The Do-Gooder

Really happy to be associated with "Do-gooders" in the December 2012 issue of Shop Til You Drop magazine. Don't forget 20% of our online sales are put toward research to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. (Proudly supporting Cure4CF Foundation)

You can shop for our featured "Geometric" print here >

Yay,

Giving is a Gift!

As some of you may know, I recently ran a fundraising auction on Facebook to help a friend in need. I was so thrilled that we raised $550 in only one week! This is an example of how Facebook can be used for Good, and I thank everyone who donated with all my heart.

There was also a special someone who sent me extra money even when they don't have a huge amount of spare cash themselves. It gave me warm fuzzies all over and so I want to return that feeling by sending her a set of my new Polyhedra prints for her little son. I can't wait for her to get the prints in the mail ... I wish I could see the happy surprise on her face!!

Isn't it sad how some people just don't get the fact that giving is a gift in itself and the person giving probably enjoys it more than the one on the receiving end!

For a friend in need...

Please help me...
 
I wish to raise money to help a friend who lives in France so she can keep a roof over her head and put food on the table. Yes, it is honestly this serious. Even if this auction pays her rent for one extra week then that is one week of security that we can offer her. 100% of money raised will be sent directly to her.

The Auction will run on my Facebook page next week from Monday 4th June to Friday 8th June.  

Thank you so much for taking part in this auction to support my friend.

The Final Fun(draiser)

Well the time is drawing nearer – and it’s time for some more fun at Mardi's Final Fun(draiser)!

Mardi leaves for her trekking adventure to Nepal on 1st May, and thanks to the generosity of people, she is well on her way to achieving her goal of raising $10,000 for Plan’s GirlsFund!

Please join in the fun of the final soiree, kick up your heels, enjoy some great food & drinks, and shop till you drop on the silent auction!

100% of ticket sales and proceeds from the silent auction will be donated to Plan’s GirlsFund. Only 100 tickets are available, so please book in quick!

Plan’s GirlsFund was established to directly help identify and respond to the barriers girls face in communities.

ORDER TICKETS HERE
Please order your tickets using the cart below.
Tickets will be posted to you once your payment has cleared.

AU$50.00 

Payments are made via PayPal or you can choose to pay via Direct Deposit.
It is not required for you to have a PayPal account to make your purchase.
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Light of Hope Charity Exhibition

I am so proud of my wonderful husband Denis. Less than two years ago Denis picked up a camera for the first time and since then has created what's now known as the "Ball of Light".

The Ball of Light is a photographic project created to inspire other photographers and bring hope to people. Some see the photos as spiritual, some are simply drawn into the amazing compositions, and some follow the Ball of Light as it travels to various locations.

Last night we had our first public event at the Messagemark Design Studio. It was also Denis' first solo exhibition, and I'm sure the first of many to come.

It was overwhelming with more than 60 people not only enjoying Denis' creative work, but also supporting Plan's GirlsFund. Denis donated 100% of open edition print sales, and 20% of limited edition print sales to the cause. We were thrilled to support our friend Mardi from Little Luv in her quest to raise $10,000 for the charity prior to heading to Nepal for a 2 week trek.

I have to say it again, I am so proud of Denis and what he has achieved in such a short amount of time. Thanks to all who attended last night and for showing their support. In total it looks like we raised approximately $1600!

Go Girl!

My mate Mardi (from LittleLuv) was featured in the Eastern Courier yesterday, a brief story about her Charity trek in May.

We are very excited to support Mardi by hosting a fund raising / exhibition this March 16th. Proceeds from ticket and print sales will be dontated directly to Plan’s GirlsFund.

Plan’s GirlsFund was established to directly help identify and respond to the barriers girls face in communities. They recognise that discrimination against girls and women is one of the main underlying causes of child poverty. Plan’s projects in health, education and microfinance ensure that girls aren’t left behind.

The exhibition LIGHT OF HOPE features the unique photographic light painting by my favourite photographer Denis Smith!  And the event is taking place at the Messagemark Design Studio, so this is also your chance to see where all the Messagemark magic happens!

DATE:  Wednesday 16 March 2011 TIME:  6.30 pm – 8.30 pm
VENUE: Messagemark Studio, 11 Jetty Road, Largs Bay
TICKETS:  $15.00 includes a glass of Bundaleer Wine

PLEASE ORDER AND PRE-PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS ONLINE. TICKET NUMBERS ARE STRICTLY LIMITED. AGE 15+ THANK YOU.

PRE-PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW >

light of hope exhibition

You are invited to LIGHT OF HOPE, a photographic exhibition and fundraising event designed to assist Mardi Zeunert's quest to raise awareness and financial support for Plan’s GirlsFund.

In May, my friend Mardi will embark on a trip of a lifetime with a group of 18 Australians, to trek through the Himalayas in Nepal and see first hand Plan’s work in the region.

Plan’s GirlsFund was established to directly help identify and respond to the barriers girls face in communities. They recognise that discrimination against girls and women is one of the main underlying causes of child poverty. Plan’s projects in health, education and microfinance ensure that girls aren’t left behind.

The exhibition LIGHT OF HOPE features the unique photographic light painting by my favourite photographer Denis Smith!  Based in Adelaide, Denis has taken traditional photography and added a new dimension with his light creations – a photographic experiment aptly named Ball of Light.

The event is taking place at the Messagemark Design Studio, so this is also your chance to see where all the Messagemark magic happens!

100% OF TICKET SALES WILL BE DONATED TO PLAN'S GIRLSFUND. DENIS WILL ALSO DONATE 100% OF MONEY RAISED FROM THE SALE OF OPEN EDITION PRINTS, AND 10% FROM THE SALE OF LIMITED EDITION PRINTS.

DATE:  Wednesday 16 March 2011 TIME:  6.30 pm – 8.30 pm
VENUE: Messagemark Studio, 11 Jetty Road, Largs Bay
TICKETS:  $15.00 includes a glass of Bundaleer Wine

PLEASE ORDER  AND PRE-PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS ONLINE.
TICKET NUMBERS ARE STRICTLY LIMITED. AGE 15+ THANK YOU.

PRE-PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW >

If you are based in SA, I hope you can join us on the 16th March.

Shinning Light on Cancer

I was browsing through my husbands Flickr site (Denis Smith) and came across this entry about a book (Shinning Light on Cancer) designed to support cancer sufferers.  What Denis wrote really touched me, so I wanted to share it with you. A wonderful insight and interpretation from the outside looking in, and linking the experience to his photography.

I often feel, and it is regularly commented that the reflection from the Ball of Light is more wondrous and strong than the actual Ball of Light itself. When I sit and look at images such as this one, I always find the reflection off the water more fascinating and more interesting.

I have been unlucky, and lucky enough to have cancer touch people I love far too much. When I have been closest to them the experience has been like this image. They often are just a reflection of who they were, but so often that person is more rich, more beautiful and more interesting when faced with their predicament. You will see things in them that you didn't know existed. Sometimes these experiences can be a wonderful insight into them as human beings.

[http://www.flickr.com/groups/1545026@N24/] Shinning Light on Cancer is a group set up here on flickr to gather light painting images for a book to help fight cancer, and help cancer sufferers.

Light painting brings wonder and strength to many. If we can help as a community to bring an ounce of joy and wonder to someone in need and going through Cancer, get involved.

If that person is you, BE STRONG and GO HARD! - Denis Smith

Biggest Morning Tea Fundraiser

Congratulations Michelle Stratford for hosting a really successful "Biggest Morning Tea" fundraiser at Office Works in Keswick yesterday.

The event raised a whopping $1000 which will be donated to The Cancer Council. Messagemark also helped out by donating 3 x goodie bags of cards and invites.

Well done guys, and thanks to all the people who donated to a cause that is close to many peoples hearts.

2010 Ikea Catalogue

Check out the new Ikea Catalogue just released. Who are those attractive people on the front you ask? Well yes that is my hubby Denis and me.

A great fundraising idea... a $2 donation to a charity (I think KidsCan) and we received the latest Ikea Catalogue featuring us on the front.

Very funny to have lying on the coffee table. Den and I enjoy hanging out at Ikea and love the $1.50 icecreams so a good memento for us. We tricked my parents and told them we were asked to do the photo shoot and are now on all of the catalogues. Bless.

Cure4CF Online Donations

While waiting for my business gear to arrive in Australia, I've been doing some work for Cure4CF and have now updated their website to include an online donation feature.

I'm so pleased I can use my limited web knowledge to help Cure4CF in this way. Click here for more details.

Cure4CF Rally BBQ

Cure4CF pulled together their culinary skills and catered a delicious BBQ at Mt Alma Mile and Tarmac Rally in McClaren Vale Adelaide on 29th-30th May.

The generosity shown at this fund raising event was unbelievable. Total money raised was over $10,000. A massive achievement...and on top of the money raised we were effective in raising the profile of Cure4CF for future benefit.

Thanks once again to the volunteers and everyone that helped out.

Share your talent and support Cure4CF...

This week I designed an information flyer to help Cure4CF educate and communicate their efforts in developing a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. I know my marketing and design services help Cure4CF immensely, and it feels so so good when I see the results of this work.

With a simple gift of time, talent and/or money, you too could support a team that is closer than ever to controlling this disease and finding a cure.

So have a think about how you could possibly lend a helping hand.

We won’t stop working until “CF” stands for “Cure Found.”

To express your interest or to learn more about this genetic killer please visit Cure4CF online.

Our Christmas Donation to Cure4CF

I am proud to say that over the past two months together we have raised a total of $130 for Cure4CF! When you purchased our MessageMark cards either from our online store at messagemark.co.nz or from TradeMe, we have made a donation to Cure4CF on your behalf.

Considering our very first online sale was made on the 17th October 2008, the way I see it, this is the start of something great. I am eager to watch this number grow from these small beginnings because I know we can make a difference.

Thanks for the great effort everyone,

Kyrie @ Msgmrk

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Video

I think this is really well done. Certainly makes you stop and think about those affected...

Cure4CF Goes Live

Yay, we have now completed the new identity and website for Cure4CF.

The Cure4CF logo was created using a stylised double helix. This simple clean 2 colour logo is fresh, yet still maintains a corporate feel. The colours were selected to resemble the overall brand essence and goals of the organisation

Orange - Inspirational, yet portraying a sense of urgency to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. Light Blue - Symbolising life, hope, water, breath and laboratory work.

The orange line running through the double helix represents pinpointing a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.

Check out the new Website at www.cure4cf.org

Congratulations Breast Cancer Network

Last weekend the very first NZ National Breast Cancer Conference was held in Rotorua. Approximately 465 women (and a few men) spent 2.5 days absorbing the very latest info surrounding Breast Cancer, which included a range of topics about treatments, genetics, screening, clinical trials, and NZs contribution to World Wide Cancer Research.

This conference hosted by the Breast Cancer Network NZ was a forum for those who have experienced Breast Cancer to come together and gain a better understanding of this disease as a whole.

Key Note speakers included Dr Susan Love who is famous in the Breast Cancer community for her widely acclaimed 'Dr Susan Love's Breast Book' - now in its 4th edition. Dr Love's talk gave a conceptual overview of the changes in screening, prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

This was certainly a valuable conference to all who attended, and I highly recommend anyone who is affected by Breast Cancer to attend the second National Breast Cancer Conference (TBA).

> This photo was taken at the conference dinner. Guess what the theme for the evening was?!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month...

As each year passes, it is now almost expected to see the Sky Tower in Auckland transform into a pink icon to acknowledge Breast Cancer Awareness month. Personally with the amount of 'pink' around us during the month of October, I get the sense that most people are now 'aware' of this disease!

I think the important thing women should do is start to consider what they can do in their day to day lives to reduce the risk of getting Breast Cancer - and act now.

Here are a few of the obvious...
• Healthy Balanced Diet
• Exercise
• Meditation / Visualisation
• Laugh and be happy
• Balance (manage stress)
• Music and dance

Cystic Fibrosis Cure?

MessageMark have the exciting opportunity to be involved in the launch of a new fund raising organisation called 'Cure4CF' in Australia. We will be supporting Cure4CF by creating a new identity and developing a marketing plan to help raise the non-for-profit organisation's profile.

Cure4CF is simply that. The ultimate goal is to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. A small Gene Therapy Research team based in Adelaide, South Australia are making some amazing progress towards a cure – they just require ongoing financial support to fund their incredible work.

Cure4CF will help to fund the research, and of course they will rely heavily on donations from the public.

MessageMark are excited to play an important part in helping Cure4CF get off the ground. So stay tuned for more information about Cure4CF.