Horrifying stories about the earthquake in our neighboring province, Sichuan, were rolling in and we wanted to do something.... So, about a week after it happened, we were sitting at our friend Chuk's restaurant and I turned to him and said, "Chuk, have you heard of anything going down with fund raising for the earthquake relief?" He says, "Oh, yeah, Loads!" I told him about an idea and he said, "there's Kate (sitting at the next table) she's organizing some stuff at the international school."
So, I hopped up, talked to Kate, explained my idea, she said when and here I am....repairing jewelry and stringing beads for donations to the relief efforts. Don't you love it when things fall into place like that? It really was meant to be.
I emailed all my pals and explained the scoop. Kate put up signs, friends told friends. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I fixed around 25 pieces of jewelry---most repairs were easy like a loose jump ring, a charm that fell off or a broken clasp. Each piece of jewelry had a story to tell---who gave it to them, how it got broke, where they bought it, why it was meaningful. It was neat to hear all the stories. Some people came by just to visit and chat. Made some new friends too!
Then................the school bell rang. School was out. Beads were IN! I brought a big bowl of beads and elastic in case some folks wanted a little craft therapy. Man, we strung some beads. Moms, Dads, brothers, sisters, teachers, dogs (ok, not dogs) all stringing beads for good!
It was a blast! After a few hours, there was 1400 RMB stuffed in my little donation jar! The power of creativity and craft continues to inspire me. Thank you to everyone for your support. Thank you to QSI for letting me hang in the lobby and fix jewelry. My heart goes out to all the victims-people and animals-of these disasters. Hugs to you all.
Oh Candie, what an absolutely wonderful idea!! You gave back in the perfect way; utilizing your talents, making so many others happy, and all for such a worthy cause! Kudos to you my friend!!
Posted by: Sharon Henry | May 31, 2008 at 09:44 PM
What an amazing idea! That is so much better than just trying to sell stuff because you get to bring in your customers and have them join in, and you still managed to earn some dough for charity.
Posted by: Tammy | June 01, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Thanks you guys! It really was an easy way to raise money for the cause---it seemed everyone had a piece of broken jewelry or two or three they were thrilled to get repaired.
Posted by: candie cooper | June 02, 2008 at 09:05 AM
This is the BEST! I love this! xox jean
Posted by: Jean Yates | June 05, 2008 at 12:22 AM