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First of all I just have to share this uplifting video which portrays our similarities so well. 

In this Stop the Pity and Unlock the potential campaign, non profit organization Mama Hope manages to tap into the energy that the African and American communities exude.  

They highlight the absolute opposite of helplessness and hopelessness which traditional Aid organizations promote and focus on capable individuals full of  potential.

This is positive Aid work! 

Mama Hope began in 2006. When founder Nyla Rogers lost her mother, suddenly to cancer. 

Lost and 'struggling to know with what to do with that left over love' Nyla travelled to Kenya to meet with a child her mother had sponsored.

Nyla had an amazing welcoming party sing her Amazing Grace as she stepped out of the car.  She learnt that her mother had also sponsored a women's project which had helped hundreds of people. And they were awaiting Nyla's arrival.

Nyla says 'grief is just love'  and "It became clear to me that I wanted to give that left over love to these people"

And thus the non profit Mama Hope sprouted. See their story below.

Since launching in 2006 they have already:

• Unlocked the potential of 76,000 people in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana. 
• Funded the completion of schools, health clinics, children's centres, clean water systems and food security projects. 
• Created close working partnerships with local African organizations to ensure project sustainability.

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Could you live 100% off the grid and off the water mains?

How about living in a warm home that provides its own water and power and only costs about $10 a week to run?

Now that sounds more like IT!

When natural disasters like the Christchurch earthquakes occur and disrupt whole townships and cities services, wouldn't it be awesome to say....'Come to my house for a warm shower and a meal' to those in need?

Allan and Sally Nicholson came up with the idea of a Hybrid Smart Home in the wake of the Christchurch earthquakes. 

"I've always loved the concept of being independent and living off the grid. I am not a hippy or anything". " We were watching the news seeing people with no power and no water so I put pen to paper" says Allan Nicholson. 

The house blends existing technologies with what nature provides. This includes a filtered rain harvesting system and is powered by a combination of:

• solar panels
• LPG gas
• a back up diesel generator - which kicks in automatically when needed
• a deep cycle battery bank

With luxuries including broadband internet and satellite telephone and even a button when pushed fills the bath to a pre determined depth and heat.

The Hybrid home is designed to be strong and disaster-resistant, made of timber, a black steel roof, full insulation, double glazing and piles rather than concrete foundations.

The 3 bedroom Hybrid home costs $145,000NZD to build plus GST. It comes with a smart panel valued at $40,000 which tracks power generation and water usage.  

"What's happened in Christchurch could happen anywhere in the country and the best thing we can do is be prepared" said Mr Nicholson.

"One of the major advantages is people can completely eliminate their power bill"

Natural disasters can occur anywhere in the WORLD and can leave people reliant on the system WITHOUT electricity and water. 

If the future of home design is all about blending technology with nature and involves taking less and producing less waste in our everyday living if we as communities support such ventures then this will become mainstream.

The Nicholson's at On Site-Housing are one company doing great things for our environment. 

When thinking of building or designing your own house OR next time your water or electricity services need upgrading:

1. Check out smart energy tips which can save you money which are better for the environment
2. Take a look at On Site Housing's designs
3. Refer to the extensive Eco Directory for building or energy tips.

Thank you for acting on a foreseen need of the people and offering a cleaner, greener way of living Nicholson's!!!

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Rachel was an average American girl with not so average dreams.  For her 9th birthday she wanted to forgo birthday gifts for donations to her favorite cause, charity: water. Her dream was to raise US$300 by her birthday on June 12th in order to help 15 people have access to clean water, but she came up a few dollars short. Tragically Rachel passed away in a car accident 2 weeks ago and since then she has inspired thousands to give and help her reach and surpass her dream. To date Rachel's campaign has raised US$765,328 and this will provide clean water to 38,266 people, the largest amount EVER raised in a charity: water campaign.  Rachel's selfless acts and the outpouring of donations and kindness from around the world in her memory is a testament to the generosity of humankind. Let it serve as an inspiration to us all to open our hearts and help others however we can. To donate to Rachel's campaign, visit her campaign page.  

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