In 2018 CHOOSE TO CARE (CTC) Organization raised funds through a brunch event and individual donations made throughout the year. These funds, 100% of the amount raised, have allowed CTC to thrive and continue to support projects with children and young adults in need. By providing a brand new pair of shoes, we are fulfilling the mission. Looking forward to broadening our work through fruitful partnerships in 2019.
CHOOSE TO CARE
REVENUES & DISBURSEMENTS
FISCAL YEAR ENDING 11/30/2018
Description Period Amount
Total Revenue End of 11/2017 $6, 179.75
Total Individual Donations 12/2017-11/2018 $1,794.70
Fund Raising Event 1/2018 $500.00
Bag Raffled at Fundraising 1/2018 $108.00
Amazon Smile 11/17 to 10/18 $34.53
Total Donations 12/2017 - 11/2018
(1,794.76+$642.53) $2,437.29
Total revenue 11/2017-11/2018
(6,179.75+2,437.29) $8,617.04
Total Expenditure for
Sponsored Projects End of 11/2018
($3,039.21+$3,289.35) $6,328.26
Revenue Balance End of 11/2018 $2,189.48
DonorsChoose.org
Date Organizations Sponsored Amount
12/15/2018 Character Shoes for Our Choir $6.43
12/15/2018 Help Track Runners Get
Running Shoes $172.11
11/17/2018 Shoes, Shoes, Shoes $1,150.41
08/17/2018 Get Every Kid Active and Moving
During Physical education $173.20
08/17/2018 Kids Need Shoes $293.54
06/24/2018 Run Run Run $347.16
04/12/2018 Kicks for Kindergarten $143.38
03/10/2018 Choose Shoes $503.12
02/08/2018 Shoes For Future Leaders $500.00
OTHERS
12/17/2017 Corona Community $430.16
12/22/2017 Ritchies Moravian Church,
Jamaica, W.I. $1,386.85
06/1/2018 St. Peter's Basic School,
The Gambia, West Africa $388.92
07/19/18 Association Solidarity
Chambellanaise $933.28
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Saturday, February 16, 2019
FASHION DESIGNERS IN THE MAKING
We had the pleasure of watching a video of about 55 girls from a sewing class which is a section of the St Peter's Basic School, Lamin, Kombo North District, Gambia.
These young girls are aspiring to be top dressmakers, but they are in need of the tools to make their dreams come true. We asked what are the materials they most needed and they responded scissors, thread, zippers, sewing machines, cloths and so on.
They also have computer lessons and Choose To Care(CTC) is getting ready to propose nutrition, physical activity and environmental lessons. We will also provide them with a brand new pair of shoes, fulfilling the mission of CTC to protect the feet of the child in need and set them on a meaningful journey. We are ready to help these young women find their way. They have a line of clothing but no where to sell them, we are investigating ways, that they can earn a living for their labor.
They talked about their graduation day and I can only imagine how exciting that must be for them. We have no doubt that we can help them to have a brighter future. As we plan our shindig , we wondered out loud if this should not be the place to start our effort for the children of The Gambia. We are asking each attendee at our April 6, event to bring a pair of scissors for the barrel we are planning to send to these deserving girls for whom we wish a more enjoyable and productive life.
Each and every time we start a new project we keep in mind these words: "It always seem impossible, until it is done" - Nelson Mandela.
Peace and Love!
These young girls are aspiring to be top dressmakers, but they are in need of the tools to make their dreams come true. We asked what are the materials they most needed and they responded scissors, thread, zippers, sewing machines, cloths and so on.
They also have computer lessons and Choose To Care(CTC) is getting ready to propose nutrition, physical activity and environmental lessons. We will also provide them with a brand new pair of shoes, fulfilling the mission of CTC to protect the feet of the child in need and set them on a meaningful journey. We are ready to help these young women find their way. They have a line of clothing but no where to sell them, we are investigating ways, that they can earn a living for their labor.
They talked about their graduation day and I can only imagine how exciting that must be for them. We have no doubt that we can help them to have a brighter future. As we plan our shindig , we wondered out loud if this should not be the place to start our effort for the children of The Gambia. We are asking each attendee at our April 6, event to bring a pair of scissors for the barrel we are planning to send to these deserving girls for whom we wish a more enjoyable and productive life.
Each and every time we start a new project we keep in mind these words: "It always seem impossible, until it is done" - Nelson Mandela.
Peace and Love!
Saturday, January 26, 2019
TAKING MY LEAP OF FAITH TO NEW HEIGHTS
"If we all did the things we are
capable of doing, we would literally
astound ourselves" Thomas Edison
I don't think I know of any other way to travel when it concerns finding the courage to do what I think I cannot do, but to take a leap of faith. This brain of mine is never at a standstill, always cooking up the next project and even when there are roadblocks, I embrace the steering wheel to find a way to move forward.
We continue to provide a brand new pair of shoes for children in need, through Choose To Care(CTC), a not for profit organization that was created over eleven years ago. At each of our local shoe distribution event, we have taken our desire to improve the lives of the children, even further by adding messages of health and well-being, physical activities and ways to do our part to protect the earth we live on.
We are clearing our path and putting our heads together to build an online Nutrition and Health platform, for the schools we sponsor on-line, nation-wide; with the hope that the teacher will integrate these same messages in their classroom lessons as part and parcel of the distribution of shoes, they have received for their students.
Excitement is in the air, as we let our eyes travel to The Gambia, West Africa, to create a start-up for about 55 young girls, who are learning to sew. This school and project was introduced to me by a colleague who told me she was driven to do work in that country. She is doing amazing work indeed!
We plan to groom them from the ground up, beginning with gifts of brand new pair of shoes to protect their feet and explore with them all the possibilities of introducing a bright and healthy future for these fashion designers in the making. More to come!
I know I have found my passion and purpose and I have no fear in trying to improve the lives of these young children. With the help of others,including the Nutritionist And Friends In Action(NAFIA) team, we are placing our hope in a direction that helps make our vision of well-being, real. We also know for sure, that we have the drive and wherewithal to make good things happen.
Asante
Dankie
Merci
Gracias
Rahmat
Thank You
Dhanyawaad
capable of doing, we would literally
astound ourselves" Thomas Edison
I don't think I know of any other way to travel when it concerns finding the courage to do what I think I cannot do, but to take a leap of faith. This brain of mine is never at a standstill, always cooking up the next project and even when there are roadblocks, I embrace the steering wheel to find a way to move forward.
We continue to provide a brand new pair of shoes for children in need, through Choose To Care(CTC), a not for profit organization that was created over eleven years ago. At each of our local shoe distribution event, we have taken our desire to improve the lives of the children, even further by adding messages of health and well-being, physical activities and ways to do our part to protect the earth we live on.
We are clearing our path and putting our heads together to build an online Nutrition and Health platform, for the schools we sponsor on-line, nation-wide; with the hope that the teacher will integrate these same messages in their classroom lessons as part and parcel of the distribution of shoes, they have received for their students.
Excitement is in the air, as we let our eyes travel to The Gambia, West Africa, to create a start-up for about 55 young girls, who are learning to sew. This school and project was introduced to me by a colleague who told me she was driven to do work in that country. She is doing amazing work indeed!
We plan to groom them from the ground up, beginning with gifts of brand new pair of shoes to protect their feet and explore with them all the possibilities of introducing a bright and healthy future for these fashion designers in the making. More to come!
I know I have found my passion and purpose and I have no fear in trying to improve the lives of these young children. With the help of others,including the Nutritionist And Friends In Action(NAFIA) team, we are placing our hope in a direction that helps make our vision of well-being, real. We also know for sure, that we have the drive and wherewithal to make good things happen.
Asante
Dankie
Merci
Gracias
Rahmat
Thank You
Dhanyawaad
Sunday, January 20, 2019
YOUR WORLD - Georgia Douglas Johnson
Your world is as big as you make it.
I know for I used to abide, in the narrowest nest in a corner.
My wings pressing close to my side.
But I sighted the distant horizon,where the skyline encircled the sea.
And I throbbed with a learning desire, to travel this immensity.
I battered the cordons around me.
And cradled my wings on the breeze.
Then soared to the uttermost reaches
With rapture, with power, with ease.
Dear Friends,
Have faith that everything will fall into place in the most beneficial way.
Thanks for your passion to help and the ability to deliver.
Peace & Love
I know for I used to abide, in the narrowest nest in a corner.
My wings pressing close to my side.
But I sighted the distant horizon,where the skyline encircled the sea.
And I throbbed with a learning desire, to travel this immensity.
I battered the cordons around me.
And cradled my wings on the breeze.
Then soared to the uttermost reaches
With rapture, with power, with ease.
Dear Friends,
Have faith that everything will fall into place in the most beneficial way.
Thanks for your passion to help and the ability to deliver.
Peace & Love
Saturday, December 22, 2018
WINNER OF THE BEAUTIFUL black & white checkered shawl
Hi Folks,
Thanks to all who participated in the raffle to help CHOOSE TO CARE provide a brand new pair of shoes for the child in need. Your support will help to brighten their holiday celebration.
This beautiful black and white checkered shawl was won by Aisha Cayetano.
With Gratitude!
Visit us @ choosetocaresite.org
Thanks to all who participated in the raffle to help CHOOSE TO CARE provide a brand new pair of shoes for the child in need. Your support will help to brighten their holiday celebration.
This beautiful black and white checkered shawl was won by Aisha Cayetano.
With Gratitude!
Visit us @ choosetocaresite.org
Saturday, December 8, 2018
START SOMETHING NEW ^^^GIVE EQUAL TIME TO WOES AND BLISS
All throughout the year we are faced with so much grumble and gripe. We will meet bad days, after all it is not easy to navigate through this place we call earth. And so, as I began to think what message I would send in my last blog for the year, I decided to repeat one that I wrote in 2012.
So here we go:
Dear Kindred Spirit,
I try all year to pay attention to those I hold dear to me. And I hope I did just that! The end of the year is in sight and I am grabbing yet another chance during this season of merriment to stop and take the time to focus on our blessings, to make amends and truly show my appreciation for the people who have meant so much to me.
Thanks for your support, your friendship, your kind words. We have teased each other, have belly laughs, bounced back from adversaries and continued to embrace this ever changing life.
And my hope is that even when the thread(spirit) that keeps us tightly woven seem to be coming apart(life's upheaval), we will still find the time to pull out our sewing kit(to find strength, courage,faith, hope) and mend(stay intact) as best as we can.
My wish my friends, is that each time we are tested, we will think of gratifying moments and rise above our woes. So let's make a pledge to ourselves that when we think of life's difficult journey, we will also think of our blessings, no matter how small. This balancing act you may discover will give you time to determine that life is not so bad after all. It will give you a sense of security that will help you face life's challenges. You will not tarry too long in the 'pity department' anymore; instead you will find yourself expressing gratitude and appreciation, over and over for life's experiences.
I am thankful for your presence, for life, family and good health. As you celebrate and connect with your love ones, keep the holidays fun, safe and nutritious;work to maintain your weight and leave some wiggle room to enjoy your favorite food
"The optimist sees the rose and not its thorns; the pessimist stares at the thorns, oblivious to the rose."
Kahlil Gibran
BE THE PERSON THAT SEES THE ROSE
Have a joy-filled holiday and new year!
psw
So here we go:
Dear Kindred Spirit,
I try all year to pay attention to those I hold dear to me. And I hope I did just that! The end of the year is in sight and I am grabbing yet another chance during this season of merriment to stop and take the time to focus on our blessings, to make amends and truly show my appreciation for the people who have meant so much to me.
Thanks for your support, your friendship, your kind words. We have teased each other, have belly laughs, bounced back from adversaries and continued to embrace this ever changing life.
And my hope is that even when the thread(spirit) that keeps us tightly woven seem to be coming apart(life's upheaval), we will still find the time to pull out our sewing kit(to find strength, courage,faith, hope) and mend(stay intact) as best as we can.
My wish my friends, is that each time we are tested, we will think of gratifying moments and rise above our woes. So let's make a pledge to ourselves that when we think of life's difficult journey, we will also think of our blessings, no matter how small. This balancing act you may discover will give you time to determine that life is not so bad after all. It will give you a sense of security that will help you face life's challenges. You will not tarry too long in the 'pity department' anymore; instead you will find yourself expressing gratitude and appreciation, over and over for life's experiences.
I am thankful for your presence, for life, family and good health. As you celebrate and connect with your love ones, keep the holidays fun, safe and nutritious;work to maintain your weight and leave some wiggle room to enjoy your favorite food
"The optimist sees the rose and not its thorns; the pessimist stares at the thorns, oblivious to the rose."
Kahlil Gibran
BE THE PERSON THAT SEES THE ROSE
Have a joy-filled holiday and new year!
psw
Sunday, October 28, 2018
THE GOOD SAMARITAN
I was surprised upon landing, at the distance between the airport and where I would spend the next four days with thousands of enthusiastic people, preparing to listen to innovative ideas about dietary concerns, environmental woes and the politics that come with all of this. There would be enterprising colleagues to keep us spellbound with new discoveries that would leave us hungry for more and immediately set us in motion to begin planning to attend the next event in the upcoming year; even if only in our minds.
I have diverted a bit. This far away place meant a change in plans, I would not be able to attend the closing session and that meant missing out on hearing from an inspirational speaker. This last session is just as important as any other I would attend because it wraps up all that will unfold during our time at the conference and sends us packing with a reminder of how important and necessary the work we do is. The words of wisdom imparted usually gives us hope not to give up on our inspirations. And I would miss this! Even a short time is better than none I told myself and for my short stay, I realized that the flavor of his advice was heading down BRILLIANCE road. The speaker wanted us to look into the eyes of the person sitting next to us and say"You are so brilliant"
I left after that eye gazing exercise for the trip back home.
The opening session brought us Bonnie St John, a world renowned skier, who only has one leg. I read about her years ago in the Essence magazine, and was in awe of her and all her achievements then and even more so when I heard her speak. Her message was RESILIENCE.
Rushed and unsure of the directions inside the airport, I kept asking until I reached my destination, that is when I realized I had left my coat in the security area. It would mean going back. As confused as I was getting to where I needed to be, I was not looking forward to starting over again. I asked a worker for help, explaining what had happened, he directed me how to return and ASSURED me I would make it on time to board the plane. I took a few steps toward starting over and thought this was risky. I asked another worker, who ASSURED me there was no need to take that trek, the airline staff would be willing to help me retrieve my coat.
As I explained my plight, I was met with a stern "impossible" "we cannot do anything" "security does not want us to bring anything to passengers" "we could lose our job" I was taken aback by the disengagement. It did not matter that I was traveling to a cold place, not a hint of an attempt was made to help me, all I received was a mouthful of why they could do nothing for me.
Desperation sets in and I approached the flight attendant who was standing nearby, thinking she might be a bit more sympathetic. "You heard what she said! And we will not hold the plane for you."
I tried one more time and approached another random airport worker and repeated my predicament. He pointed me to the same people who had dismissed me and I let him on to my experience. He heard me out but did not have a solution and we parted company.
I took my seat, waiting for my zone to be called, knowing that I should just make the best of a bad situation. After all I had heard about resilience, now let me put it into practice. Just as I was about to get on board, I heard someone, trying to get my attention; lo and behold, the young man came to deliver my coat and disappeared just as quickly. I was shock and ran after him, after all he deserved a better thank you, one that came from the heart for an unexpected act of kindness. But he wanted nothing for his kindness.
The package that I took with me from this journey where BRILLIANT things happened, contained RESILIENCE,KINDNESS,BLESSED ASSURANCE.
One Love!
EASING ON DOWN TO KINDNESS ROAD
She cried out to no one in particular
Hoping anyone and everyone
Would hear her plea
"This is not a hard road to travel" she said
"Come let me show you how
Get ready for a journey down Kindness Road"
Fret not if you come across a bump
Here and there
First timers may feel a bit sore
But on your next round
You will make it without a moan
Just point to the way to Kindness Road
She shows him, he shows another
To the left, to the right, around the bend
You can't miss it.
Any turn will lead to Kindness Road
"What if I have a change of heart?" you ask
Too late, says the Genie
That's the wish granted to your fellowmen
And it has spread like wildfire
Any Street, Any Lane, The Alley, The Avenue
Will take you down Kindness Road
There you will find them
Joyfully banding together
For a kinder world
psw(Jump for joy series)
I have diverted a bit. This far away place meant a change in plans, I would not be able to attend the closing session and that meant missing out on hearing from an inspirational speaker. This last session is just as important as any other I would attend because it wraps up all that will unfold during our time at the conference and sends us packing with a reminder of how important and necessary the work we do is. The words of wisdom imparted usually gives us hope not to give up on our inspirations. And I would miss this! Even a short time is better than none I told myself and for my short stay, I realized that the flavor of his advice was heading down BRILLIANCE road. The speaker wanted us to look into the eyes of the person sitting next to us and say"You are so brilliant"
I left after that eye gazing exercise for the trip back home.
The opening session brought us Bonnie St John, a world renowned skier, who only has one leg. I read about her years ago in the Essence magazine, and was in awe of her and all her achievements then and even more so when I heard her speak. Her message was RESILIENCE.
Rushed and unsure of the directions inside the airport, I kept asking until I reached my destination, that is when I realized I had left my coat in the security area. It would mean going back. As confused as I was getting to where I needed to be, I was not looking forward to starting over again. I asked a worker for help, explaining what had happened, he directed me how to return and ASSURED me I would make it on time to board the plane. I took a few steps toward starting over and thought this was risky. I asked another worker, who ASSURED me there was no need to take that trek, the airline staff would be willing to help me retrieve my coat.
As I explained my plight, I was met with a stern "impossible" "we cannot do anything" "security does not want us to bring anything to passengers" "we could lose our job" I was taken aback by the disengagement. It did not matter that I was traveling to a cold place, not a hint of an attempt was made to help me, all I received was a mouthful of why they could do nothing for me.
Desperation sets in and I approached the flight attendant who was standing nearby, thinking she might be a bit more sympathetic. "You heard what she said! And we will not hold the plane for you."
I tried one more time and approached another random airport worker and repeated my predicament. He pointed me to the same people who had dismissed me and I let him on to my experience. He heard me out but did not have a solution and we parted company.
I took my seat, waiting for my zone to be called, knowing that I should just make the best of a bad situation. After all I had heard about resilience, now let me put it into practice. Just as I was about to get on board, I heard someone, trying to get my attention; lo and behold, the young man came to deliver my coat and disappeared just as quickly. I was shock and ran after him, after all he deserved a better thank you, one that came from the heart for an unexpected act of kindness. But he wanted nothing for his kindness.
The package that I took with me from this journey where BRILLIANT things happened, contained RESILIENCE,KINDNESS,BLESSED ASSURANCE.
One Love!
She cried out to no one in particular
Hoping anyone and everyone
Would hear her plea
"This is not a hard road to travel" she said
"Come let me show you how
Get ready for a journey down Kindness Road"
Fret not if you come across a bump
Here and there
First timers may feel a bit sore
But on your next round
You will make it without a moan
Just point to the way to Kindness Road
She shows him, he shows another
To the left, to the right, around the bend
You can't miss it.
Any turn will lead to Kindness Road
"What if I have a change of heart?" you ask
Too late, says the Genie
That's the wish granted to your fellowmen
And it has spread like wildfire
Any Street, Any Lane, The Alley, The Avenue
Will take you down Kindness Road
There you will find them
Joyfully banding together
For a kinder world
psw(Jump for joy series)
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