Last Monday night we were privileged to meet the team behind the book Lost City of the Monkey God and the soon-to-be released documentary The Curse of the Monkey God, both chronicling the astounding discovery of the mythical Honduran ’“Ciudad Blanca” (White City).” The film’s director, producers and ASR friends Bill and Laurie Benenson hosted the event at their home. Steve Elkins, the environmentalist and filmmaker who was the driving force behind the journey, spoke of the twists and turns of his 20 year-plus obsession while he and Bill Benenson detailed the use of LIDAR (radar using laser technology) which enabled them to find the…
Haiti Update
For decades Haiti has ranked among the poorest countries in the world. Now, according to the 2017 United Nations’ World Happiness Report, it’s also one of the unhappiest, joining the bottom ten most chronically depressed nations (Syria, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Togo, Guinea, Liberia, Yemen and Tanzania). Fortunately, our participants haven’t gotten the memo. Our programs are brimming with energy and hope for the future. Last September 2016 we began installing computer labs and reading libraries at two of our locations while also commencing with instruction in computers, English and French. It’s our experience that high school…
The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew
Hurricane Matthew and Our Community Dear Friends – In the aftermath of disastrous reports of 2010 earthquake charitable spending, we know many are apprehensive to contribute to nonprofits working in Haiti. At Aid Still Required, we know exactly where contributions are going and who they benefit. We know first-hand the world of difference your caring and compassion make. As Hunter and I were in Haiti when Hurricane Matthew made landfall and as one of ASR’s communities was directly in Matthew’s path, we’ve spent the last couple of weeks in emergency mode, working on how to address the on-the-ground situation. I…
In support of Mary Pat Christie and the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund
Mary Pat Christie, wife of New Jersey governor Chris Christie, put her job on hold when she started the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund. Since that time, the Fund has collected over $32 million which will be used to support long-term recovery rather than short-term relief. The Fund has been careful about having a proper vetting process in order to ensure that money is used wisely, effectively and efficiently. But, as a result of this prudent approach to recovery, Christie is being lambasted for not doling out the funds more quickly. We support Ms. Christie’s approach and encourage other…
Another Way to Celebrate Valentines Day
Today, we celebrate love. Not love of money or sports or country, but love of each other. Throughout the world, many organizations are also focusing specifically on love of women. Part of love is protection against danger and in a world where women are often at risk of domestic abuse, we also see Valentines Day as an opportunity to think about working to end violence against women. V-Day, as it has come to be called, is meant to be a catalyst for increased awareness of the issues around violence against women and a call to action wherein communities rally around…
Creative Approaches: Pop Up Libraries
From the Daily Good comes an article on a new kind of urban library. Pop Up Libraries are meant to utilize public space, provide access to books, and encourage people to read at times and in places they may not have read before. As you may have noticed, pay phones are becoming obsolete and even when pay phones exist, they rarely work! Yet many times, the booth itself is still there taking up valuable public space in downtown areas. Architect John Locke from the Department of Urban Betterment has risen to the challenge of utilizing these spots. Locke thought that…
Holidays Shopping for a Cause!
Everyone here at Aid Still Required is incredibly grateful for our wonderful Business Angels. This holiday season, please consider purchasing some of your gifts from these Aid Still Required supporters. Some of these businesses, including Lova Tea and Lakewood Candle Company, have designed specialty products to support ASR’s work in New Orlean while others are donating a percentage of all business from ASR supporters. Please visit our Business Angels page at http://www.aidstillrequired.org/business-angels for more information! Lova first developed The Big Teasy in preparation for our Big Easy Juke Joint (organized with the incredible commitment of Lova founder Stephanie Cence). The Big…
ASR hits 3,000 followers on Facebook!
Aid Still Required just reached 3,000 followers on Facebook–here’s to getting 10,000 before the end of the year! Can you help us get there by forwarding our Facebook page to all of your friends and family and consider adding our link to the signature of your e-mail? We need an army of ASR Angels out there spreading the word about what we do! Getting the word out about the real need that faces people who have experienced environmental disasters and human crises is half the battle and our Facebook and Twitter followers help us make that happen. With 3,000 (now…
Jason Mraz Donates Tickets to Hollywood Bowl + Meet and Greet w/ Jason for Big Easy Juke Joint!
Thanks to Jason Mraz for joining with dozens of other celebrities to support the work that Aid Still Required is doing around the world. Today, Jason donated tickets to his upcoming concert at the Hollywood Bowl as well as a chance to meet up with Jason. The tickets & meet and greet will be auctioned off with other great items at The Big Easy Juke Joint on Aug 22 at Bugatta in Los Angeles to support Aid Still Required’s work in New Orleans. Please go to www.AidStillRequired.org/thebig easy for tickets and pass along the link to friends and family! Hailed…
Returning from the Viva World Cup
Last week, Hunter and Andrea returned from Kurdistan Iraq after cheering on Darfur United in the Viva World Cup. It is hard to imagine getting on a plane to fly out of the country for the first time, staying in a hotel, walking through a buffet line for your meals, playing in uniforms with cleats and on grass ALL for the first time and being able to, at the same time, feel the pride of representing all of your family, friends and fellow refugees a half a world away. I can not wrap my mind around it and yet this…
Mount Hebron Congregation invites ASR and Sister Marjorie Shelvy for Thanksgiving Service Program
Founders Andrea and Hunter spoke at Mt. Hebron’s annual Thanksgiving Sunday Service to give the congregation an update on ASR activities, in particular the recent Haiti trip (link to Haiti page). Over three years ago, during the 2008 Darfur campaign, Mt. Hebron Congregation in South Central Los Angeles found Aid Still Required online and contacted us about being part of their service program. The congregation believes strongly in the importance of providing service both at home and abroad. We were so honored that the congregation selected Aid Still Required to be the recipient of its international service grants. As one…