From the category archives:

Thoughts from Alice

Hands for Haiti E-Book Cookbook

by alice on February 7, 2010 · 0 comments

Earlier this week “Blog Aid- Recipes for Haiti” launched as a fundraiser for the relief efforts in Haiti.  Lauren of CeliacTeen.com was one of the contributors to that cookbook project but has also compiled another cookbook in E-book form with the proceeds going towards Haiti relief efforts as well.

A total of 87 recipes from 71 bloggers (including myself) contributed to “Hands For Haiti” E-book cookbook.  Suggested donation for a copy is at least $10.  The Canadian government is matching funds until Feb. 12, 2010 and Lauren’s parents are also matching proceeds to $1000.  All proceeds will go to the Canadian Red Cross.  To order your copy click here.

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Blog Aid – Recipes For Haiti Cookbook

by alice on February 4, 2010 · 4 comments

front cover of Blog-Aid Recipes for Haiti cookbook

Julie Van Rosendaal (@dinnerwithjulie ) is an amazing woman.  Within three weeks she miraculously put together a (fundraising) cookbook with 100% of the proceeds going towards the Haiti relief efforts.  I am happy to announce Julie’s compassionate vision became reality today.   This gorgeous cookbook went on sale this morning and already has raised over $20,000 (with matching contributions by West Canadian Graphics, Blurb, and the Canadian government) to be donated to Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders.

Twenty-seven chefs, food writers, and bloggers (myself included) contributed 72 recipes and beautiful photos for “Blog Aid – Recipes For Haiti Cookbook” which is available for purchase in hardcover ($50 US) or softcover ($25 US). [click to continue…]

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United Way King County Hunger Action Week

by alice on January 25, 2010 · 2 comments

Starting today my family and I will be taking the United Way of King County Hunger Challenge for five days.  The purpose of Hunger Action Week is to create awareness around the issue of hunger and the challenges people face along with it.

Hunger is up 24 percent in Washington State .  The ongoing recession and current economic conditions have many families struggling to pay their bills and put food on the table.

Although my children have never experienced hunger, both my husband and I have (you can read a little bit about our story on growing up hungry from last years Hunger Challenge).   Hunger is a serious issue.  Looking back at the beginning of last year’s challenge I wanted to show others it was possible to eat pretty well on a limited budget.  However, it became very clear right away that doing so took away from the whole point of the challenge. Reading commentaries and comments on my own blog, as well as other participating food bloggers, was a learning and growing experience.  I whole-heartily believe most of us (if not all) had the best intentions to inspire people to cook and eat healthier despite a limited budget; however it became clear we were missing the spirit of Hunger Week.   Some bloggers were accused of being arrogant and out of touch with the realities people face when on low-income assistance.  Then there were readers who left unfair comments on blog posts (not mine but others participating) regarding the use of kitchen appliances or expensive ingredients.  None the less I enjoyed following everyone’s journey and made some wonderful new friends.  By the end of the week I was reminded of my own childhood, hungry at times,  and the difficulties families face when having to manage time and resources.

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Residents reach for packets of water during a food distribution three days after the earthquake. Thousands of people left hurt or homeless in the aftermath begged for food, water and medical assistance on Friday as the world rushed to deliver aid to survivors before their despair turned to anger. (Kena Betancur/Reuters)

First and foremost, THANK YOU to all of you who responded to my “Haiti Relief Support – Call To Compassion” post.  We had over 1000 comments in less than 24 hours… unbelievable!  I am hearing reports back from other Food Bloggers who have raised thousands of dollars doing similar efforts on their blogs as well – amazing.  A special thank you to everyone who tweeted, posted to Facebook, and emailed their friends and family about this campaign.

What’s happened in Haiti is so tragic; words cannot express the impact and range of emotions I have been feeling, and I know I’m not the only one.  On a positive note it has been wonderful hearing accounts of massive global support pouring into relief agencies.  However, the civil unrest which is unfolding as we speak is getting rather tense.  Because there is no government infrastructure in place, relief agencies are having a difficult time serving those who need it the most. [click to continue…]

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A view of a damaged neighborhood in the Canape-Vert area on January 13, 2010, after an earthquake the day before in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz)

I am disturbed, burdened, and broken hearted all at once. The images and news coming from Haiti seem so despairing.. it’s just too much for me to take in.  The photos of kids lying in the arms of their parents is just too much for me to take.  They break me and leave me numb.

Our Haitian brothers and sisters need our help. They need our prayers and our resources. This is a call to compassion. Please take a moment, right now, to donate to an established non-profit relief organization. Most of us cannot physically go to Haiti to help, however these relief organizations can. Relief workers and volunteers are the hands and feet of compassion and hope.

I realize there are many worthy organizations helping in Haiti.  However, if you are unsure of where to donate, here is a list of organizations Rob and I are supporting:

Doctors Without Borders

Mercy Corps

World Concern

World Vision

This morning, Ree Drummond – The Pioneer Woman,  is doing a “Different Type of Giveaway”. If you leave a comment on her post, she will donate a dime for every comment.  She will also donate $500 each to 2 Organizations from the comments left on her post.

This blog, Savory Sweet Life, has been such a blessing to me.  Whatever influence this blog has, if any, I would like to use to help those who are in dire need.  In the name of compassion, I am doing a similar giveaway.

I will be donating $1 to every comment left on this post up to $1000.  I will select which non-profit relief agencies to donate to by picking 2 comments below.  Similar to Ree’s giveaway, just leave a comment with positive thoughts along with a relief agency you support.  I will pick 2 winners (at random) Sunday night-9pm PST.   [The winners have been chosen, you can read which agencies received the donations here.] [click to continue…]

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