Dear friends,
I am grateful to launch our annual Month of Giving today on Giving Tuesday! The self-portrait above that my daughter Georgina did over the Summer has been sitting on our mantle for several months now and when I look at it, it brings up so many emotions and thoughts. First, I never thought my child would be painting themselves with a mask on... that her “self” would evolve to include this thing that we all felt was temporary. Second, I think about the deep and lasting impact of Covid 19 on children in every aspect of their lives ... from anxiety to learning losses to food insecurity for so many... the impact is real and lasting. And third, how incredibly resilient children are.
I know I mentioned I was looking for “normal” in my Thanksgiving email... and their world has completely shifted and they along with it. But “normal” did not come easily or quickly for our children and I know for many children it was even more difficult and the challenges still ongoing.
Hall Neighborhood House, the organization we are donating to this month, is based near to us in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Founded in 1866 by a group of community-minded women, Hall has expanded their services over the years to provide support for all families from early-childhood care to youth educational support to senior services to a community health center. Their youth program is so very essential right now in this “new world” the kids are experiencing. It provides 65 children with a meal after school, homework help, and ensures all assignments are completed! And on Fridays, extra time is spent on art and craft - that creative outlet is such an important part of healing. I know when I am designing, that is the time when I never worry and only think about possibilities and the future.
I am acutely aware of how fortunate we have been to be able to support our children in all aspects of their journey and struggles these last two years and I wanted to be able to extend that support to more children in our area. We will be donating 30% of sales today in honour of Giving Tuesday, and 10% of sales for the entire month of December, to Hill Neighborhood House, to directly support their youth programming.
Because it truly is the season of giving, we invite you to contribute as well if you are able! We've added a section at check-out to add an additional donation to make it super easy! Thank you in advance for your generous support! I know we have the most amazing customers and I am so honoured that you help us help others in this way.
A huge thank you from my heart.
