Or Drop Your Donations in our collection box@ the Morris Plains Library
77 Glenbrook Rd Morris Plains, NJ 07950
www.therkmfoundation.org
www.twitter.com/rkmfoundation
www.facebook.com/rkmfoundation
The RKM Foundation helps underprivileged schoolchildren in rural Jamaica to spark their imagination with the help of donated toys, books, and school supplies, and by starting reading initiatives and school libraries.
The RKM Foundation
Thank you!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
18 days left !!!!!!
Family, we only have 18 DAYS to go before the end of our 2nd ANNUAL TOY & BOOK DRIVE!!!!! We are still collecting, you can schedule a pick up.... email us @ rkmfoundation1@gmail.com
Or Drop Your Donations in our collection box@ the Morris Plains Library
77 Glenbrook Rd Morris Plains, NJ 07950
www.therkmfoundation.org
www.twitter.com/rkmfoundation
www.facebook.com/rkmfoundation
Or Drop Your Donations in our collection box@ the Morris Plains Library
77 Glenbrook Rd Morris Plains, NJ 07950
www.therkmfoundation.org
www.twitter.com/rkmfoundation
www.facebook.com/rkmfoundation
Good Vibrations of happy Childhood Memories !!!
"Childhood is supposed to be happy, and if you can't remember yours with any happiness, what hope have you later, when life starts handing you fresh grief?"
AMITY GAIGE.
This Thursday TBT ( Throw Back Thursday) on twitter was all about good vibrations. We wanted to take the time to reflect on adults who were kind to us as children or extend themselves to show us warmth. These small acts of kinds left such an impressionable mark at a time when it is most crucial, during our childhood.
Numerous stories where shared from a variety of individuals, what became evident throughout these stories was how these individuals were impacted by those small gestures. It made us realize how imperative it is to do an act of kindness for someone, but even more importantly, for children.
The participants sharing these stories ranged in ages from 72-25 years. These acts of kindness were done during their childhood and yet they were able to recall the events with such fondness and still smile at the memory as if it was happening in the presences of the discussion.
This is what happens when you impact a childs life in a small way with kindness.... the memory lives within them nourished by time and held scared in their hearts. It is never forgotten even after the innoncence is replaced with the realities of adult hood.
V. McIntosh - Reminisced about Mr.Hunter who drove the Hostess cake truck and would give all the kids hostess cakes whenever he came to the local district to deliver Wonder bread to the local shops.
C.Allen - Reminisced about Mr.Legdgister the local tailor who taught her the benefits of reading and language.
M.Mullings- Reminisced about Mrs. Scott who always gave the kids their own slice of bread pudding after church.
It is imperative for us to understand how momentous our impact is on the lives of the little ones around us. It is not just our own children that we impact or influence, it is any and every child you come in contact with. LEAVE A POSITIVE MARK, YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU ARE MAKING A TREASURED MEMORY!!!!
"The brightest light, the light of Italy, the purest sky of Scandinavia in the month of June is only a half-light when one compares it to the light of childhood. Even the nights were blue."
EUGENE IONESCO
Much Love & Walk Good!!
www.twitter.com/rkmfoundation
www.facebook.com/rkmfoundation
Winter Wonderland!!!!
Happy Saturday Family!!!!
If you are in the Boston or the Tri-state area then you woke up to a blanket of snow. As much as 34" in some places.
We hope that you have already shovelled your side walks and drive ways and now you are out doors with the kids having the second round of a snowball fight!!!! Hot Chocolate anyone:-))))
The snow has grown on us ( the island girls), there is something about it that makes us happy!!!!
We can assure you its not the digging or the frigid temps that are also a part of the package. We think its how excited the children get to see the white stuff. They eat it, throw it, build with it ,lay, roll,fall and slide on it:-))) The little ones let us yearn for the innocence of youth. Truth be told ... We don't yearn, we just jump right into the fun.....SNOW BALL FIGHT!!!!!
Family, enjoy the wintery wonderland and after you have done all the adult chores....join the little ones on the sled or build them a snow fort!!!!
Much love & Walk good!!!!
Saturday, February 2, 2013
"Fill-A-Bagpack, Fill-A-Need Project"
Family its Saturday and we have great news!!!!
The RKMFoundation,Inc. is working together with Professional Jamaicans for Jamaica.Inc. on the "Fill-A-Bagpack,Fill-A-Need Project."
Professional Jamaicans for Jamaica, Inc., a 501 (C)(3) Tax Exempt Organization, has made great strides in the educational development of our children in Jamaica with its Annual Back-to-School Drive.
Our Annual Back-to-School Drive, “Fill-A-Backpack; Fill-A-Need Project” for 2013, seeks your help in making an impact in the educational development of the most vulnerable members of our communities in Jamaica; our children.
The Project is a charity donation drive where people donate to provide backpacks with school supplies to needy children in Jamaica.
The Project aims to fill 5000 bagpacks with school supplies to be donated to school children in the 14 parishes of Jamaica for the September 2013 school year.
Timeline Photos https://m.facebook.com/ProfessionalJamaicansforJamaica?id=173029902750110&_rdr#!/photo.php?fbid=462289577157473&id=173029902750110&set=a.173040486082385.57752.173029902750110&__user=800210300
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Learning
We are new organization with goals and desires to make a notable difference in the lives of underprivileged school children in rural Jamaica. This movement is a process and we are always looking for ways to learn, grow and be inspired. You are our core, we cannot exist without the contributions and support of those who believe in the dream we have put forth.
This article is in a Q&A format. We gained so much insight from it and we wanted to share it with you.
The following is an interview conducted by Peter Kramer, Senior
Associate, Nonprofit Finance Fund, with Otis Bullock, Executive
Director, Diversified Community Services. This is a cross-post from the
Nonprofit Finance Fund blog. To read the original post, go here.
Illuminating Financial Dynamics for Improved Nonprofit Management: An Executive Director’s Experience
Otis Bullock tells me that it can be a challenge “to pair a great business model with great programming”. As the executive director of Diversified Community Services (“Diversified”), an organization that serves children and families in the Point Breeze neighborhood of Philadelphia, he knows firsthand the challenges of balancing the abundant needs of his community and constituents against the constraints of limited or uncertain public and private funding.
It’s a balancing act that requires the relentless stewardship of financial assets and continual monitoring of financial and program data. Otis knows well that sound financial management is grounded in access to reliable and timely information about his organization’s annual performance, revenue and expense dynamics, balance sheet health and liquidity. He has found Financial SCAN, a comprehensive new standard for financial health analysis, to be a helpful tool in his financial management toolbox.
Here, Otis shares his experience using financial data and analysis to guide his organization forward in challenging times.
PK: How does Diversified achieve its mission?
OB: Rooted in South Philadelphia and embracing the philosophy of the settlement house movement, our mission is to enable children, youth and families to realize their fullest potential and achieve self-sufficiency in safe neighborhoods. We’re recognized as the “go-to” organization in South Philadelphia because we bring people together regardless of religion, race, or ethnicity in a spirit of friendship to make our neighborhood a better place to live.
We believe in and act for economic and social justice so that people have the opportunities to advance economically, socially, educationally, and personally. Our community-building efforts promote physical, economic, and social development – improved housing and safety, as well as increased financial resources for individuals and the community as a whole.
PK: As the new executive director of Diversified, what are the biggest obstacles your organization faces in effectively connecting money and mission?
OB: Our biggest obstacle in effectively connecting money and mission is a past inability to pair a great business model with great programming. Diversified is very well known for its work in the Point Breeze community, especially our work in early childhood education and youth development. However, we have not yet figured out a way to make it profitable; mostly because the word “profits” was never in our vocabulary. As a result, great programs with tremendous impact on the community could become significant drains on the budget.
PK: That’s certainly a reality that most nonprofit leaders face. What financial planning and management strategies have you employed to overcome these obstacles?
OB: One of the things that we have done, with the help of NFF, is look at our budget more strategically. We’ve become more proactive about our financial and programmatic priorities. We started breaking our budget down by programs, instead of solely analyzing overall revenue vs. expenses. This allowed us to see the profitability of each program that we provide. If programs are losing money, we are forced to make tough strategic decisions as to whether we should keep them and whether they are core to our mission. Breaking the budget down this way forces us to make tough (but important) decisions to keep the budget in balance with our mission.
PK: You’ve recently used our Financial SCAN tool. How have you incorporated it into Diversified’s financial analyses and management?
OB: I used Financial SCAN to create a snapshot of Diversified’s fiscal health before I took my current position as executive director. I then used it to easily explain our fiscal health to the board. It can help an organization to think strategically about its finances, as well as programs. I’m able to compare my organization’s fiscal health to that of peer organizations. I’m able to use Financial SCAN to easily explain to my board and financial staff why profitability is important – even for “nonprofits”. My organization never thought about strategically and proactively planning its financial future until I presented them with Financial SCAN.
PK: You mentioned the peer analysis function of Financial SCAN. What have you learned about your financial condition relative to your peers’?
OB: Compared to my peers, I’ve found that my organization is in good shape. However, our position is very volatile. The report helps illustrate that 85% of our revenue comes from government sources, which leaves us in a very vulnerable position considering the constant threat of government budget cuts. Liquidity in our organization is pretty good. But in looking at our SCAN, I see that our organization does not have the means to weather another government budget-cutting season. For that reason, we’re becoming much more proactive.
PK: What can you tell us about your future plans? What’s next for Diversified?
OB: We have begun a complete assessment of our entire organization. As a part of our internal strategic planning process, our future fiscal health is front and center in those discussions. That hasn’t happened in the past. For many organizations, conversations about desired impact happen with little regard for past financial history and the budget. Financial SCAN has helped my board assess the business and financial implications of our future plans.
This article is in a Q&A format. We gained so much insight from it and we wanted to share it with you.
Q&A: How Financial Analytics Are Helping One Nonprofit
Illuminating Financial Dynamics for Improved Nonprofit Management: An Executive Director’s Experience
Otis Bullock tells me that it can be a challenge “to pair a great business model with great programming”. As the executive director of Diversified Community Services (“Diversified”), an organization that serves children and families in the Point Breeze neighborhood of Philadelphia, he knows firsthand the challenges of balancing the abundant needs of his community and constituents against the constraints of limited or uncertain public and private funding.
It’s a balancing act that requires the relentless stewardship of financial assets and continual monitoring of financial and program data. Otis knows well that sound financial management is grounded in access to reliable and timely information about his organization’s annual performance, revenue and expense dynamics, balance sheet health and liquidity. He has found Financial SCAN, a comprehensive new standard for financial health analysis, to be a helpful tool in his financial management toolbox.
Here, Otis shares his experience using financial data and analysis to guide his organization forward in challenging times.
PK: How does Diversified achieve its mission?
OB: Rooted in South Philadelphia and embracing the philosophy of the settlement house movement, our mission is to enable children, youth and families to realize their fullest potential and achieve self-sufficiency in safe neighborhoods. We’re recognized as the “go-to” organization in South Philadelphia because we bring people together regardless of religion, race, or ethnicity in a spirit of friendship to make our neighborhood a better place to live.
We believe in and act for economic and social justice so that people have the opportunities to advance economically, socially, educationally, and personally. Our community-building efforts promote physical, economic, and social development – improved housing and safety, as well as increased financial resources for individuals and the community as a whole.
PK: As the new executive director of Diversified, what are the biggest obstacles your organization faces in effectively connecting money and mission?
OB: Our biggest obstacle in effectively connecting money and mission is a past inability to pair a great business model with great programming. Diversified is very well known for its work in the Point Breeze community, especially our work in early childhood education and youth development. However, we have not yet figured out a way to make it profitable; mostly because the word “profits” was never in our vocabulary. As a result, great programs with tremendous impact on the community could become significant drains on the budget.
PK: That’s certainly a reality that most nonprofit leaders face. What financial planning and management strategies have you employed to overcome these obstacles?
OB: One of the things that we have done, with the help of NFF, is look at our budget more strategically. We’ve become more proactive about our financial and programmatic priorities. We started breaking our budget down by programs, instead of solely analyzing overall revenue vs. expenses. This allowed us to see the profitability of each program that we provide. If programs are losing money, we are forced to make tough strategic decisions as to whether we should keep them and whether they are core to our mission. Breaking the budget down this way forces us to make tough (but important) decisions to keep the budget in balance with our mission.
PK: You’ve recently used our Financial SCAN tool. How have you incorporated it into Diversified’s financial analyses and management?
OB: I used Financial SCAN to create a snapshot of Diversified’s fiscal health before I took my current position as executive director. I then used it to easily explain our fiscal health to the board. It can help an organization to think strategically about its finances, as well as programs. I’m able to compare my organization’s fiscal health to that of peer organizations. I’m able to use Financial SCAN to easily explain to my board and financial staff why profitability is important – even for “nonprofits”. My organization never thought about strategically and proactively planning its financial future until I presented them with Financial SCAN.
PK: You mentioned the peer analysis function of Financial SCAN. What have you learned about your financial condition relative to your peers’?
OB: Compared to my peers, I’ve found that my organization is in good shape. However, our position is very volatile. The report helps illustrate that 85% of our revenue comes from government sources, which leaves us in a very vulnerable position considering the constant threat of government budget cuts. Liquidity in our organization is pretty good. But in looking at our SCAN, I see that our organization does not have the means to weather another government budget-cutting season. For that reason, we’re becoming much more proactive.
PK: What can you tell us about your future plans? What’s next for Diversified?
OB: We have begun a complete assessment of our entire organization. As a part of our internal strategic planning process, our future fiscal health is front and center in those discussions. That hasn’t happened in the past. For many organizations, conversations about desired impact happen with little regard for past financial history and the budget. Financial SCAN has helped my board assess the business and financial implications of our future plans.
Friday, January 25, 2013
The Power of Language!!!
" If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart" Nelson Mandela
In Jamaica, English is our official language, however Patois (Patwah) is the way we express ourselves from the heart, it is what makes us unique.This is also true in every other country, we are unified by languages and dialects.
Languages and Dialects are as vital as air, it allows us to connect,express, feel, grow,evolve and transcend. It is what keeps us going. We are excited to hear a baby's first word, express sadness at the thought of someone saying their last, mesmerized by poets, and authors. Humbled by the innocence of words spoken in youth and the significance of those saying that are centuries old. "The secret of freedom lies in educating people, whereas the secret of tyranny is in keeping them ignorant." Maximilien Robespierre. Irrespective of the language these words spoken by Robespierre are translated in, the meaning is the same and the logic stand true.
In our quest to be different it is always helpful to be reminded that we are the same, we may not be able to understand every language or dialect spoken on our planet,but the emotions evoked by thoughts and words are universal.
Please follow us on twitter and check out today's tweets titled Patois 101 hashtag#chatbout @ www.twitter.com/RKMfoundation
In Jamaica, English is our official language, however Patois (Patwah) is the way we express ourselves from the heart, it is what makes us unique.This is also true in every other country, we are unified by languages and dialects.
Languages and Dialects are as vital as air, it allows us to connect,express, feel, grow,evolve and transcend. It is what keeps us going. We are excited to hear a baby's first word, express sadness at the thought of someone saying their last, mesmerized by poets, and authors. Humbled by the innocence of words spoken in youth and the significance of those saying that are centuries old. "The secret of freedom lies in educating people, whereas the secret of tyranny is in keeping them ignorant." Maximilien Robespierre. Irrespective of the language these words spoken by Robespierre are translated in, the meaning is the same and the logic stand true.
In our quest to be different it is always helpful to be reminded that we are the same, we may not be able to understand every language or dialect spoken on our planet,but the emotions evoked by thoughts and words are universal.
Please follow us on twitter and check out today's tweets titled Patois 101 hashtag#chatbout @ www.twitter.com/RKMfoundation
Monday, January 21, 2013
HAPPY MLK DAY!!!!!
We would like to say Happy Martin Luther King Jr Day!!!!!
The first time I heard the " I have a dream" speech I was maybe 9 years old. Growing up in the Caribbean, Jamaica to be specific I was aware of our national heroes and how essential they had been in our fight for freedom and independence but I was not aware of Martin Luther King. I could not have grasped the magnitude of that speech at such a tender age but I knew it was important based on the reaction of the adults around me years after this historic speech had been made.
Those words spoken on August 28,1963 in Washington DC will continue to speak volumes not just to the citizens of the United States of America but to the citizens of the world. We should all be seen as equals and continue to strive to realize the dream he so boldly declared!!!
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase"
" I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear"
" Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity"
Much love& Walk good!!!!!
The first time I heard the " I have a dream" speech I was maybe 9 years old. Growing up in the Caribbean, Jamaica to be specific I was aware of our national heroes and how essential they had been in our fight for freedom and independence but I was not aware of Martin Luther King. I could not have grasped the magnitude of that speech at such a tender age but I knew it was important based on the reaction of the adults around me years after this historic speech had been made.
Those words spoken on August 28,1963 in Washington DC will continue to speak volumes not just to the citizens of the United States of America but to the citizens of the world. We should all be seen as equals and continue to strive to realize the dream he so boldly declared!!!
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase"
" I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear"
" Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity"
Much love& Walk good!!!!!
The Talk !!!
Have you ever wondered what happen after you leave a room, a school where you volunteered, an interview,the library or dinner with friends ??????
I am so happy we are not alone in this, it would be really awkward !!!!!
Recently we had the pleasure of talking with Mrs. Teressine Barro, the principal of Niagara primary school located in the parish of St. James, Jamaica. The students of this school benefited from the efforts of our first toy drive. The conversation focused on the students and their reaction to the book and toy given to each child. Mrs. Barro spoke about the children's reaction weeks after we had visited."They were so excited and it gave them hope and a sense of ownership and belonging... for most of our students they have never had anything to call their own.... they were so happy and grateful for what the foundation did " Mrs.Barro continued to expressed her sincere gratitude to the foundation on behalf of her student and entire staff. She also shared with us the achievements of her 5th and 6th graders who ranked in the 87 percentile in Mathematics and 95th percentile in Reading. It was such a pleasure speaking with her and we left the conversation feeling more focused and renewed in our efforts to continue impacting the lives of children in rural Jamaica.
We chose to share this story with you because it meant so much to us. This is an opportunity for you to hear these testimonials and understand that your donations are helping us to impact lives in a positive way.
Much love & Walk good!!!!
I am so happy we are not alone in this, it would be really awkward !!!!!
Recently we had the pleasure of talking with Mrs. Teressine Barro, the principal of Niagara primary school located in the parish of St. James, Jamaica. The students of this school benefited from the efforts of our first toy drive. The conversation focused on the students and their reaction to the book and toy given to each child. Mrs. Barro spoke about the children's reaction weeks after we had visited."They were so excited and it gave them hope and a sense of ownership and belonging... for most of our students they have never had anything to call their own.... they were so happy and grateful for what the foundation did " Mrs.Barro continued to expressed her sincere gratitude to the foundation on behalf of her student and entire staff. She also shared with us the achievements of her 5th and 6th graders who ranked in the 87 percentile in Mathematics and 95th percentile in Reading. It was such a pleasure speaking with her and we left the conversation feeling more focused and renewed in our efforts to continue impacting the lives of children in rural Jamaica.
We chose to share this story with you because it meant so much to us. This is an opportunity for you to hear these testimonials and understand that your donations are helping us to impact lives in a positive way.
Much love & Walk good!!!!
Off to a good start!!!!
Hi Everyone,
We are officially 21 days into the new year and we can honestly say that we are off to a great start. The past year was filled with so many positive highlights and we want to keep that momentum going. We do believe that blogging is one of the best things we have done and will help us . Yes it is true, we havent done it as frequently as we should, but we do enjoy it!!!! One of our goals this year is to put more time and effort into blogging and keeping our growing family in the mix.
So lets play catch up:-)
1) Our 2nd annual toy and book drive is still in process and will continue until Thursday February 28,2013. The toys and books have been coming in and we are so thankful for your generosity
2).We have been in talks and close conversations with other organizations in trying to further our cause and take our foundation to the next level.
3) The deep desire to create a reading intiative has always at the core of our organization and we are working to create a program that will benefit school children ages 4-12 years in the rural Jamaica .
4)We are also in the process of developing a fundraising campaign to help with funding the organization efforts of collection and distribution of toys and books in the island of Jamaica.
5) Throw back Thursday is getting some attention as friends and the RKM family has been taking to twitter, emails and texts to share their favorite childhood memories.
These are our five main areas of focus at this time, we have a lot more to share. I hope we didnt overwhelm you , it is not our intention :-). As stated before we are off to a good start. Our aim is to continue working hard at trying to make a difference while impacting the lives of underprivileged children in rural Jamaica.
Much love & Walk good
.
We are officially 21 days into the new year and we can honestly say that we are off to a great start. The past year was filled with so many positive highlights and we want to keep that momentum going. We do believe that blogging is one of the best things we have done and will help us . Yes it is true, we havent done it as frequently as we should, but we do enjoy it!!!! One of our goals this year is to put more time and effort into blogging and keeping our growing family in the mix.
So lets play catch up:-)
1) Our 2nd annual toy and book drive is still in process and will continue until Thursday February 28,2013. The toys and books have been coming in and we are so thankful for your generosity
2).We have been in talks and close conversations with other organizations in trying to further our cause and take our foundation to the next level.
3) The deep desire to create a reading intiative has always at the core of our organization and we are working to create a program that will benefit school children ages 4-12 years in the rural Jamaica .
4)We are also in the process of developing a fundraising campaign to help with funding the organization efforts of collection and distribution of toys and books in the island of Jamaica.
5) Throw back Thursday is getting some attention as friends and the RKM family has been taking to twitter, emails and texts to share their favorite childhood memories.
These are our five main areas of focus at this time, we have a lot more to share. I hope we didnt overwhelm you , it is not our intention :-). As stated before we are off to a good start. Our aim is to continue working hard at trying to make a difference while impacting the lives of underprivileged children in rural Jamaica.
Much love & Walk good
.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy New Year
Happy New Year.....Happy 2013.....Happy Happy Happy!!!
2012 was an amazing year for RKM and we want to continue doing more. Continue to support us on this journey as we go through another wonderful year together. We have many things planned and we are so excited!!!!
We love you all!!! Happy New year
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Merry Christmas Family
Merry Christmas to you all on this special day. We wish you all love and peace!!!!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Christmas is in the air!!!!
The season is upon us and I doubt you can deny it because there is evidence of it everywhere.
This season is a special one for us because it is filled with so many happy memories. I am sure you have your own happy memories or you are in the process of making your own with your family and friends.
Over the next couple of days leading up the holidays we are going to ask you to share some Christmas or holiday stories and photos with us and we will do the same.
You can reply to our blog.
Send us an email @ info@therkmfoundation.org or
rkmFoundation1@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter and tweet us a response@
www.Twitter.com/RKMFoundation
You can even comment on Facebook @
www.Facebook.com/RKMFoundation
There are so many ways to stay intouch:-)
We look forward to hearing from you and sharing with you.
Merry Christmas&Happy Holidays
Much Love &Walk Good
Mad Shout Outs!!!!
WE WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO ALL THE FAMILIES THAT CONTINUED TO SUPPORTED OUR HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF BOX!!!!
THE BAGS &BOXES WERE OVERFLOWING WITH HATS,SOCKS,PANTS,MITTENS,GLOVES,BLANKETS,TOPS,ONESIES&EVEN SIPPY CUPS
WE LOVE &THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!
FAMILY WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE ANY OF THIS WITHOUT YOU!!!!!
In Jamaica we would say (wi glad bag buss!!!)
Much Love&Walk Good
Partnerships& Working together
The RKMfoundation is getting involved with other organizations to make a greater impact on a larger scale.The need to form partnership and friendships in vital to our growth and mission.
Family you know we can talk, we are going to need your support to make this happen. As more decisions get made and details become finalized we are going to be reaching out for your support. Stay tuned.
Much Love&Walk Good.
Ring games and Sweetie!!
Throw back Thursday has taken root:-) we are in our fourth week....Wooohoo...woohooo!!!!
We are having so much fun doing it. If you are wondering what on earth we are taking about, then your Thursday have been a little dull, ok, ok well maybe not dull but it is lacking an extra smile or chuckle to make it awesome!!!!
Throwback Thursday is when we reminise on childhood things;games,sweets,books,phrases,fears,joys etc. The things that made your childhood and our childhood fun.
Last week we talked about ring games or play ground games and the week before was all about sweets. I couldn't handle all the sweet thoughts I had to go out and buy some tamarind balls.....they were soooooo good!!!!!
Ring games left us feeling pumped and ready to go out doors and play dandie shandy,hopscotch and ring around the roses. However the realities of adulthood kept us indoors....we did eventual play twister and Jenga!!!
Come on family follow us on Twitter
@
www.Twitter.com/rkmfoundation
This is were TBT(Throw back Thursday) happens.
You can also respond to our tweets on Twitter or via email@ info@therkmfoundation.org
Much love and walk good!!!
The unexpected!!!
Have you ever wondered how things fall into place at times when you least expect it????
The past couple of weeks have been like that for us and we are so thankful for the entire process. We started this foundation on a hope,a dream and the desire to bring awareness of children living in poverty in rural Jamaica.
Our second annual Toy & Book drive is in progress and we are constantly blown away by the generosity of the people around us. An open heart and an open mind find possiblities in a little.Those possibilities become infinite with a lot. Each box of toys or books that have been donated has the potential to bring a smile,boost an imagination and impact a life. To the child that receives it,it is the unexpected gift.
We have now started to expect the unexpected and to dream beyond what we know. We urge you all to continue to show your love and support,your donations will inspire lives in unexpected ways!!!!
Much love and Walk good!!!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Happy and Thankful Friday!!!
We are always so excited for the weekend only to have it go by at the speed of light. This week I want to ask everyone to take a minute and just breathe and enjoy a few quiet moments and be thankful that we made it through the week.
This weekend will be an exciting one for us, we usually visit and retrive your generous gifts from our collection boxes. We will also be donating some food supplies to our local pantry as thanksgiving approaches.
Huge hugs & kisses to the Hendriks,Allen,Miller and Johnson families for donating to our Hurricane Sandy relief box.
Big thank you to Maria for her generous donation of books to our Toy and Book drive!!!!
Happy Friday,enjoy your weekend!!!!
Much love& Walk Good
Throw back Thursdays
Hi all,
Yesterday we came up with a great idea that I think you will all enjoy. Throw back Thursdays. This includes Sharing with us via blog ,website,email,Twitter or our Facebook fanpage about your childhood memories. Whether you grew up in Asia,Africa the Caribbean or right here in the U.S.A. If you had a childhood we want to hear your fun memories on Thursdays so please get involved!!!!
We shared some stories via Twitter yesterday and it was a fun experience, so we urge our RKMF family to share.
Much love & Walk good
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
The little ones:-)
Growing up in the Caribbean,hurricanes were a way of life.People knew what to do and the necessary precautions to take once the season approached. This never altered the after effects of the hurricane. The emotions are always raw, the reality of devastation and the eerie quietness that would fill the community.
Being prepared doesn't take away the pain you feel when you lose all that you have worked for or the person you love. All you feel is pain and at times a sense of hopelessness.
The silver lining in this whole process is the out pouring of love and kindness from neighbors and strangers that unite us.
We become family and the differences of race, religion,status,gender and culture; that once separated us is erased. Realizing that we are all the same and we need the same common resources are common threads throughout these stories.
The foundation is assisting in this healing process,by focusing on the little ones. They are scared,cold and afraid,they miss the routine of life and the things they can relate to. As adults we can express ourselves in a variety of ways.Children may not be able to do the same.
Our relief boxes are filled with blankets,socks,little gloves,pajamas,rompers, shoes,mittens and hats for their precious heads.
We are urging everyone as they donate to remember to add a little pair of gloves or a baby blanket to their donation,it goes a long way.
If you want to donate to our box. Visit our website @ www.therkmfoundation.org
Or
Email us to arrange a pick up @ info@ therkmfoundation.org. or RKMFoundation1@
If not, just drop off your donations at the red cross,salvation army, churches or schools who have set up donation centers.
Let's get involved and give back in any way we can!!!!!
Much love and walk good:-)
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Where have you been!!!!
Where have you guys been????? It has been a while and their really is no excuse.....Ahhh the dog ate our.....ok, ok, no excuse is valid and we will be held accountable.
The good news is, we have been working behind the scenes to keep our foundation active. We survived super storm Sandy,the NorEaster,power cuts,gas shortages and can now say that we are looking forward to the joys of thanksgiving while giving back to those affected by the storm.
Our next post will let you know what we are doing to help those affected and how you can get involved.
Talk to you soon& Walk good.
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