It is our great pleasure to announce the Pyanepsion 2013 nominees for charity of the month. One of the following causes will recieve the very first donation 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.
The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and in 22 U.S. cities, the IRC restores safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.
"They're well-established (80 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."
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare. MSF offers assistance to people based on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.
"They have a good rating with >85% of funds going towards program services and provide needed medical care in troubled areas."
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 two paid staff members.
"[H]aving a Pagan news resource is a valuable thing that we should not take for granted. While it is not a charity per se (the money will be used to pay for writers and server costs, mostly), it would be good [...] a good way to mend some bridges between Pagan and Polytheist camps."
The Hellenic Education and Language Program (H.E.L.P.)
The Hellenic Education and Language Program (H.E.L.P.) is a not-for-profit, community based initiative based in Astoria, NY. It's programs are open to all and none are rejected based on their financial situation. It's purpose is to provide an in-depth Hellenic education in all subjects of learning, from Hellenic history, language (both modern and ancient), mythology, and music. The school's philosophy is firmly embedded in the pre-Christian Hellenic traditions. HELP educates its students through classical instructional methodology, providing a comprehensive curriculum with a pleasant learning environment, and always faithful to Plato's saying " Do not train children to learn by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each". The do not currently have a website.
"HELP is the first and only school founded and ran by Ethnikoi in the United States."
Do you have a favorite out of these four? Vote for your favorite 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 the 29th of October.
