8 Stirring Spoons

A group of girls helped pack the boxes yesterday and commented about the bags of rice people were sending. They were so excited to see all the food being sent over to the people. One asked me how they would cook the rice if they don't have anything any more. We were so happy to see some pots in our donations and some cooking spoons too. There were also a couple of cases of water. I told her they would manage. They are a resilient people with many creative ideas when it comes to cooking. I told her they can do amazing things with a machete when it comes to a tin can!

The collection boxes are filling

We got word yesterday that the collection box at Knox Presbyterian on Dunn had "joyfully overflowed onto the floor" and here's the proof! Look at all the wonderful things to send to our friends in Haiti.

9 Tubes of Toothpaste

Sometimes we take the simplest things for granted, like clean teeth.

Toothbrushes and toothpaste are on our list. There was talk at one school of every student bringing in a toothbrush. Now that's a lot of clean teeth!

10 Rolled-up Towels

Today at lunch, a couple of people at work helped me sort and pack all that we have collected so far. We organised, packed, taped and labelled 14 boxes. We worked hard.

When I went downstairs after school, I was surprised to see that I could no longer see all the boxes we had neatly arranged because there was so much new stuff in front of it all!

Judy sent a note out to remind us how important it is to stay true to the list. We need to make sure we don't deviate so as not to cause problems at the port and customs. This will only delay getting the container cleared and getting the supplies through to Haiti. We are collecting emergency supplies, not every day supplies. That can go in the next container!

Let the packing begin

What a day!

I was away from school both Thursday and Friday so was thrilled when I arrived this morning to see that we already have a pile of donations starting. The staff and students and families of St. Bernadette never cease to amaze me with how quickly they open their hearts and embrace any chance to give and help. I am so lucky to be a part of such a wonderful community. I have added them to our list of drop-off sites as they are open in evenings too.



From there, I went to Royalton to be met by Adelia who made sure we had everything we could possibly need, from tape measures to coffee to washroom facilities, and she even threw down skids to me from atop a ladder. Amazing! When she saw us putting up the signs to organise things, she whispered to me that she wanted to bring some stuff in to add to the collection.

The crew that showed up tonight was amazing and made the work go quickly and easily. We started to map out just how big the container is so we could get an idea of our progress. Many hands truly do make light work!

And the stuff keeps coming...

11 Bars of Soap

Okay, really there are 12, but who's counting? That being said, 11 Days and Counting until the container is sealed and ready to be shipped.

New drop off locations have been added and the word is definitely spreading. Our Facebook fan page has been set up, so be sure to join up and comment often.

People everywhere want to help. Items don't need to be big. Even a bar of soap can help.

Tonight we are going to the warehouse to get organised and start sorting and packing many of the donations that have already started pouring in. There is a lot of work ahead but many hands make light work. Yay for the generous people in the GTA!

12 Days of Hope

12 CANS OF FOOD

There are 12 days of collecting, organising and packing ahead, before the container will be sealed and shipped off. I thought I would do a little "12 days of Hope" with pictures of items on the list, as well as updates about what's going on with all those involved with Containers of Hope for Haiti.

The World Food Programme tells us that there is not a shortage of food in the world today. "There is enough food in the world today for everyone to have the nourishment necessary for a healthy and productive life." Food is one of the items on the Donation Wish List.

Shelter, water and food are now in desperate short supply for victims of Haiti's earthquake.