The ‘behind the scenes’ story of my current success as the Founder and President of Certified Staging Professionals® shares some of the difficulties and challenges that unfortunately plague many people – being a single mum, having to create financial security in creative ways, trying careers that just didn’t work out in the long run. It wasn’t easy. But it was worth it.
Because now I’m now in the position of being able to give back by giving forward… to Habitat for Humanity, Women to Women International, One Drop Foundation and Marketers for Good.
Each of these not-for-profit organizations was chosen because of not only their commitment to their respective causes but how they relate to my life experience.
Habitat for Humanity is obvious – CSP®s are staging homes globally every day. To make a difference in local communities is awe-inspiring.
Women to Women International reflects my journey of self-empowerment through community… to empower other women around the world to live their dreams makes my heart sing.
KIVA for much the same reason; helping people build their own financial freedom by teaching them how and because KIVA make it so easy for everyone to help
One Drop Foundation is inspired change in the world, saving the lives of children who are dying without adequate drinking water. The children are our future and, as a mother, I am committed to saving them.
Marketers for Good represents the new way that marketing and business minds can create powerful change for good in the world. And I’m honored to be a part of that by donating all profits from my books.
To see Christine’s bio, click here.
To learn more about the Charities of Choice for CSP®, keep reading… and consider being part of the change yourself.
Name of Organization: Habitat For Humanity
Campaign: 2007
Campaign: 2008-2009
Campaign: 20010-2011
Description:
Habitat for Humanity has helped hundreds of families move into their dream home, years before Ty and the gang came onto the scene.
Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 in Americus Georgia. The program developed from the concept of “partnership housing” where those in need of adequate shelter work side by side with volunteers from all walks of life.
In 1984 Habitat’s most famous volunteer, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, along with his wife, Rosalyn, participated in their first Habitat build project. Their involvement in Habitat brought increased visibility and international recognition to the program.
Habitat for Humanity now spans the globe with 90 offices worldwide and has placed over 225,000 families into safe new homes. With emphasis on the environment Habitat for Humanity has adopted Energy Star and Solar power concepts.
CSP Goal:Spread awareness, raise money and encourage members to make a difference everyday within their own staging businesses.
Why did CSP Choose to Pay it Forward to CSPs are in peoples homes everyday. During the process of everyday work, they have opportunities to help Habitat through educating homesellers and buyers of what Habitat does to make a difference. By giving and buying from restores during staging projects and pledging through the CSP Habitat program CSP Members can connect and make a difference within thier own local community.
How can you help? Donate, volunteer your time and talents, be an advocate!
Name of Organization: Women to Women International
Campaign: 20010-2011
Description:
Women for Women International provides women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency, thereby promoting viable civil societies. They are changing the world one woman at a time.
CSP Goal: Along with sponsoring ….. and helping her to….., CSP’s goal is to educate and encourage others to help other women around the world to impower themselves.
Why did CSP Choose to Pay it Forward? CSP itself is the dream of one women, and everyday the CSP International™ Academy is an education provider for people following their own passion’s in the home staging industry. “Greater economic and educational opportunity for a woman means her daughters are more likely to go to school, her babies are more likely to survive infancy, and her family is more likely to eat nutritious meals” Womenforwomen.org
How can you help? Volunteer, shop online, run for Conga Women, and most important sponsor a women today!
Name of Organization: One Drop Foundation
Campaign: 20010-2011
Description:
ONE DROP™ believes that water access is an fundamental right. The interdependence of nature and humans means water issues are everyone’s issue. Without water, there is no life on Earth. Water sustains our daily lives, however its distribution and accessibility is not equal around the world. It is therefore our responsibility as human beings to ensure that water is made accessible to everyone, in sufficient quantity and quality, today and tomorrow.
How ONE DROP works One Drop’s capacity to back local partners around the world is measured by the invaluable drops of support from people like you who have chosen to mobilize. ONE DROP-inspired by the creativity of Cirque du Soleil and its longstanding commitment to community involvement-uses circus, visual and multimedia arts along with folklore, popular theatre, music and dance to encourage change in communities.
In addition to raising awareness of water-related issues by entertaining and educating, ONE DROP works side by side with local partners to improve living conditions of disadvantaged communities through access and responsible use of natural resources, especially water.
ONE DROP™focuses its efforts on two spectrums:
1.Developing countries facing urgent water access problems;
2.Developed countries that have the means to share the wealth, where per-capita water consumption is very high.
CSP Goal:To educate and donate as often as they can…
Why did CSP Choose to Pay it Forward? “Every eight seconds, a child dies for lack of drinking water. Isn’t that sufficient reason to take action?” asks Guy Laliberte of One Drop…CSP Agreed!
How can you help? Donate, volunteer, be an advocate!
The Crew of the CSP® April 22nd Toronto Build
Name of Organization: MarketersForGood.org
Founded: July, 2011
Description:
Drawing upon the expertise of the top international marketing minds of our time, Marketers For Good (MFG) is a not for profit organization dedicated to creating unique launch campaigns to raise money and awareness for charitable causes. Utilizing cutting edge marketing strategies, MFG brings together top marketing and business minds in order to encourage and lift up those in need.
The culmination of a brainstorm between Nick Nanton, The Celebrity Lawyer, and public relations expert Bill Harrison, Marketers For Good began with a simple question about how the two could tap their networks in order to help others and give back. Drawing upon their vast network of marketing experts, the two set out, along with a few friends, to create viral campaigns that raise awareness and money for great causes.
Marketers For Good is constantly seeking new supporters who are interested in giving back and using their ability to raise money for important causes.
For More Information visit http://www.marketersforgood.org
Name of Organization: Kiva Loans
Description:
Kiva is a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world.
Why we do what we do
We envision a world where all people – even in the most remote areas of the globe – hold the power to create opportunity for themselves and others.
We believe providing safe, affordable access to capital to those in need helps people create better lives for themselves and their families.
How we do it
Making a loan on Kiva is so simple that you may not realize how much work goes on behind the scenes.
Kiva works with microfinance institutions on five continents to provide loans to people without access to traditional banking systems. One hundred percent of your loan is sent to these microfinance institutions, which we call Field Partners, who administer the loans in the field.
Kiva relies on a world wide network of over 450 volunteers who work with our Field Partners, edit and translate borrower stories, and ensure the smooth operation of countless other Kiva programs.
Learn more about how Kiva works.
How KIVA is funded
100% of every dollar you lend on Kiva goes directly towards funding loans; Kiva does not take a cut. Furthermore, Kiva does not charge interest to our Field Partners, who administer the loans.
Kiva is primarily funded through the support of lenders making optional donations. We also raise funds through grants, corporate sponsors, and foundations.
We are incredibly thankful for the support that has enabled us to do the work that has touched the lives of so many people.
Learn more about our partnerships or make a donation.
