Is it just us or has time literally flown out the window? Its hard to believe that one full year has gone by since I started A MILLION ELEPHANTS.
First off, there are so many people, new and old friends, who's interactions this past year have really helped shaped what A MILLION ELEPHANTS has become. I want to thank you, whether you shopped with us, shared our story with your family and friends, or simply continue to follow along with us- I am grateful and I wouldn't have been able to get through this first year without any of you.
For those of you who purchased an elephant charity t-shirt from us, we are happy to say because of you, we were able to donate just over $700 to Curated Flair's elephant project in support of Elephant Village Sanctuary in Laos. To all of you who purchased something else from us in the last year, we were able to donate $500 to The Mines Advisory Group (MAG). MAG is a global humanitarian organization that is dedicated in finding, removing and destroying unexploded bombs and landmines in places affected by conflict, including in Laos. They have been actively working in Laos since 1994 and in 2018 alone, have successfully removed 18,547 landmines and unexploded bombs.
If you've read my very first blog post, you know that I started this business for two reasons: to share Lao culture and to support local Lao artisans by providing them with new markets to earn fair pay and income opportunities- I think it is safe to say A MILLION ELEPHANTS did that this past year and will continue to with your love and support.
I am so excited for what this next year will bring and for the growth that we have planned. We hope you continue to follow along with us and know that any support, big or small doesn't go unnoticed and is appreciated.
I also want to take this time to welcome any ideas or feedback you have for us. If there are products you want to see us offer, organizations you want us to support or events you want us to participate in- let us know because at the end of the day, you are a big part of our inspiration.
Thanks again to everyone who made our first year of business so memorable.
Side Note* I think its important for people to know that although overall I believe our first year has been successful, it has not been easy! I think I have cried and laughed equally more times than I can count. When I look back at all the time, ideas and efforts it would be easy to simply say "that was a fail". That said, when I take time to truly reflect on those "failures", I've realized nothing was truly a fail, only lessons learned. My message here is for all you out there trying to make a difference or taking a leap into creating your own thing, nothing good comes easy so keep pushing. Its okay to get it wrong because you only have to get it right once.
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B
I am one of your customers. Bought a small elephant at McMaster University’s annual OPIRG Fair Trade Fest last year, and have mentioned it to a few. I also showed it to Chris Hedges when he autographed a new book in Hamilton soon afterwards, and gave him one of two business cards obtained that day, also speaking briefly of the detail you provided when I made my purchase, about the bombs in Laos, and those in Cambodia. Perhaps he and others will also become customers.
Congratulation, I am a Laotian-Canadian, I’m in Non-profit under The Million Elephants.
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Hi Brittany,
Congratulations on the success of A Million Elephants to date! I had first learned of Laos’ plight watching Anthony Bourdain, and it’s unbelievable the uphill climb that the country and those who are helping them must take to recover from the secret war. Your family’s story is heartbreaking but also hopeful, as now you’re in a position to do something about it from here at home in Canada (I’m in Hamilton). It’s good to see that you’re enjoying some early, hard won successes!
In terms of ideas, I’ve got one that I feel I can help you with. In 2019, I’m realizing that I want to align what I do to help the helpers. I’m a professional writer and storytellers, specializing in ghostwriting, and I want to integrate my services with social enterprises like yours. I was wondering if you’d be interested in a partnership of sorts. This can be anything from blogging to adapting podcast recordings to even writing books and anthologies, or any needs you may have for storytelling, big or small. I’d work within your budget as I do understand the constraints of a new non-profit enterprise, but I feel it could help spread the word and attract more support to your efforts.
Would this interest you?
Thank you for your time, and keep up the good work! Either way, I am rooting for you! :)
- Jody