This week I received an interesting package in the mail. It was a tiny hand-made material heart. My heart was numbered 99 and attached to it was a message of love and thanks. I was so touched that someone had taken the time to thank me.
I soon discovered that my little heart was part of the Travelling Heart Project www.travellingheartproject.blogspot.com– where people can adopt hearts and send them all over the world to the important people in their life. Looking on the website, I see that hearts have been sent to victims of the Queensland floods and to those who have helped out those affected families and businesses. What a wonderful way to let strangers know that we are thinking of them in hard times or appreciating the work they do.
I have decided to send my heart to Lenka in London who mentored me with such generosity and kindness in my first job as a psychologist . There are so many people who deserve our love and thanks and this is an easy way to express our gratitude. Research has clearly demonstrated that our level of happiness increases when we feel and show gratitude, so visit www.travellingheartproject.blogspot.com and adopt some hearts today.
Don’t worry Jo, nothing could taint the beautiful intentions of this project. I’m glad you were able to see it for it’s sincerity. I absolutely applaude their efforts and wish there was more people like this in the world! 🙂
Sorry Jo, but I think you’ll find the Travelling Heart Project isn’t a not-for-profit organisation. I have been to the site & can’t see anywhere that states that the proceeds go to charity… it does say however that the $10 purchase “covers housing, feeding and the extra-curricular activities necessary for keeping each Heart warm-and-fuzzy prior to their adoption”. Which leads me to believe this a business. In light of this fact I’m very disappointed that not even a percentage of proceeds goes to Beyond Blue or other worthy cause and that the term ‘project’ is misleading.
Good wishes & messages of hope are amazing, but I think they should be free!
Thanks for your comment & for pointing out that the Travelling Heart Project isn’t a not-for-profit organisation. I have edited my blog accordingly. But please know that it was my mistake to give the project that label, not the creator of the project herself. And also know that I still love the Travelling Heart Project. It’s intention is not to make money. The idea is to spread messages of love and gratitude throughout the world and as I now understand it, as soon as there is enough money in the coffers, charity donations will start flowing.
Please don’t allow my mistake to taint such a fabulous idea.
Jo