When we opened our shop in 2009, we pledged to give AT LEAST 20% of our profits to organizations devoted to improving our world, including environmental/animal charities, humanitarian groups, education/arts organizations, etc..
In 2010, we were fortunate enough to be able to donate over $300 to TRULY worthy organizations, including local public schools (Community Magnet Elementary School in Los Angeles) and humanitarian groups involved in everything from relief efforts in Haiti (Doctors Without Borders) to creating affordable housing to homeless people locally and worldwide (Habitat for Humanity).
In the wake of the BP oil spill that devastated our Gulf Coast, we decided to earmark our contributions to organizations involved in the cleanup of the oil spill, including all aspects of repairing the damaged lands and waters, as well as rescuing the endless animals whose bodies and habitats were destroyed by this heinous disaster. In March, our commitment to the Gulf was "until further notice," which, sadly, ended up being the rest of the year -- April through December--and could very well go into 2011. Our contributions to the Gulf included the Tri-State Bird Rescue, Nature Conservancy, Conservation International, and the Audobon Society.
Most of the fall and ALL of the winter has been dedicated to the Sierra Club, which has been engaged in everything from tending to oil-soaked birds to restoring wetlands. Like all of the above agencies, the Sierra Club's already huge workload and extensive efforts around the world has been burdened greatly by the oil spill, so hopefully donations like ours will enable each of these groups to continue restoring and renewing wildlife and wilderness worldwide.
This year, we'd like to spread the wealth, so to speak, and ask that our customers, friends, and family help us pick the organizations we'll support. PLEASE drop us a line; tell us your favorite charities and tell us a little bit about what makes them deserving. If there's a group you think we should AVOID, tell us that too.
Our January/February recipient will be the Peregrine Fund of Boise, Idaho. Stay tuned for information about this fantastic organization that is VERY near and dear to us.
Thank you for your support, and for helping to make a small difference in a world full of need.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
xo
jools, jeremy, lucy & aidan
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