Knitters Without Borders

Knitters Without Borders

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This page is the home of Tricoteuses Sans Frontières or Knitters Without Borders.

TSF was born as a response to the tsunami disaster on December 26th 2004, but exists to fundraise for Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders.

Who is MSF/DWB?

MSF is a medical relief organization dedicated to bringing help to people in the worst circumstances in the world. MSF goes where other relief organizations (NGO’s) will not. Where circumstances are the most desperate, the most dangerous and the most hopeless… you will find Médecins Sans Frontières. MSF is transparent and neutral without any political or religious affiliations, and does not accept donations from Pharmaceutical companies or companies that make Tobacco or Alcohol. Part of their job is to witness and report violations of human rights and dignity. MSF helps all persons who need them, regardless of their race, religion, politics or gender. MSF won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999.
MSF has a charter here.
MSF is dedicated to serving not just those people suffering from disasters in the spotlight such as the Asian Tsunami, which killed 150 000 people, but other tragedies in the world that are receiving less media, and less help, such as in the Congo, where 150 000 are killed every five months, or in Africa, where there are 25 million people between the ages of 15 and 49 living with HIV/AIDS. 58% are women.

Why should I join Knitters Without Borders?

By any North American standard, I am not a wealthy woman. Still, there has never been a day that I went hungry or wondered where I would put my kids to bed. I choose between my varied and warm clothing in the morning and at least once a week I throw away food that went bad before we could eat it, buying fresh without even feeling a pang of decadence. I have never wanted for anything more than “more” of what I already have. I am… to most of the people in the world, obscenely wealthy…
As are you.

What do I do?

Take the Tricoteuses Sans Frontières / Knitters Without Borders Challenge.
For one week…

1. Each and every time you think about buying something… ask yourself if it is a need (food, water, shelter, medicine or safety) or a want. Be honest. Yarn is not (sob) necessary. Lattes are not necessary. A seventh pair of shoes? Fabulous pair of new jeans? Eating out? Could you skip a haircut? Search yourself and ask, do I need this, or would the money be better spent on someone whose life hangs in the balance?

2. At the end of the week (or sooner…if you don’t need that much time to think about it) Donate the amount of money that you didn’t need to MSF. There should be no reason why every single person who reads this blog can’t find at least a dollar.
If you can afford to knit… you can afford to donate.

MSF Canada
MSF United States
MSF International

3. After you donate, email me the amount of your donation (the address is kwbATyarnharlotDOTca), your name and email. I don’t care how much your donation is and I don’t need any proof that you made the donation. (I believe that that planet would smite you for lying about this sort of thing) I’d like to know the amount that you gave only so I can keep a running tally. I’ll know that whatever you give is your best effort, given your unique circumstances.

4. Slap a button on your blog, link to this page and enjoy the warm glow that you get.

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5. Enjoy the occasional prize donated by generous knitters who would like to show their gratitude to you. When donated prizes are given, a random name will be selected from the list of Tricoteuses Sans Frontières / Knittters Without Borders. I’ll email if you win.

How did all this start?

Read here

How much have you raised for Médecins Sans Frontières/ Doctors Without Borders?

Since its inception Knitters Without Borders has raised a staggering

$1,102,556

MSF thanks you, as do I.