I’m so excited to be a part of this beautiful and inspiring campaign, Macy’s Heart of Haiti, which is an initiative that allows opportunities for the artists to work with US designers, helping strengthen international artisan relationships and making their products viable in the US market. The Heart of Haiti campaign pays in excess of fair wage to the talented artisans who create the product, giving them the dignity of work and economic self-determination. The collection features more than 40 home decor items including quilts, metalwork, jewelry and paintings all made almost entirely from recycled and sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums and local gommier wood. Purchasing items from Macy’s Heart of Haiti is an easy way to contribute to the Haitian community, which now in light of Hurricane Sandy, needs our help more than ever.
Macy’s Heart of Haiti upholds the belief that “trade not aid” is a powerful way to create sustainable work and much needed financial opportunities. To date the program has employed 780 artisans, which has improved the lives of over 6,200 individuals. The Heart of Haiti initiative provides artists with an opportunity to make a living, feed their families and pay their children’s school fees. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and despite the devastating earthquake people there are filled with hope and a desire to improve their lives through employment.
Here is a photo of the beautiful star ornament they sent me for participating in this great opportunity. I love ornaments that have a story behind them. Every time I travel somewhere I try to purchase an ornament from that location to put on our tree. Every time I look at this one I’ll think of everything I am grateful for in my life.
In fact, this past weekend we spent sometime up in a cabin on Mt. Hood celebrating David, my husbands 30th birthday. It was such a fun time and it got me thinking about how lucky David and I are to have such great people in our lives how grateful I am for them, especially my husband. David is my star. He is loving and caring, a provider and a great shoulder to cry on or person to laugh my butt off with. I’m not sure I know what I’d ever do without him in my life. He’s enriched my life in so many ways and continues to inspire me to be a better person and I know I do the same for him.
Whenever I look at my Macy’s Heart of Haiti hanging on out tree I will forever think about how grateful I am for my husband and all that he brings to my life. Happy 30th birthday hubby. I love you always.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own. #CleverHaiti
I love, love, love the post! The photo of you and your husband is beautiful! Thank you so much for participating and sharing info about Heart of Haiti. We really appreciate it!
What an amazing opportunity and wonderful cause for a country near and dear to my heart. I’ve been to Haiti twice in the last 14 months on mission trips rebuilding Methodist schools and churches through UMVIM and UMCOR. Both trips have been incredible blessings, despite being the most difficult experience physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Haiti is such a beautiful country, but the people are what matter the most. They are so kind and generous, so welcoming. While I’ve not heard of the Heart for Haiti campaign with Macy’s, I certainly cherish ALL of the items I’ve purchased in country and display in my home and give away as gifts. Haiti is definitely full of talented artisians ready and willing to share their work. Just reading your post brings back many fond memories of experiences and human connections in Haiti. Thank you for sharing and, most importantly, supporting this great cause!
Blessings,
Nicole @ Three 31
http://nicoleandkevin.wordpress.com/