So much going on!

BIG ONLINE FUNDRAISER

The Revlon Challenge online fundraiser went live yesterday and goes through October 26.  This is our main source of funds for supplies for our kits.  Each washable feminine hygiene kit contains $10-$12 worth of materials.

Our chapter will keep 100% of all funds donated.  Even the transaction fees are covered by Revlon and Days for Girls. The DFG headquarters get credit for donations to all teams and chapters, in their quest to win one of the top awards, which range from $1,000,000 for first place down to $25,000 for 5th.  Last year we were in 4th place, and with so many new teams and volunteers this year, maybe we can win the $1,000,000.  A million dollars would change the lives of so many girls and women in developing countries.

KITS FOR UGANDAN REFUGEES

Days for Girls is sending 5000 kits to refugees in Uganda.  Our group is contributing 250 of those.  Thanks to Patti who is driving them to Olympia, on their way to Lynden, on the northern border of Washington.  I'll post any pictures DFG shares.

KENYA

We also just sent 24 kits to Kenyan women with disabilities.  Thanks, Maggie, for facilitating this!

IT'S THIS SUNDAY

Please join us for our September work day, Sunday, September 18.  We'll be at Our Sewing Room from 10 to 5.  Come for as much time as you can spare.  We have tasks for experienced sewers and sergers, and plenty of work for those who don't sew or serge.  If you plan to use a machine, please bring your own, along with your standard tools--sharp scissors, sharp rotary cutter, seam ripper, etc.
We have a few new people joining us that I've been in touch with.  Love to have more!

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL

How are you at fundraising?  October 11 is the International Day of the Girl, and DFG teams and chapters around the world are asking businesses they patronize to donate a portion of their sales to the local chapter that day.  Is this something you could help with?  I've got some suggested paperwork if you are interested.

FREE

As much (or more) of a necessity as paper towels and toilet paper in the public restrooms!  Yay for  Brown University!

EVQ SHOW

I'll have an information table at the biannual Emerald Valley Quilters' Quilt Show at the fairgrounds the first weekend in October.  Stop by and see the new Heavy Flow shields and liners, drop off any undies, or washcloths (etc.) you've picked up, or just spend some time talking about Days for Girls.
The quilt show is worth your admission fee--wonderful quilts, great vendors, a fashion show, a small quilt auction, demonstrations, and much more.  Win that beautiful red and white Hunter's Star quilt you've seen around town!

September News

NEW AND IMPROVED

The DFG kit-making instructions have been simplified, improved and updated in the past month.  Check them out here.

I love the wordless instruction card for using and caring for the new Heavy Flow Kit.  If you or your business would like to contribute by printing these and the instructions for the regular kit on (2-sided) card stock, please let me know!

QUALITY CHECKS

As you sew, please check the measurements and quality of your work--including the tension.  I've come across a few shields and bags where the tension got messed up, and I could easily pull out the stitching by pulling on a thread on the back.  Not good!

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE A KIT?

Various team/chapter leaders weighed in on this recently.  Since there doesn't seem to be anyone who just makes one complete kit at a time, these are estimates.  But the consensus seems to be that an experienced seamstress could sew a kit in 3-4 hours.  Add to that shopping, washing, drying, pressing cutting and packing time, and about $10-$12 worth of materials.  Other estimates were up to 10 hours total per kit. At minimum wage, you're looking at at least $40 per kit.
This is quite the gift and labor of love we're giving our sisters!

ENJOY THE PHOTOS

I get to see numerous photos shared by various groups who have distributed DFG kits around the world.  Here's a site on Flicker that I just discovered where you can enjoy lots of them!

ONLINE FUNDRAISER

Days for Girls will be participating in the online Revlon Challenge again this year.  As people make contributions to the DFG teams and chapters, Days for Girls International,  as the "mother" charity, earns credit (but we get 100% of the money donated to our chapter during this fundraiser) and the charity that raises the most money wins a million dollars. Imagine how many girls that money would help!!

I'll post the link for donating to our chapter once it goes live--which is September 14.  These online fundraisers have been our main source of funds for the kit supplies we need to purchase.

UPCOMING DATES

Our next work day at Our Sewing Room is September 18th.  Join us for as much time as you have available, between 10 am and 5 pm.

I will have an information table at Emerald Valley Quilters' Quilt Show at the Lane County Fairgrounds, October 1st and 2nd.  Come by and say hi!  If you haven't seen the kits and components up close, that'll be a good time to take a look--I'll have a bunch (including the new Heavy Flow shield and liner)!  If you have some items to donate, I'd be happy to collect them there.  EVQ shows are held in even-numbered years, and they always have lovely quilts on display and fun vendors to visit!  I really appreciate their providing space for people to learn about Days for Girls.