Catching up with the week
January 17, 2010
Daily exercise update, Friday: Ankle weights were not the death of me but they were put up for the day. No use tempting fate, after all. Walked many many blocks in kitten heels post-meeting searching for the perfect grill pan, and even did one set of these stairs. Never found the pan and was pooped the rest of the day.
Daily exercise update, Saturday: Walked to an enormous park with muddy hills and watched dogs chase each other and other various oddments for hours. Stopped at a mall and discount store afterward and logged a few more almost leisurely miles.
Helping abroad: The devastation in Haiti breaks my heart, and the ensuing chaos of trying to get aid to the island and set up infrastructure has been frustrating.
After much contemplation about the donation options available, I’ve decided to support the Haiti cause by donating to Doctors without Borders. I’m skipping the quick and easy donation options like texting because I need to know the money is being sent directly and immediately to the right people. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to minimize the time and maximize the money. To further stretch the donation dollars, I’ve asked a friend whose company matches donations up to a certain dollar amount each year to donate through his work for me. It’ll be in his name, but that’s a worthwhile trade-off of a tax deduction for essentially doubling the pot.
Doctors without Borders on Charity Navigator.
Things to consider: I love The Lost Goat’s timing and thoughtfulness on this subject. She covers some essential concerns I had to address before making my donation decision. Number four is why I’m not donating to the American Red Cross and several other charities during this time.
Also, be sure to check Flexo’s post on Safe Donations to Victims of the Earthquake in Haiti.
Nice job on the 2x donation! And Doctors Without Borders is a great cause.
See the escalator next to those stairs? I would be totally all over that!
I donated to Unicef and Direct Relief International, and I made sure that the money is being spent specifically on the Haiti relief efforts. I tried to get my company to match my donations but the process is SUCH a hassle (as in pay with cash, bla bla bla, submit the forms to Des Moines) that I decided to forgo that option. It sucks, but I wanted my money to benefit Haiti as fast as possible.
@The Lost Goat: Thanks! I have a feeling that the doubling of the donation might take a little longer but it’ll get there. And if not in time for the Haiti situation, I know it’ll still be put to good use.
@paranoidasteroid: My resolve only lasted for one set of those stairs. Escalators the rest of the time FTW!
@L.A.Daze: It’s too bad they can’t make the matching less of a hassle. Why offer it if you’re going to set up so many barriers??