Today is "Giving Tuesday" – American Indian Child Relief A Worthy Program

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

YPISLANTI, MICHIGAN – Today, 27 November, has been named "Giving Tuesday," a day to remind people to take time from holiday shopping and remember that this holiday season is meant to be a time to share.

Heritage of Healing Program

One of the many worthy organizations in Indian country is the Heritage of Healing Program which began as a project of Native Youth Alliance. They blend modern healing with our traditional culture. In 2006, the initiator of the Heritage of Healing Project dreamed of a place for the healing of all those who were suffering.

They are asking for our support below:

This fundraising campaign is our first since receiving our IRS 501(c)(3) status, and it is our sincere hope that we fulfill our goal of raising $10,000 before the Winter Solstice. Of this, $5000 will go directly to youth in our American Indian Child Relief Program, in the form of $250 Visa Gift cards to 20 youth; and $5000 to keeping our Heritage of Healing House going, so we have a place from which we can provide services.

If you'd like to contribute to making this goal a reality, there is a "Donate" button on our website at www.HeritageofHealing.org. All donations of any amount are much appreciated. We would be very encouraged to meet our goal in this first effort.

Heritage of Healing is also seeking volunteers. Please visit the Volunteer page on our website and click "here" at the bottom of the page for our Volunteer sign up form.

And for those in the Michigan area, we are holding our Candlelight Ceremony for All Victims of Violence on 29 November, the anniversary of Sand Creek. All are welcome; please email us at Info@HeritageofHealing.org for time and location. Watch the Calendar of Events on our website and on our Facebook page; next month we will be holding our monthly Video Night, Crafts Workshops, etc. We hope to see you at all these events.

The goals of Heritage of Healing are four-fold and are being instituted in four stages:

To increase awareness of cancer risks and healthy lifestyle choices that can help reduce them.
To build a spiritual foundation, and to provide solace and comfort through gathering.
To help families experiencing cancers retain a sense of normalcy through the Heritage of Healing Relief Program, dedicated to providing some of the normal day-to-day things that are hard to maintain when undergoing treatment, such as new school clothes, winter coats, trips to movies, etc.
To establish homes near major cancer centers in the US where families can stay while receiving treatment, as Native families are often too far from hospitals to receive regular treatment.

posted November 27, 2012 7:30 am est