Heart of Haiti {Mother’s Day 2012}

My mom worked 2 jobs when I was growing up. She worked all day long from 8-5 pm and then often went straight to another job from 6-10 pm. I was blessed enough to have my grandmother take care of me while I was at home and not at school. My grandmother made sure I was doing my homework, dreaming big and staying safe. My mother and my grandmother, both extraordinary women and mothers, instilled in me that with hard work and determination, anything was possible. They also taught me that sometimes people were even less fortunate than we were, and we should help if we could.

Helping others, no matter how much help you think you need, is always on my mind and deeply rooted in my heart. It’s simply the way I was brought up. Now as a grown woman, I vow to help the world when I can, and thankfully I can do so often in one way or another. Many organizations, charities and causes are dear to me, and today I wanted to let you know about one that is at the forefront of my thoughts this mother’s day week.

I was sent this gorgeous, unique, handmade piece on behalf of Heart of Haiti. As someone who adores the black/white color combo, I was thrilled to receive this bracelet. It looks great with many of my neutral outfits, and with every comment about how unique or interesting the bracelet is, I get to bring awareness to a wonderful organization. The craftsmanship is truly impeccable and stunning.

You may be thinking to yourself… what exactly is Heart of Haiti? Here’s more information about the initative:

Heart of Haiti is a “Trade, Not Aid” initiative launched by artist and social entrepreneur, Willa Shalit, The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and Macy’s. Already, Heart of Haiti has led to employment of 750 artists in Haiti, providing financial benefits for an estimated 8,500 people in the country.

Each item is a one-of-a-kind design and handmade by a Haitian master artisan from raw materials such as recycled oil drums, wrought iron, papier-mâché and stone. The collection features more than 40 home decor items including quilts, metalwork, ceramics, jewelry and paintings and is made almost entirely from recycled and sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums and local gommier wood.

If you’d like to get involved and help out this wonderful and powerful initiative, then you should head on over to Macy’s.com to take a look at the beautiful items offered. They range in price from $25-$60, but know that your small purchase makes a large difference to those trying to re-build their lives and hope in Haiti.

I personally think I will be buying 2 of these gorgeous trays. One for me, and one for my mommy who has made me the charitable, Latina woman I am proud to be today. Love you mom!

For more information on Heart of Haiti, follow @HeartofHaiti on Twitter or like the Heart of Haiti Facebook page at http://facebook.com/HeartofHaiti.

Disclosure: I received a free bracelet for review on my blog as part of Latina Bloggers Connect. No other form of compensation was received.