Not On Our Watch: Save Darfur

This next quarter's gift will be given to Not On Our Watch: The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond / Save Darfur.

I received the book Not On Our Watch by Don Cheadle and John Prendergast for Christmas (yes, I'm strange as it was on my list but everyone should read this book) and started reading it almost immediately. It made me so mad, angry, sad and yet thankful that there are people out there telling the story from the front lines. But the one passage that goes through my head over and over is that the Janjaweed rebels take the babies, the little helpless babies, from their mothers and throw them on a huge bonfire and let the mother watch as her baby burns and cries to her. It makes me tear up just to think about that scene ..happening today, right now, not years and years ago. We've got to make a difference. We have got to make a positive change and help these people. So this quarter's profits are going to Save Darfur (www.savedarfur.org).

For a little back ground:
Responding to a rebellion in 2003, the regime of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and its allied militia, known as the Janjaweed, launched a campaign of destruction against the civilian population of ethnic groups identified with the rebels. They wiped out entire villages, destroyed food and water supplies, stole livestock and systematically murdered, tortured and raped civilians. The Sudanese government's genocidal, scorched earth campaign has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives through direct violence, disease and starvation, and continues to destabilize the region. Millions have fled their homes and live in dangerous camps in Darfur, and hundreds of thousands are refugees in neighboring Chad. Violence continues today. Ultimately, the fate of the Darfuri people depends on establishing a lasting and just peace in all of Sudan and in the region.

Heiffer Gift

Well, we made our first donation today to Heiffer and I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who made this possible. A purchase of bees and chickens were made and I know they will go far to help out families in need as it is a gift of self-reliance. Heiffer is such a beautiful organization I really can't say enough positive things about them. They do so much good for people facing hard times to change their fate. I encourage you to spend 5 minutes on their site www.heiffer.org and possibly place a gift as well.

Riley

So much energy for this birthday man. He was just so excited to have his picture made and play with mom and dad. What a great way to celebrate being one!

Campbell

The sweetest ballerina! She just loved to play dress up. And we had quite an audience watching Campbell with Mom and Dad, friend Dominic and two sets of neighbors joining in on the fun. I think a star is born.

Family Reunion

It's not everyday that you get to be part of a family reunion. This family has been living on opposite sides of the world for the last two years, but they are all back together again. What a happy time for all of them and I was honored to capture these moments. And the ducks were a fun touch as well. :)

Grant

I've been so delinquent in keeping my blog fresh with photos. Shame on me. And I have a multitude of beautiful, sweet babies and children's pictures to post.
Let me introduce you to Mr. Mellow Grant. He was such a fabulous subject. Lots of big grins and giggles. And then once we swaddled him, off he went, right to sleep. Just a perfect model.

Giving Back

I believe it is really important to give back and help make the world a better place for our children. Therefore, each quarter, Danielle Bryson Photography will select a charity and donate 10% of profits. This quarter I've selected Heifer International. This is an organization that I really believe in and have given to for many years. It provides more than a handout to people in need, but a hand up. I'd love to hear your suggestions for upcoming quarters. Please email me at danielle@daniellebryson.com.

In the mean time, here is more on Heifer International. (They have a great catalog of giving which make amazing gifts.) heifer.org


Heifer’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the earth. For more than 60 years, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in more than 57 countries, including the U.S., to help families and communities become more self-reliant. Since 1944 it has helped 48 million people through training in livestock development and livestock gifts that multiply. Every gift of an animal provides direct benefits such as milk, eggs, wool, fertilizer, and indirect benefits that increase family incomes for better housing, nutrition, health care and school fees for children. Recipients “Pass on the Gift” of offspring of their cows, goats and other livestock to others in an ever-widening circle of hope.

Best,
Danielle