gifts into a bag and leave it on your doorstep and I'll come get it. Alternatively, you could drop it off to me if you're up for it. Let me know what you'd prefer.

3) Feel GOOD.

(IT'S JUST SO SIMPLE!!!!!!!!!)

How easy is THAT?!  :) YAHOO! Success!  :)

*AND if you know of any others in need, please email me.