$110,- raised for the Albert Kennedy Trust

Members of Pandora's Kharis have come together to raise $110,- for the Albert Kennedy Trust. Since 1989, Albert Kennedy Trust has supported Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) young people (up to 25 year old) who are homeless or living in a hostile environment in London, Manchester and Newcastle. Their services include supported lodgings, mentoring, training and advice & guidance. The cause was suggested by community member Ana Perez, who is currently holding a fundraiser for it, to which Pandora's Kharis has donated.

From this moment on, the Pandora's Kharis Facebook page is open to pitches. If you do not have Facebook, feel free to pitch your cause in the comments. We will relay the message to the community.

On to another month of pitching, voting, and giving. Thank you for your generosity!

The Albert Kennedy Trust Maimakterion 2014 cause

With 64% of the votes, the Albert Kennedy Trust became the Maimakterion 2014 cause for Pandora's Kharis! The Metro CareRing and the Street Angels Hawaii both got 18% of the votes. Since 1989, Albert Kennedy Trust has supported Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) young people (up to 25 year old) who are homeless or living in a hostile environment in London, Manchester and Newcastle. Their services include supported lodgings, mentoring, training and advice & guidance. The cause was suggested by community member Ana Perez, who is currently holding a fundraiser for it.

To ensure that all lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans young people are able to live in accepting, supportive and caring homes, by providing a range of services to meet the individual needs of those who would otherwise be homeless or living in a hostile environment. The Albert Kennedy Trust aims to do this by:

• Providing appropriate homes through supported lodgings, fostering and other specialist housing schemes.
• Enabling young people to manage independent living successfully.
• Improving attitudes within society towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans young people.

AKT also provides bespoke training for housing, social care, support, fostering and adoption organisations. We are the experts in this field and once an organisation meets the standard required for supporting LGBT young people we reward them with the Albert Kennedy Trust Quality Mark. This mark shows you that the organisation that is caring for you knows how to in the best way possible.

Despite 10 years of progressive LGB legislation which has enabled young LGBT people to feel more confident to come out at an early age – the reality is that when they do they are still greeted with the same level of homophobia & transphobia at home or school experienced 25 years ago when AKT was established in response to Albert Kennedy’s death. A few facts about AKT:

• Annually the Trust receives over 2,000 calls for support across three cities: London, Manchester and Newcastle
• Over 6,000 nights off the street provided by AKT for young people in 2013 (excluding Purple Door)
• Over 1,800 hours of mentoring provided by AKT for young people in 2013
• Purple Door Project has already provided over 1790 nights accommodation for young LGBT people in need since opening in July
• Estimated that 1 in 4 homeless youths may identify as LGB or T
• 85% of our young people have faced some level of rejection by their parents just for being brave enough to come out and be who they are.
• Over 2/3 of AKT young men have been offered sex or been forced to offer sex to get a bed for the night
• Many young people will not use mainstream provision for fear of homophobia or transphobia from other service users or even the service itself.

You can now donate to Pandora's Kharis at baring.the.aegis@gmail.com or by clicking the 'donate' button to the side. Please, give generously to support this wonderful cause, and thank you in advance! The deadline to donate is 24 November, 2014.

Nominees Maimakterion 2014

For Maimakterion, there are three worthy causes to pick from, submitted by our members. They are the Albert Kennedy Trust, the Metro CareRing, and Street Angels Hawaii.


The Albert Kennedy Trust
Since 1989, Albert Kennedy Trust has supported Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) young people (up to 25 year old) who are homeless or living in a hostile environment in London, Manchster and Newcastle. Their services include supported lodgings, mentoring, training and advice & guidance. The cause was suggested by community member Ana Perez, who is currently holding a fundraiser for it.

The Metro CareRing
Metro CareRing operates one of Denver’s largest hunger-relief programs, including a fresh foods shopping market, teaching garden, and weekly healthy living and nutrition classes. Situated in the heart of Denver, Metro CareRing distributes between 4,000 to 6,000 pounds of food, baby items, and personal care products in helping to meet the nutritional and health needs of up to 500 people every day. Metro CareRing takes a progressive approach in developing self-sufficiency programs and offering opportunities for participants to learn about healthy habits and develop assets-based goals. Metro CareRing is also one of the area’s leading non-profits in the ID Partnership and helps with utilities assistance. Thanks to 170 volunteers weekly, Metro CareRing is a beacon of hope for Denver's hungry families and individuals.

Street Angels Hawaii
The Street Angel project is an experience that connects neighbours in heartfelt ways that inspire everyone engaged. They are a family of interested people, 100% volunteer based, sharing home cooked healthy vegetarian meals, good cheer, clothes and supplies, creative possibilities, and encouragement to neighbours in their city who are sleeping under bushes or living in shelters.


The deadline for voting is November 11th, but of course you are also free to start making your donations today.

$60,- raised for The Wild Hunt

Members of Pandora's Kharis have come together to raise $60,- for Pagan news outlet The Wild Hunt. The Wild Hunt is primary destination for those interested in following news relating and of interest to modern Pagan religions and other minority faiths. Founded by Jason Pitzl-Waters in 2004, The Wild Hunt has grown to become one of the most-visited and popular destinations exploring these topics. Recruited to Patheos.com in the Summer of 2011, The Wild Hunt decided to exist as an independent entity once more in the Summer of 2012. In addition, The Wild Hunt has now expanded into a media outlet with paid contributors and three paid staff members.

 

 

From this moment on, the Pandora's Kharis Facebook page is open to pitches. If you do not have Facebook, feel free to pitch your cause in the comments. We will relay the message to the community.

On to another month of pitching, voting, and giving. Thank you for your generosity!

The Wild Hunt Pyanepsion 2014 cause

After raising $171,- for the Pagan temple and convent 'Maetreum of Cybele', Pandora's Kharis has elected another Pagan initiative to raise money for. The Pyanepsion 2014 cause for Pandora's Kharis is Pagan news outlet The Wild Hunt.

The Wild Hunt is primary destination for those interested in following news relating and of interest to modern Pagan religions and other minority faiths. Founded by Jason Pitzl-Waters in 2004, The Wild Hunt has grown to become one of the most-visited and popular destinations exploring these topics. Recruited to Patheos.com in the Summer of 2011, The Wild Hunt decided to exist as an independent entity once more in the Summer of 2012. In addition, The Wild Hunt has now expanded into a media outlet with paid contributors and three paid staff members.

Every year, The Wild Hunt organises a Fall Funding Drive, and this year, they are asking for a base budget of $12,500 dollars to run for another year, and are hoping that supporters will help them not only meet this goal, but surpass it and allow them to do even more. $12,500 dollars will allow The Wild hunt to pay their hosting bills for another year, pay their staff, and cover other expenses related to running the website.

The Wild Hunt has a proven track record that stretches over nearly ten years, and over those years they've become an essential news source and inspired many to create their own media. They've interviewed big-name Pagans like Margot Adler and Starhawk, reported on controversies and inspirational moments that have affected our community deeply, and acted as a watchdog when the mainstream media reports on modern Pagans and other minority faith traditions. However, the commitment, time, and energy needed to make this sustainable can only happen if others in the community are willing to step forward and help them fund it.

You can now donate to Pandora's Kharis at baring.the.aegis@gmail.com or by clicking the 'donate' button to the side. Thank you in advance for any amount you can spare. It will matter. The deadline to donate is 24 October, 2014.

$171,- raised for the Maetreum of Cybele

Members of Pandora's Kharis have come together to raise $171,- for the Maetreum of Cybele. The Maetreum of Cybele, a Pagan temple and convent located in upstate New York, is a non-profit organisation which has been struggling against the city of Catskill in an ongoing tax-battle, and we have come together to at least help their cause a little.

From this moment on, the Pandora's Kharis Facebook page is open to pitches. If you do not have Facebook, feel free to pitch your cause in the comments. We will relay the message to the community.

On to another month of pitching, voting, and giving. Thank you for your generosity!

Maetreum of Cybele Boedromion 2014 cause

By unanimous vote, the Maetreum of Cybele is Pandora's Kharis' Boedromion 2014 cause. The Maetreum of Cybele, a Pagan temple and convent located in upstate New York, is a non-profit organisation which has been struggling against the city of Catskill in an ongoing tax-battle.

The Wild Hunt has frequently reported on this issue, and posted a good overview at the end of august:

"The legal issue at hand is if the Maetreum uses its property primarily for religious purposes, which would exempt them from paying property taxes. The Town of Catskill says the group is an “illegitimate religion” and is using the property for residential, rather than religious uses. The Maetreum says the town doesn’t want to “open the floodgates” to other nonprofit groups claiming tax exemptions which deprives the town of tax revenue.

 

Despite the unanimous decision in 2013 by a three judge panel of the Appellate Division of New York’s Supreme Court favorable to the Maetreum, the Town of Catskill took the unusual step of appealing the ruling to the New York State Court of Appeals. A ruling by the Court of Appeals is expected later this Fall and the Maetrum expects it to uphold the previous decision that the Maetreum is a religious nonprofit and as such is exempt from paying property taxes. Catskill also recently filed charges against the Maetreum for refusing to allow a municipal inspection to look for code violations and a trial is now scheduled for late September. The Maetreum, in an effort to preserve their property rights while the September trail takes place, filed suit against the town’s attempt to use property codes to condemn and foreclose on the property in the Greene County Supreme Court of New York.

 

So far the Maestreum has paid out more than $65,000 in legal fees. The Town of Catskill, the Maestreum estimates, has spent hundreds of thousands. But the town’s deep pockets, Rev. Mother Cathryn Platine says, is how the town plans to win despite their losses in the courtroom, “Rather than being over, we now find ourselves in three legal actions at once. The town dragged the original two legal actions out for years with multiple bullshit motions and now this. The town attorney is known for this tactic against non-profits all over the state. To make it too expensive to keep fighting them.”

 

The town may finally be successful. If the Maetreum can’t raise $10,000 in the next few weeks to cover legal fees for the appeal, the Pagan convent may close."

  

The Maetrum is a Neo-Pagan organisation. It has been running since 1997 and has developed a full theology and method of practice. Their theology starts from the simplest basis:  

 

"That the Divine Feminine principle is the basis of the universe. That all of us, all that we encounter is Her in the aggregate.  We are all the Great Mother learning about Herself.  From this simple beginning springs our organizational models, our rituals, the principles of what we call Wholistic Feminism, our mission of charitable outreach and indeed the way we, as Cybelines, live our lives.  We are sometimes called the 'scholarly Cybelines' because we have invested many years of strict historical research in order to embrace the essence of what proved to be literally the oldest surviving religion in the world.  We embraced the essence and then stepped away from "Pagan Reconstructism" by bringing those essences into the modern world.  We re-introduced to the world a model for Pagan Monasticism.  We've recovered long believed lost principles, our drumming patterns, ritual practices and corrected history.  The world centre of our Religion is in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York at the foot of the Kaaterskill Clove.  Unlike many neo-Pagan groups, we have a "horizontal" organization, our Priestesses all considered equals but also expected to live our religion, dedicate themselves to a live of charitable works and ministry to others according to their strengths.  We welcome all to our services and to visit our first Phrygianum of the modern era.  We do not require anyone to renounce anything to join us."

 

This organisation is in danger of going bankrupt, and we would like to help prevent this from happening. You can now donate to Pandora's Kharis at baring.the.aegis@gmail.com or by clicking the 'donate' button to the side. Thank you in advance for any amount you can spare. It will matter. The deadline to donate is 26 September, 2014.



$100,- raised for The Trevor Project

We are proud to announce that our monthly fundraising has raised $100,- for The Trevor Project, America's leading organization in providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24. The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among LGBTQ youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources including our nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline, digital community and advocacy/educational programs that create a safe, supportive and positive environment for everyone, and we can help them do that. Please read below a letter of thanks by The Trevor Project's CEO and pitch your cause for next month on the Pandora's Kharis Facebook page.

Dear Pandora's Kharis:

On behalf of the nearly 100,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth served by The Trevor Project each year, we are deeply grateful for your financial contribution.

Your gift of $100.00 supports our life saving and life affirming for LGBTQ youth. Your support not only enables us to continue the important work of our 24/7 crisis and suicide prevention Lifeline, but also enables us to expand our community and school educational initiatives and operate our online LGBTQ social network, TrevorSpace.

Sincerely,

Abbe Land
Executive Director & CEO

The Trevor Project Metageitnion 2014 cause

After a one month hiatus, Pandora's Kharis is back with a new cause to gather funds for. This month's cause is The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ-focussed organisation named after Trevor, a character out of James Lecesne's award-winning one-man show 'Word of Mouth'.  It was turned into the Academy Award®-winning short film 'Trevor', about a 13-year old boy living in 1981 who is shunned by all his classmates for being gay. He doesn't understanding why everyone thinks that’s such a bad thing, but decides it would probably be better for everyone if he weren’t around. 'Trevor' has a message of hope, though, and of self acceptance and love, and these are the pillars of The Trevor Project as well.

The Trevor Project is the leading American organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24. On the night 'Trevor' premiered on HBO in 1998, the Trevor Lifeline was launched: the first national crisis intervention and suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ youth. Since then, hundreds of thousands of young people in crisis have reached out to The Trevor Project’s multiple in-person and online life-saving, life-affirming resources--Trevor Lifeline, TrevorChat, TrevorSpace, Ask Trevor and Trevor Education Workshops.

One notable project The Trevor Project is involved with is the 'It Gets Better'-campaign in which celebrities, company employees, and sometimes just regular people--sometimes part of the LGBTQ banner themselves, other times simple supporters of the banner--tell stories of their adolescence. They speak of bullying, of depressions, of the issues young LGBTQ people deal with every day and they tell them that it--eventually--gets better. It always gets better. It has become a very valuable tool in trying to prevent teen and adolescent suicides in the LGBTQ community.

The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among LGBTQ youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources including our nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline, digital community and advocacy/educational programs that create a safe, supportive and positive environment for everyone, and we can help them do that.

You can now donate to Pandora's Kharis at baring.the.aegis@gmail.com or by clicking the 'donate' button to the side. This is a very deserving project, and donating to it can truly, truly, save lives. Thank you in advance for any amount you can spare. It will matter. The deadline to donate is 28 August, 2014.

$100,- raised for MSAVLC

I am very happy to announce that Pandora's Kharis has raised $100,- for Medical and Scientific Aid for Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia (MSAVLC).

 

Medical and Scientific Aid for Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia is a registered charity that was originally established in 1965. Since then it has been providing aid to some of the poorest and most disadvantaged people in South-East Asia. The aim of the charity is to promote good health and relieve sickness, by providing aid, supplies and equipment to health-related organisations in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Their support meets a wide range of needs but focuses particularly on children, and those whose lives have been blighted by poverty or the aftermath of war and strife.

MSAVLC currently supports twelve projects in South-East. Asia. All of these projects deal with the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people of the region. The charity is run exclusively by volunteers. Their overheads are minimal; every possible penny goes to where it is needed. By concentrating on primary health and responding to specific requests it is surprising what even modest funding can achieve.

From this moment on, the Pandora's Kharis Facebook page is open to pitches. If you do not have Facebook, feel free to pitch your cause in the comments. We will relay the message to the community.

On to another month of pitching, voting, and giving. Thank you for your generosity!

MSAVLC Skirophorion 2014 cause

Our cause for Skirophorion 2014 is set and decided for: Medical and Scientific Aid for Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia (MSAVLC) will be the recipient of our donations!

Medical and Scientific Aid for Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia is a registered charity that was originally established in 1965. Since then it has been providing aid to some of the poorest and most disadvantaged people in South-East Asia. The aim of the charity is to promote good health and relieve sickness, by providing aid, supplies and equipment to health-related organisations in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Their support meets a wide range of needs but focuses particularly on children, and those whose lives have been blighted by poverty or the aftermath of war and strife. Their support includes:

• Provision of equipment and treatment of congenital abnormalities due to toxic chemicals (mainly Agent Orange)
• Provision of medical equipment to hospitals and orphanages
• Medical and financial support for paraplegics and quadriplegics
• First aid and healthcare for orphanage children
• Provision of audiology and ear care equipment and training
• Training courses for traditional midwives
• Building wells and providing clean water systems
• Support for vulnerable, elderly and disabled people

The charity is run exclusively by volunteers. Their overheads are minimal; every possible penny goes to where it is needed. By concentrating on primary health and responding to specific requests it is surprising what even modest funding can achieve.

You can now donate to Pandora's Kharis at baring.the.aegis@gmail.com or by clicking the 'donate' button to the side. The needs are enormous and their response limited only by their bank balance, so please give generously! Thank you in advance. The deadline to donate is 29 June, 2014.

$110,- raised for Plan International

With 75% of the votes, Plan International became Thargelion 2014 cause for Pandora's Kharis last week, and this time around, $110,- was raised for the cause. That is a beautiful number, especially when you know that, for example, for about $5,-, a child can get sight treatment, meaning screening and glasses or medicine.

 

Plan is a child-centred community development organisation, and one of the oldest and largest children's development organisations in the world. They work with children, their families, communities, organisations and local governments to bring about positive change, and they are active in 50 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas to promote child rights and lift millions of children out of poverty.

When children and adults work together as part of the change process, it is more likely that programmes will be successful and sustainable. Their work is linked to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which spells out the human rights of all children, including the right to:

• survive
• develop to the fullest
• be protected from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation
• participate fully in family, cultural and social life.

Listening to what children have to say about their rights, needs and concerns is key to this approach. They encourage and help children to take an active role in finding solutions to their problems and realising their full potential.

As always, Elaion is very proud to make an announcement of the generosity of our members. Especially at a time where many people are struggling financially, we still get donations that average out around $20,-. We are very grateful to every single person who made a donation--big or small--and helps us make a difference.

As always, we encourage members who have given so generously to dedicate this gift to the Gods, especially the Kourotrophos; (mostly) female deities who watched over growing children--Gaea, Artemis, Hekate, Eirênê, Aglauros and Pandrosos, especially. A pre-made ritual can be found here, on the Elaion Facebook page.

From this moment on, the Pandora's Kharis Facebook page is open to pitches. If you do not have Facebook, feel free to pitch your cause in the comments. We will relay the message to the community.

On to another month of pitching, voting, and giving. Thank you for your generosity!

Plan International Thargelion 2014 cause

With 75% of the votes, Plan International became Thargelion 2014 cause for Pandora's Kharis! Founded over 75 years ago, Plan is one of the oldest and largest children's development organisations in the world. They work in 50 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas to promote child rights and lift millions of children out of poverty. In 2013, Plan worked with 78 million children in 90,229 communities. Plan is independent, with no religious, political or governmental affiliations.

Plan's vision is of a world in which all children realise their full potential in societies that respect people's rights and dignity. They aim to achieve lasting improvements in the quality of life of deprived children in developing countries, through a process that unites people across cultures and adds meaning and value to their lives, by:

• enabling deprived children, their families and their communities to meet their basic needs and to increase their ability to participate in and benefit from their societies
• building relationships to increase understanding and unity among peoples of different cultures and countries
• promoting the rights and interests of the world's children.

You can now donate to Pandora's Kharis at baring.the.aegis@gmail.com or by clicking the 'donate' button to the side. Please, give generously to support this wonderful cause, and thank you in advance! The deadline to donate is 30 May, 2014.

Nominees Thargelion 2014

It's going to be a hard pick this month: two very worthy causes have been entered into the race for Thargelion 2014 cause: UNICEF and Plan International. We are starting to notice we really like causes that support children around the globe, and for a religion which was founded in a society where children were of the uttermost importance, that's not really odd to us.

UNICEF
UNICEF is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized. They have the global authority to influence decision-makers, and the variety of partners at grassroots level to turn the most innovative ideas into reality.  That makes them unique among world organizations, and unique among those working with the young.

They believe that nurturing and caring for children are the cornerstones of human progress. UNICEF was created with this purpose in mind – to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path. They believe that we can, together, advance the cause of humanity.

They advocate for measures to give children the best start in life, because proper care at the youngest age forms the strongest foundation for a person’s future. They promote girls’ education – ensuring that they complete primary education as a minimum – because it benefits all children, both girls and boys. Girls who are educated grow up to become better thinkers, better citizens, and better parents to their own children. They act so that all children are immunized against common childhood diseases, and are well nourished, because it is wrong for a child to suffer or die from a preventable illness.

Plan International
Founded over 75 years ago, Plan is one of the oldest and largest children's development organisations in the world. They work in 50 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas to promote child rights and lift millions of children out of poverty. In 2013, Plan worked with 78 million children in 90,229 communities. Plan is independent, with no religious, political or governmental affiliations.

Plan's vision is of a world in which all children realise their full potential in societies that respect people's rights and dignity. They aim to achieve lasting improvements in the quality of life of deprived children in developing countries, through a process that unites people across cultures and adds meaning and value to their lives, by:

• enabling deprived children, their families and their communities to meet their basic needs and to increase their ability to participate in and benefit from their societies
• building relationships to increase understanding and unity among peoples of different cultures and countries
• promoting the rights and interests of the world's children.

As you can see, we have two very worthy causes to choose from this month. The deadline for voting is May 25th, but of course you are also free to start making your donations today.

$116,- raised for the International Mental Health Research Organization

With another successful donation run, we have raised $116,- for the International Mental Health Research Organization!

 

The organization is committed to raising awareness and funding neuropsychiatric research to find preventions and cures for severe mental illnesses, focusing on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, within a generation. 100 percent of the money that is donated to them is dedicated to research. The goal of research is to lead to cures, with a focus on schizophrenia, bipolar disorders and depression. To further this purpose, IMHRO:

• Produces, supports, and builds awareness for fundraising events to raise money for mental health research
• Directs funding to the most promising research by soliciting and selecting proposals in the area of prevention, treatment, and cure of mental disorders
• Collaborates with affiliate organizations, people, and events worldwide to raise and direct funding—and minimize duplication of scientific effort
• Works to build awareness of the scientific achievements and possibilities

The money we have donated as a giving circle today has helped aid that purpose, and Elaion could not be prouder! From this moment on, the Pandora's Kharis Facebook page is open to pitches. If you do not have Facebook, feel free to pitch your cause in the comments. We will relay the message to the community. On to another month of pitching, voting, and giving. Thank you for your generosity!

The International Mental Health Research Organization 2014 Mounukhion cause

The International Mental Health Research Organization won this round as Mounukhion 2014 cause for Pandora's Kharis, with 64 percent of the votes! The organization is committed to raising awareness and funding neuropsychiatric research to find preventions and cures for severe mental illnesses, focusing on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, within a generation. 100 percent of the money that is donated to them is dedicated to research.

 

With mental illness ranked as the number one cause of adult disability in America, affecting 1 in 5 adults, the mission of the International Mental Health Research Organization is to alleviate human suffering from mental illness by funding scientific research into causes, prevention and new treatments. The goal of research is to lead to cures, with a focus on schizophrenia, bipolar disorders and depression. To further this purpose, IMHRO:

• Produces, supports, and builds awareness for fundraising events to raise money for mental health research
• Directs funding to the most promising research by soliciting and selecting proposals in the area of prevention, treatment, and cure of mental disorders
• Collaborates with affiliate organizations, people, and events worldwide to raise and direct funding—and minimize duplication of scientific effort
• Works to build awareness of the scientific achievements and possibilities

The PayPal account is open to receiving your donations to this beautiful and worthy cause! The deadline for donations is May 1, and I thank you in advance already for them. All PayPal costs will be covered by Elaion so your full donation will be transferred to the International Mental Health Research Organization. Let's make this one count!

If you want to join the conversation, join Pandora's Kharis on Facebook.

Nominees Mounukhion 2014

It was a slow round of pitches this month, but that only means we have the choice between two very worthy and deserving causes. The nominees for Mounukhion 2014 cause are:

The International Mental Health Research Organization
The International Mental Health Research Organization (IMHRO) is committed to raising awareness and funding neuropsychiatric research to find preventions and cures for severe mental illnesses, focusing on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, within a generation. 100 percent of the money that is donated to them is dedicated to research.

The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary was founded in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE and supports projects in 27 countries worldwide. It reaches out to those in greatest need through the provision of permanent refuge and veterinary services to alleviate their suffering. Over 50 million donkeys and mules exist in the world. Many need care and protection from a life of suffering and neglect, whilst others have a vital role to play in human survival and happiness; they are at the heart of everything they do at The Donkey Sanctuary.

Do you have a favourite out of these five? Vote for your favourite in our poll. If you would like to donate to any of these, or have other causes to pitch for next month? Come join us as well! We will announce this month's winner on April 20, 2014.

$145,- raised for the Wolf Conservation Center

Elaion is proud to announce that the sixth Pandora's Kharis donation run has raised $145,- for our democratically decided upon cause, the Wolf Conservation Center. I am once more very happy to say you have all given generously, and in the spirit of the Gods.

The Wolf Conservation Center (WCC), founded in 1999 by Hélène Grimaud, is a private, not-for-profit environmental education organization located in South Salem, NY. The WCC’s mission is to promote wolf conservation by teaching about wolves, their relationship to the environment, and the human role in protecting their future. The WCC accomplishes this mission through onsite and offsite education programs emphasizing wolf biology, the ecological benefits of wolves and other large predators, and the current status of wolf recovery in the United States.

The average amount paid by the contributors was around $20,-, with donations coming in as high as $50,-. The $10,- fee taken by PayPal was covered by Elaion, of course, so every cent donated has gone to the center.

As always, I would like to ask members of Pandora's Kharis who have donated or otherwise aided in any way to dedicate their gift of money or time to the Gods, especially Apollon Lykeios, who is particularly associated with wolves.

From this moment on, the Pandora's Kharis Facebook page is open to pitches. If you do not have Facebook, feel free to pitch your cause in the comments. We will relay the message to the community.

On to another month of pitching, voting, and giving. Thank you for your generosity!

The Wolf Conservation Center Elaphebolion 2014 cause

In a (to us) surprising turn of events, the Wolf Conservation Center won this round as Elaphebolion 2014 cause for Pandora's Kharis! The Wolf Conservation Center (WCC), founded in 1999 by Hélène Grimaud, is a private, not-for-profit environmental education organization located in South Salem, NY. The WCC’s mission is to promote wolf conservation by teaching about wolves, their relationship to the environment, and the human role in protecting their future. The WCC accomplishes this mission through onsite and offsite education programs emphasizing wolf biology, the ecological benefits of wolves and other large predators, and the current status of wolf recovery in the United States. The WCC won with 53% percent of the votes (International Mental Health Research Organization - 20%, International Rescue Committee - 13%, Wounded Warrior Project 7%, Metro CareRing 7%).

The WCC also participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) and Recovery Plan for two critically endangered wolf species, the Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) and the red wolf (Canis rufus). The Mexican gray wolf and the red wolf are among the rarest mammals in North America, both species at one time were completely extinct in the wild. Presently there are approximately 400 Mexican gray wolves and 300 red wolves remaining in the world, the majority living within the network of facilities like the WCC participating in the SSP. Every one of these endangered wolves in captivity is a part of something bigger than their pack and the facilities that house them. These special canids are integral parts of the recovery of their rare species.

Many of these wolves contribute as ambassadors, living on view at a variety of zoos throughout the United States to help people learn about the importance of their wild counterparts. The WCC's two SSP exhibits offers visitors to the Center an opportunity to behold these species and their eight WildEarthTV webcams extend four wolf families to a global audience. Some of these education wolves can also contribute to the revitalization of their species more directly as participants of the SSP Wolf Captive Breeding program.

A special faction of captive wolves, however, can have the most direct impact on the conservation of their species as well as their ancestral habitat in the wilds of North America. These wolves are candidates for release into the wild. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), under the Endangered Species Act, is re-introducing Mexican gray wolves and red wolves to portions of their historic range, and two wolves from the WCC have been given this greatest opportunity - a chance to bring an ecosystem back to balance.

Looking forward, the WCC aims to become the pre-eminent facility in the Eastern United States for the captive breeding and pre-release of endangered canid species, and to continue expanding our education and outreach programs to communities far beyond the gates of their facility.

The PayPal account is open to receiving your donations to this beautiful and worthy cause! The deadline for donations is 31 March, and I thank you in advance already for them. All PayPal costs will be covered by Elaion so your full donation will be transferred to the Wolf Conservation Center. These are going to be the ones that push us past €1000,- given, and that's very exciting to us! You are all wonderful, and I want to thank you for helping make this initiative such a huge success. Lets make this one count!

If you want to join the conversation, join Pandora's Kharis on Facebook.

Nominees Elaphebolion 2014

It is our great pleasure to announce the Elaphebolion 2014 nominees for charity of the month. One of the following causes will receive this month's donations made by members of Pandora's Kharis. We would like to thank every community member who stood up to pitch their pick for a cause and as our numbers keep growing, we hope for even more causes to choose from next month.


International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home.

Wolf Conservation Center 
The Wolf Conservation Center (WCC), founded in 1999 by Hélène Grimaud, is a private, not-for-profit environmental education organization located in South Salem, NY. The WCC’s mission is to promote wolf conservation by teaching about wolves, their relationship to the environment, and the human role in protecting their future. The WCC accomplishes this mission through onsite and offsite education programs emphasizing wolf biology, the ecological benefits of wolves and other large predators, and the current status of wolf recovery in the United States.

International Mental Health Research Organization
The International Mental Health Research Organization (IMHRO) is committed to raising awareness and funding neuropsychiatric research to find preventions and cures for severe mental illnesses, focusing on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, within a generation. 100 percent of the money that is donated to them is dedicated to research.

Wounded Warrior Project
The Wounded Warrior Project aims to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, helps injured service members aid and assist each other, and provides unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.

Metro CareRing Denver
Metro CareRing operates one of Denver’s largest hunger-relief programs, including a fresh foods shopping market, teaching garden, and weekly healthy living and nutrition classes. Instead of receiving a pre-packed or standard bag of groceries, families can shop for free at the Metro CareRing Market. A self-select shopping model gives participants more control over their food choices, exposes them to new foods, and reduces waste. Volunteer Personal Shoppers help participants choose their food, respectfully presenting healthy food options, and guiding them toward preparing nutritionally balanced meals.


Do you have a favourite out of these five? Vote for your favourite in our poll. If you would like to donate to any of these, or have other causes to pitch for next month? Come join us as well! We will announce this month's winner on March 24, 2014.

$120,- raised for the National Runaway Safeline

Elaion is proud to announce that the fifth Pandora's Kharis donation run has raised $120,- for our democratically decided upon cause the National Runaway Safeline. I am once more very happy to say you have all given generously, and in the spirit of the Gods!

NRS provides education and solution-focused interventions, offers non-sectarian, non-judgmental support, respects confidentiality, collaborates with volunteers, and responds to at-risk youth and their families 24 hours a day. I'll let Maureen Blaha, executive director of the National Runaway Switchboard explain their work better:

PayPal takes its standard fees from the transactions, in this case about $8,-, which was covered by Elaion, making sure every cent of your donation went to the Switchboard. The average amount paid by the contributors was around $20,-, with donations coming in as high as $40,-.

As always, we encourage members who have given so generously to dedicate this gift to the Gods, especially the Kourotrophos; (mostly) female deities who watched over growing children--Gaea, Artemis, Hekate, Eirênê, Aglauros and Pandrosos, especially. A pre-made ritual can be found here, on the Elaion Facebook page.

From this moment on, the Pandora's Kharis Facebook page is open to pitches. If you do not have Facebook, feel free to pitch your cause in the comments. We will relay the message to the community.

On to another month of pitching, voting, and giving. Thank you for your generosity!

The National Runaway Safeline Anthesterion 2014 cause

By a huge margin, the American Non-profit organization the National Runaway Safeline has been elected as Anthesterion 2014 cause for Pandora's Kharis. NRS provides education and solution-focused interventions, offers non-sectarian, non-judgmental support, respects confidentiality, collaborates with volunteers, and responds to at-risk youth and their families 24 hours a day. Its sole competition was Adopt-A-Greek-School, an initiative which seeks to financially support struggling schools in Hellas using funds raised in the United States from individuals and other organizations. The National Runaway Safeline won with 78 percent of the votes.

Some history on the cause: Metro-Help was established in 1971 to fill a need for comprehensive crisis intervention for young people in Chicago. It was conceived as a centralized organization with free 24-hour services, expertise in all youth-related issues and as an information clearinghouse of youth services.

In 1974, the agency received an eight-month federal demonstration grant to establish a national hotline. During this time, 11,000 calls were received demonstrating the need for this type of service. Beginning as the National Runaway Switchboard, and now as National Runaway Safeline, NRS’ capabilities and services have grown considerably. The 1-800-RUNAWAY hotline now handles more than 100,000 calls each year. NRS’ 1-800-RUNAWAY crisis hotline is available 24-hours a day throughout the United States and its territories, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.

The Pandora's Kharis PayPal account is once more open to receive donations, and can be accessed in the right hand sidebar. The deadline to donate is March 3, 2014. All PayPal costs will be covered by Elaion so your full donation will be transferred to the National Runaway Safeline. Thank you in advance for your donation, for spreading the word, and/or aiding the cause in any other way.

If you want to join the conversation, join Pandora's Kharis on Facebook.

An update on the Gamelion 2014 winner Desmos

Last month, Greek Non-profit Foundation Desmos was elected as Gamelion 2014 cause for Pandora's Kharis. Unfortunately, it turned out that transfering funds to this cause is a banking nightmare unless you are in Hellas itself. We have been wrestling with banking systems to get the $146,- that was raised transferred and we are hoping to get confirmation of the transfer any day now.

Thank you for your patience and your more than generous donations!

Desmos Gamelion 2014 cause

By a large margin, Greek Non-profit Foundation Desmos has been elected as Gamelion 2014 cause for Pandora's Kharis. Desmos was established by a team of young, dynamic individuals sharing a common vision to responsibly and effectively address the imminent social and humanitarian crisis in Greece through collaboration and the involvement of the private sector. Desmos utilizes surplus products and services to meet the basic needs of vulnerable groups and individuals. With one phonecall or an email to Desmos, you can communicate your offer or your need, and enter into a dynamic network. Desmos won with 71 percent of the votes.

• Desmos: 71%
• Chicago Coalition For The Homeless: 12%
• International Rescue Committee: 0%
• Educate Girls Globally: 17%

The Pandora's Kharis PayPal account is once more open to receive donations, and can be accessed in the right hand sidebar. The deadline to donate is February 1, 2014. All PayPal costs will be covered by Elaion so your full donation will be transferred to Desmos. Thank you in advance for your donation, for spreading the word, and/or aiding the cause in any other way.

If you want to join the conversation, join Pandora's Kharis on Facebook.

Nominees Gamelion 2014

It is our great pleasure to announce the Gamelion 2014 nominees for charity of the month. One of the following causes will receive this month's donations made by members of Pandora's Kharis. We would like to thank every community member who stood up to pitch their pick for a cause and as our numbers keep growing, we hope for even more causes to choose from next month.


Desmos
Desmos is a Greek Non-profit Foundation that was established by a team of young, dynamic individuals sharing a common vision to responsibly and effectively address the imminent social and humanitarian crisis through collaboration and the involvement of the private sector. Desmos utilizes surplus products and services to meet the basic needs of vulnerable groups and individuals. With one phonecall or an email to Desmos, you can communicate your offer or your need, and enter into a dynamic network!

"I wondered about the situation in Greece which is so bad and want to help..."

Chicago Coalition For The Homeless
Since 1980, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) has followed a clear mission: to organize and advocate to prevent and end homelessness, because they believe housing is a human right in a just society. They are the only non-profit in Illinois dedicated to advocating for public policies that curb and can ultimately end homelessness. The organization leads strategic campaigns, community outreach, and public policy initiatives that target the lack of affordable housing in metropolitan Chicago and across Illinois. In addition, CCH presses for access to jobs, training, and public schools. Community organizers, policy specialists, and public interest attorneys advocate with people hurt by homelessness, including mothers with children, unaccompanied youth, ex-offenders, prostitution survivors, and low-wage workers.

" It being so cold here in the states, I think it's important to support efforts to aid the homeless. I'd like to pitch support to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. They are a top-rated non-profit and have 4 stars (highest rating) from Charity Navigator."

International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home.

" They're well-established (81 years this year) and use >90% of funds for the people they serve. They focus on some of the biggest humanitarian crises around the world, particularly refugee resettlement."

Educate Girls Globally
Educate Girls Globally exists to provide opportunities for women and girls to achieve their full potential, recognizing that educated women are the world’s most powerful agents of social change. As a result of their education, the world becomes a safer, healthier, and more just place.

" I have come to believe that one of the root causes for MANY of the problems in the world is the oppression of women. Knowledge is power, so I would like to see our donations go to Educate Girls Globally, which focuses on bringing basic education to girls in places where it's not at all common to do so."

Do you have a favourite out of these four? Vote for your favourite in our poll. If you would like to donate to any of these, or have other causes to pitch for next month? Come join us as well! We will announce this month's winner on January 22, 2014.

$186,- raised for the Coats For Kids Foundation

 

Elaion is proud to announce that the third Pandora's Kharis donation run has raised $186,- for our democratically decided upon cause Coats For Kids Foundation. Once more, it is an astounding amount for a small but ever-expanding giving circle, and we are so proud of the generous spirit of the Hellenistic community.

PayPal takes its standard fees from the transactions--in this case about $10,-, which was covered by Elaion, making sure every cent of your donation went to the Foundation to buy coats for kids who are struggling in this winter weather. The average amount paid by the contributors was around $15,-, with donations coming in as high as $30,-.

Giving a child a new coat positively impacts that child’s self-esteem and self-worth. Coats For Kids believes that the impact on kids that receive coats from CFK is dramatic, as evidenced by heads held high, smiles, and fewer missed days of school because of illness. Most kids that receive a coat from CFK either have never had a winter coat or, at best, have had a hand-me-down from a parent, sibling, or clothing box.



On average, a new coat costs the Foundation fifteen dollars, meaning that together, we have been able to provide good, sturdy, warm coats to twelve kids who are in desperate need of them this winter.

As always, we encourage members who have given so generously to dedicate this gift to the Gods, especially the Kourotrophos; (mostly) female deities who watched over growing children--Gaea, Artemis, Hekate, Eirênê, Aglauros and Pandrosos, especially. A pre-made ritual can be found here, on the Elaion Facebook page.

From this moment on, the Pandora's Kharis Facebook page is open to pitches. If you do not have Facebook, feel free to pitch your cause in the comments. We will relay the message to the community.

On to another month of pitching, voting, and giving. Thank you for your generosity!