Thursday, April 12th, 2012
Protect your eyes while restoring the eyesight of others? That’s genius in our books. SOLO Eyewear have just unleashed a new line of unique bamboo sunglasses, where every purchase of their stylish specs will help those in need to see again through either prescription eyeglasses or eye surgery. With 80% of the world’s blindness being preventable, this is a smart and easy way to be part of the solution. (more…)
Wednesday, March 7th, 2012
Ever wanted to save a tiger? How about go cruising in the Caribbean? And what about solving a murder? Why not be super efficient and do all three in the one afternoon – and maybe meet the man or woman of your dreams at the same time! The Honey Bar in South Melbourne is hosting a murder mystery afternoon for singles on March 18th to raise funds for TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network. The ‘murder’ takes place on a Caribbean cruise, and it’s the perfect excuse to dress as a sailor, stowaway, crew member, swimming instructor, Rastafarian, Hawaiian, beachgoer or high society passenger. There will be free coconuts from The Green Coconut to get you into the cruisey spirit of the afternoon, plus other prizes up for grabs. Put the word out to your single friends (don’t forget your single male friends! Men tend to be shy about this kind of thing, but we know they’ll have fun once they get there!) and check here for tickets and more information. It may be a night for tigers, but cougars are more than welcome. Image © Roger Hooper / WWF-Canon
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012
Sustainable Table has the runs. And no, it wasn’t a veggie curry gone bad. The organisation is hosting a program of charity marathon events this year in an effort to raise money for their Kenyan Compost Toilet project. Why? Well, heartbreakingly, lack of sanitation is still the single largest cause of illness in the world, claiming the lives of some 4,900 children every day. Compost toilets can do wonders in turning this statistic around – and at the same time, also turn human waste into nutrient-rich organic fertiliser so communities can grow their own food naturally. It’s a win-win. To get involved, sign up to participate in either the Great Ocean Road Run (May 19-20) or Run Melbourne (July 15), or sponsor someone doing the legwork for you. Distances are flexible to accommodate all fitness levels and Sustainable Table ethical hampers are on offer if you need incentive to get your friends involved too. So, in the words Sustainable Table themselves, sign up, shoes on, and let’s all look forward to getting the runs together.
Thursday, February 16th, 2012
As a child, I fondly remember being taught to finish my peas and carrots. “While you just want to skip to the chocolate pudding,” my parents told me, “there are children in Africa who don’t get to eat all day.” But now, if we want to use the powers of eating for good, it seems the aim of the game is not to finish our plates. In fact, it’s not to start with a full plate at all. Halfsies, launching soon in Texas and New York City, partners with local restaurants to offer a very different dining experience. A special selection of menu items will undergo the Halfsies treatment – the customer still pays full price, but only receive a half portion of the original meal. 90% of the money saved on superfluous food production (did you know that around half of the food produced in the US is thrown away?) will be donated to hunger-busting and nutrition-improving initiatives globally, including feeding orphans at the Baby Watoto home for abandoned children in Uganda. Who knew half as much food could be twice as satisfying?
Thursday, January 12th, 2012
A souvenir t-shirt can be a great way to commemorate a special time in your life. There are certain things I would rather not remember, however – like in 1998 when I was a huge Hanson fan, or 2006 when I drank Dr Pepper constantly (my teeth are still suffering). Truth is, I have vacu-packs full of tees that, despite their sentimental value, I really wouldn’t object to parting with. Luckily then, Brisbane’s Stitchery Collective have just launched a T-Shirt Drive to put all our unwanted tees to much better use. Travelling to Venice to represent Australia at the Third Annual International Kids Festival, old shirts will be used in children’s upcycling workshops to create winter woolies like scarves, beanies and ponchos. Donations can be any size, colour or material, plain or printed, collared or v-neck – any shirt is a good shirt! Deliver or post your contribution by January 31st to their studio at 1/57 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, or visit The Stitchery website for more details. (And while you’re there, why not check out their awesome range of workshops, classes and events – including the new Life Drawing with Clothes On?). {Image from here}.
Thursday, January 5th, 2012
Australian clothing label SOSUME have paired with The Black Dog Institute to raise funds and promote awareness of depression by selling an exclusive designer charity tee. The Black Dog Tee is made from their signature micro modal jersey, which is super soft, sustainable and hard-wearing. All profits will go towards the institute, and SOSUME hope to raise over $10,000. To get behind it and nab a rockin’ tee, purchase them online via their website.
Sunday, December 18th, 2011
There is always someone who is impossible to buy for. Oxfam Unwrapped has one solution – buy them a pile of poo. Or maybe a buffalo, some fruit trees, a canoe or even a rice bank; there is something for every price range, and the best part is: your donation goes to those in need, you have Christmas gifts covered, and both you and your recipient feel filled with good karma. It’s a win-win situation. Both World Vision and WSPA also run similar programs this time of year, so think beyond the socks and jocks and give a gift that keeps on giving…
Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
Did someone say those three magic words: pre-loved, designer and charity? Because these five handmade necklaces made from recycled materials and being auctioned off for the Vinnies ‘Think Outside The Jewellery Box’ promotion tick all the right boxes. College of Fine Arts student Sophia Davison has created an impressive collection to highlight the beauty found in pre-loved jewellery. The range is 95% recycled and uses materials from Vinnies such as broken chains, brooches, jewels, beads and even an ornamental plate. Pieces are being auctioned off on eBay to raise money for the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, closing on December 19th. Perfect for your New Years Eve party outfit…
Friday, December 2nd, 2011
Carpets for Communities‘ fundraising event, Spinning Dreams, kicks-off this Friday. A documentary film which follows nine young cyclists as they travel across Indo-China to raise awareness for sustainable livelihood and development will be screened in seven cities around Australia and South East Asia between the 9th and 11th of December. You can head to the Carpets for Communities website to find out more about this campaign and buy a ticket for your local film night.
Friday, October 21st, 2011
Each year a number of brands support National Breast Cancer Month by donating a percentage of their sales, but before you put your money where you heart is, just make sure that the products themselves are safe for your health, and the environment. Donating directly is one way to ensure your money is going to such an important cause, without supporting any unnecessary nasties. Or try and support companies with green credentials and natural products. Our pink picks? Members of BrisStyle have teamed up with Chicks In Pink and are donating a percentage of their profits on a selection of pink hand-made wares sold online to raise money for the cause. On top of the online shopping fundraiser, the BrisStyle Markets will be joining Chicks In Pink on Sunday the 23rd October rd at Eagle Farm Racecourse for their very pink breakfast, brunch and fashion parade. Go along and support the charity organisation helping those affected by breast cancer at Brisbane’s Mater Hospital. Another favourite is Nature’s Baby Organics, natural and organic skincare for bubs and mums, who donate to breast cancer charities year round.
