Heart of Haiti

 

This Mother's Day, I'm working with Clever Girls in support of Macy's Heart of Haiti to shine a light on the "trade, not aid" program, which provides sustainable income to Haitian artisans struggling to rebuild their lives and support their families after the 2010 earthquake.




Do you have a person near and dear to your heart?  Someone who has made a profound difference in your life?  Someone who has helped shape the person you are today?  I do too. 

She is my aunt Noreen, who you might remember, I have written about her in the past.  She passed away in 2005 from early on set of Alzheimer's disease and she was so young; early 50's.  I miss her terribly.  She was like my other mother for many years.  I lived with her and my uncle for several years growing up.  She always believed in me.  She knew I would stand up against adversity and become someone she could be proud of.  I just wish she could see me now because I think I have even come more into my own these past couple years.  She has such a giving heart that was passed down to me.  She always gave people the benefit of the doubt and was very compassionate.  We named our daughter partially after her.  Her middle name is Kay.  Our daughters name is Kaylyn.  There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her. She was the wind beneath my wings 

In honor of Mother's Day, I want you to remember a special women in your life even if she wasn't your mother.  Your aunt, cousin, teacher...Take a moment, reflect and remember.





 What is Macy’s Heart of Haiti? Heart of Haiti is a “Trade, Not Aid” initiative launched by artist and social entrepreneur, Willa Shalit, The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and Macy’s. Already, Heart of Haiti has led to employment of 750 artists in Haiti, providing financial benefits for an estimated 8,500 people in the country.  Each item is a one-of-a-kind design and handmade by a Haitian master artisan from raw materials such as recycled oil drums, wrought iron, papier-mâché and stone. The collection features more than 40 home decor items including quilts, metalwork, ceramics, jewelry and paintings and is made almost entirely from recycled and sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums and local gommier wood.  Heart of Haiti products are available online at Macy’s.com.

Thank you to Macy's Heart of Haiti for sponsoring my participation in this “Share Your Heart" promotion. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own.