This week for my Give a Little commitment and in honour of Africa Day - May 25th - I donated to Spread the Net, the Canadian campaign to raise funds for and awareness of the prevention of malaria. They work with partners on-the-ground in Africa to purchase and distribute bed nets to some of the most malaria endemic countries in Africa.
It amazes me that a $10 piece of netting can be the simple but effective solution to protecting people, especially children, from contracting a deadly disease. It was a small gift, but one that can make a big impact - and perhaps save a life. Tonight when I go to bed in a comfortable bed, swaddled in covers in a cool, mosquito-free room, I will give a silent prayer of gratitude.
Read about my Thursday's Give a Little Challenge and other posts. I have to give ongoing props to Wendy Smith for her inspiring book, Give a Little. Consider giving it a read.
When I was in Honduras bed nets were my lifesaver! Not only did they keep out mosquitoes, but they also kept me safe from scorpions and big hairy spiders (that I often found crawling on the outside of my net). However, I was the only person who used a mosquito net - all the locals viewed them as something for babies and once kids reached walking age the nets disappeared. It was definitely sad because there was a lot of malaria where I was and I never understood why people wouldn't use their nets when they were readily available. I guess it was the same as trying to get people to wear seat belts or bike helmets and such - people easily cast off things that may save their life because they are a nuisance (nets make you hotter because they "enclose" you in - which was slightly true but didn't bother me, and they are also a pain to get in and out of).
ReplyDeleteI love seeing all the new places you donate to!
you are always so socially conscious. i welcome you as a breath of fresh air.
ReplyDeleteone love.