Thursday, August 18, 2011

Breakfast at Tiffany’s



Well, not quite... But breakfast with Physicians for Peace was, in our opinion, much better!

TRTP Vice President, Sonya, met with Mary K and Mary W from Physicians for Peace (PFP) on Wednesday morning in downtown Norfolk, Virginia, at a cafe around the corner from PFP’s home office. Over sausage and eggs, the three shared information about their respective organizations and their various global projects. However, much of the conversation landed on the work of both groups in Haiti and the inaugural Camp Jake this coming winter.

Mary W (Physicians for Peace Public Relations & Communications Manager),
Sonya (TRTP Vice President) and Mary K (Physicians for Peace
Senior Director, Global Health Programs)

During the discussion, it didn't take long to identify the shared vision and philosophy between The Red Thread Promise and Physicians for Peace. Both organizations value building relationships with their in-country partners and those they serve, getting to know the people and culture in their respective work areas. They each work hand-in-hand to provide education to local professionals, ensuring that host country healthcare professionals and others can continue the work long after the volunteer teams have gone. Both respect the cultures in which they work and only provide services and supplies that align with the needs and requests of their in-country partners.

As these similarities were laid on the table, it was clear to see that this is the beginning of a fruitful partnership. We are so thankful for the opportunity to meet these ladies and get a better understanding of Physicians for Peace.

Hundreds, probably thousands, of NGOs (non-governmental organizations) are currently working in Haiti. The more we can team together to provide exceptional care in an efficient manner, pulling our resources (whether financial, medical or educational in nature), the more we can help Haitians help themselves.

If there are others that would like to have Breakfast with The Red Thread Promise to share ideas and build relationships, please let us know!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Vote for us!



For those of our blog readers who don't follow us on Facebook, we encourage you to do so! That is simply the best way to get up to the minute news on The Red Thread Promise's work.

That being said, the blog is a few hours behind Facebook in sharing some GREAT news.

Recently, we entered some photographs from our May/June trip to Haiti into several international photo contests. We received word yesterday that we are one of 75 finalists in a contest sponsored by GlobalGiving.org!

Our category, GIVE SUPPORT, has 15 photos. All photos listed in this category are from projects focused on micro-finance, humanitarian assistance and children.

Voting began today at noon EST (August 10) and ends at noon EST on August 17. Winners will be announced August 19.

You can vote by first liking the GlobalGiving Facebook page and then clicking “Like” under each photo you want to vote for. Of course, we'd love it if you would vote for our photograph of JoJo (pictured at left), who you've met previously in many blog posts (see links below for additional info on JoJo).

You can only vote for each photo once. The winning photo from each category will be be featured on the GlobalGiving homepage and GlobalGiving social media. One overall winner will be awarded $1000!

Please help The Red Thread Promise extend its work by voting today! Consider sharing this link with your family and friends as well. It is a great way to generate interest for our programs and the prize money would go directly to our programs. A quick, easy and FREE way to show your support.

Thank you!
~ The Red Thread Team


Nuggets from Haiti - 2011, part 4

What’s it like when you show up at the orphanage right before feeding time? You roll up your sleeves, grab a bowl of noodles and begin feeding the hungry birds! The babies were lined up in a row, buckled into high chairs, swings and bouncy seats, waiting, every eye on the adults with the food. Some were quiet while others were vocal and demanding. Spoonful after spoonful, wiping food off of tiny chins, one after the other. While we fed the youngest ones, the older kids showed us their skills with a fork and bowl of noodles. What a blessing to be a part of that day!

The "hungry birds"

Waiting patiently

Kathy's turn to feed a little one

Old enough to feed themselves


Enjoying lunch


All smiles

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Camp Jake update

Over the last few months, we have been blogging with excitement about the creation of The Red Thread Promise’s Camp Jake, a unique and wonderful retreat for the orphans at St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Our camp director, Tom, and volunteers have spent an amazing amount of time and energy planning, fundraising and recruiting volunteers to make this an incredibly memorable experience for the 33 kids who will attend.

Sometimes, the best laid plans get detoured. The planning, fundraising and excitement for Camp Jake continue at a remarkable pace, however the inaugural Camp will now be held in December 2011 instead of August as anticipated.

In addition to negotiating a maze of red tape, our camp director has received news that some close family members have serious health issues that must be given his complete attention. And so, in the last few days, we have come to understand the need to delay opening the Camp for a few months. The decision was difficult, but it is imperative to The Red Thread Promise Board of Trustees and everyone involved, that Camp Jake be a resounding success.

While December seems far away, it is only a few short months that will be filled with additional planning and fundraising, collecting supplies, firming up volunteers, booking flights, securing hotels and so on. We plan to deliver the best possible camp to these extraordinary children who deserve only the best!

We are so grateful to everyone’s hard work and hope you will understand and not be discouraged by this slight delay. Please continue your efforts to make Camp Jake the most wonderful experience for the kids of Haiti!