Over the past few months, North Adams Seva has generated not only thousands of dollars for charity, but more importantly, helped to transform lives.
Seva Project Results
Palestinian Cooking
When you see need, what do you do? You help, and I know that because this one night event raised $2,245!
Mahmoud and his sister Aya welcomed us into their homes (virtually) and Farah at Bondhu to hers for a night of connection, exploration, and good food. I am so glad to have been able to share the evening with you.
Every time we set out for a fundraiser we worry that our pool will be tapped out, that we've finally asked too much. Yet every time we are proven wrong. It is a good reminder that people want to do good; all you have to do is give them an opportunity to do so.
Thanks to everyone who joined or donated. You helped 9 Palestinian refugees with personal expenses, allowed them space to share their passion about their cultural food, and showed them that we care.
Metta Bhavana
"Whatever beings there are — weak or strong, long or short, big, medium-sized or small, subtle or gross, Those visible or invisible, residing near or far, those that have come to be or have yet to come, (without exceptions) may all beings be joyful." - The Buddha on the Metta Sutra
Our small discussion and practice of Metta Bhavana, the cultivation of loving kindness last week raised $255 for No Paws Left Behind. We considered how we, as a room full of animal lovers, could apply such kindness to all sentient beings. As Llama Surya Das wrote, "We need to live in a way that expresses our belief that loving-kindness matters". Thank you showing such compassion for the shelter animals.
If you are looking to adopt a forever pet or would like to support their wish-list, check out No Paws Left Behind!
'Give a Damn' Shirts
With open hands and open hearts we dare to give a damn. With pride we will wear Mahmoud's new interpretation of our logo and remind others it's okay to feel, to empathize. This project raised $401 for Denizens Society which supports Gazan refugees in Cairo. The nonprofit supplies cash aid for things like medical bills and rent, in addition to goods like groceries, fans, and furnishings for unfurnished apartment.
Current Projects
Every Day is Earth Day
The Earth is our home. We are stewards of this land and intimately connected to the the systems around us. Want to help care for the earth, protect the homes of animals, honor the trees that offer life-giving oxygen? Here are two QUICK Seva projects.
Plant Milkweed
Monarch butterflies have officially been listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and are now on the brink of extinction.
Milkweed plants are the only source of food for the monarch caterpillar. But these plants are rapidly disappearing, due to the loss of habitat stemming from land development and the widespread spraying of weed killer on the fields where they live.Â
What can you do? Plant milkweed! FREE packets will be on the desk. Grab one (or a few if you have lots of land to devote) to plant this fall. Follow the directions carefully and keep us updated as they emerge next year!
Stop Logging in North Adams
We just heard about a proposed plan to log around the Notch Road reservoir in North Adams. As it is now it is peaceful, important part of our ecosystem. Bear, deer, geese, beavers, insects, owls, migratory birds, opossums, and more friendly and deserving wildlife rely in the are for shelter and water, especially in historically hot summer months.
If this project moves forward as proposed it will be turned into a muddy field bisected by logging roads and skid trails and will never fully heal from this degradation.
It is proposed to be used as a "logging demonstration" forest, meaning logging will continue. This can lead to soil erosion (already a problem on Notch Road), increased ATV and snowmobile traffic which disrupts wildlife, and could affect North Adams' only drinking water supply.
A Call to Action: Your Support Matters
As we reflect on the incredible impact of our summer fundraisers and anticipate the transformative potential of upcoming projects, we invite you to join us in this practice of compassion. Your support, no matter how big or small, has the power to create ripple effects of goodness within our community and beyond.
We can't all do it all, but we can all do something. Thank you for being a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change.
Together, we are limitless.
Comments