On this lovely Sunday Morning, I am thankful to be celebrating another birthday.  My birthday wish this year, is more compassion and selflessness in the world.  A couple of years ago I started a tradition on my birthday, and that was donating to different charities.  The older I got, the less I was interested in presents for myself, but rather I wanted to focus on how I could give back.  God has truly blessed me, and there really are no gifts that I need, a lot of wants but no real needs.  I believe in blessing others with the blessings God has given me.  So for all of my lovely friends, and family who are reading this if you feel inspired to make a donation to one of the charities I have mentioned below in honor of my birthday please do.  It is far better that we give, even on a small scale, than to give nothing at all.

Now, I would like to share with you the charities/ non-proift organizations I have donated to today in honor of my birthday.

The Cayman Islands National Trust

Very dear to my heart is the Cayman Islands National Trust.  Saving the environment and spreading awareness is a passion of mine.  Many say charity starts at home.  As a small island it is imperative that we do as much as we possibly can to preserve our beautiful island and the natural habitats for the animals that reside there, like the Blue Iguana, that is only found in Grand Cayman.   Here is a link to a fantastic program the National Trust has just launched! It really is awesome.  You can “adopt nature” my choice was the Central  Mangrove Wetland.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky

The Cayman Islands Humane Society

I love animals! Many of the cats and dogs my family have made a part of our family for as long as I can remember have been strays that we found wandering around the streets, or just happened to walk into our backyard and made it their home.  We have also adopted from the CIHS.  Please consider adopting from the Humane Society, the animals are so loving and in need of a home.  If you are unable to adopt consider making a donation as it will help with the care of the animals.  My sister kindly, made a donation on my behalf for my birthday.

World Wildlife Fund

Last year for Christmas one of my best friends adopted a polar bear for me! That was such a surprise and one of the best gifts I have ever received!  I just love polar bears!! Today, in honor of my birthday I adopted an orca whale.

http://worldwildlife.org

Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project

Just this year I finally braced myself to watch the documentary The Cove, it is a must see.  I cried the entire time.  After watching the documentary I learned about Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project, and so I have made a donation to help Ric and his team in their efforts of raising awareness and protecting dolphins.

http://dolphinproject.org

The Roar Foundation Shambala Preserve

The Shambala Preserve is run by Tippi Hedren.  It is a sanctuary for animals. The name Shambala is a Sanskrit word that means: “A Meeting Place of Peace and Harmony for all Beings, Animal and Human.”  How lovely!  In the past I just made donations, but today, I became a member of the organization.  There are many ways you can help this organization by adopting one of the wild cats there or by becoming a member.

http://www.shambala.org/about.htm

Wishing everyone a lovely day! God bless all of you.

With love from one tree hugger + animal lover to another, xo