Celebrating Real <3 2010 #realheart

Sweetest Day. Valentine’s Day. Both celebrate the love we have for significant others, friends and family.

I am declaring an unofficial “Real <3 Year.” It’s simply an extension of the kindness and love shown during the remaining 363 days. Real <3 Year celebrates and shows online support for those who dedicate their hearts to outstanding and humbling acts of kindness which benefit others.

I thought I’d begin by showcasing three people who are doing good all year round. These are the men and women whose actions make a difference to others, daily. They won’t be the last to be recognized here or elsewhere online.

Take a moment to read their stories and if you’re so inclined, donate to their cause or reach out to them via their Web site.

How can you participate in Real <3 Year?

• Share stories and experiences of others you know everyday, all year long online with the hashtag: #realheart.
• Write a own blog post about someone who inspires you or has done something you think lives the Real <3 mission. Share it oneline and tag it with #realheart
• Email me (prsarahevans@gmail.com) with a feel good story you think I should share. I’ll continue highlighting others during the year.
• Find a way to share a story with a larger audience. See if there’s a fit on CNN iReport (or another citizen journalism site), pitch to nonprofit and charity-minded journalists and bloggers.
• Suggest other ways for people to participate…

Paula Amenta, Dundee, Illinois
Web site: http://www.youtube.com/user/hopeonboardzambia
During her trip to Family Legacy Missions’ Camp LIFE, Paula Amenta was deeply touched by the circumstances of the children she met –– all of whom live in severe poverty. Her experience inspired her to start Hope on Board, a program to raise money for the purchase of bus(es) for Family Legacy Missions. Hope on Board is a grassroots fundraising effort to purchase a bus for Family Legacy Missions, an organization that provides spiritual support, shelter and food to orphans in Zambia, Africa. Paula’s goal is to raise $25,000 and she’s not too far off. Paula is also my former boss and is one of the most passionate people I’ve ever met. To model a life of “real <3″ I’m donating $800 to Paula’s cause. I hope you’ll join me!

Brad Blauser, Bozeman, MT
Web site: http://www.wheelchairsforiraqikids.com
In August of 2005, Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids was developed by Blauser to meet the needs of children with disabilities in Northern Iraq at the request of LTC David Brown. Brown and his soldiers witnessed many children who pulled themselves along the ground because of birth defects like Cerebral Palsy and Spina Bifida. Since taking on this cause Blauser’s efforts have led to more than 600 high quality pediatric wheelchairs delivered to these children by soldiers serving in Iraq. He was also selected by CNN as one of their “Heroes of the Year.” Supporters can provide a $3500 wheelchair for only $350 (the cost of raw materials/parts), with free shipping to Iraq thanks to USAID and the Denton Program.

Georgina Miranda,
Web site: http://georginamiranda.blogspot.com
Georgina Miranda was reading Glamour Magazine at a hair salon and came across a story about the plight of women in Uganda and the Congo. She was so moved by the article she decided to take action. Her idea? Climb the seven highest peaks in the world to raise money and awareness for their cause. Miranda decided to join Climb Take Action 7 Summit Challenge to help complete her mission. Not an experienced climber at the time, she has since climbed three of the peaks, including Aconcagua in South America (22,836 ft).  You can support the Climb Take Action initiative, here.