Business as Charity?

Ever thought of shopping and making our world a better place to live in? Sounds impossible? Here is the BEST example. Elevyn (pronounced as "eleven") is using fair trade online stores to provide a platform to raise money for social causes. Elevyn provides a worldwide market managed by the people for the people and in between, Elevyn connects NGOs to channel the funds to the needed field.

How is that possible?

Elevyn deduce part of the sales called the Social Return on Investment (SROI) and channel it to a specific fund for the community benefit. "Raise $100 to buy books for the school" is a good example. Specific fund such as this will be setup to fund-raise for the specific purpose for the PEOPLE!

Not only so, Elevyn also aims at promoting the local artisans. Often are not the middle man overrides the hard work the artisan labor on. At Elevyn, the artisans get to market their own work and ideas.

If you still don’t understand, the diagram below may be able to help illustrate the whole process.



GO and TELL!!!
Now that you’ve understand the whole process, let’s not waste time. Be an ambassador and tell people about it!

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Japan, a place full of colors， be it the people or the place．　A nation built upon a　sophisticated　and unique culture. As the airplane approaches Kansai international airport, my first worry was ’How on earth am I going to communicate with the Japanese with only a month of learning Japanese?`　As the Youth Exchange (YE) group exit the arrival terminal, lighting of flashes showｅｒｅｄ　us. Some of the host caｒｒｉｅｄ　ｓｉｇｎｓ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｎａｍｅｓ　ｏｆ　ＹＥ　ｗｒｉｔｔｅｎ　ｏｎ　ｉｔ．　Ｉ　ｗａｓ　ｐａｎｉｃ－ｓｔｒｉｃｋｅｎ　ｌｏｏｋｉｎｇ　ｆｏｒ　ｍｙ　ｎａｍｅ．

It was then, when a　man came forward and　ｐｕｌled my sleeve. Ｉ　knew, he is looking for me． That man was Mr. Mitsuma, The president of the Kohzu Lions Cｌｕｂ　of Osaka City. Thank God, he is able to converse well in English. Immediately he introduced me to both my host families．　

My first host, Mr. Horie and My second host, the Wakabayashi. Mr. Wakabayashi caｍe along with his wife, ａｓ　ｗｅｌｌ　ａｓ　ｈｉｓ　ｓｏn, Mamoru. I was so happy to have meｅｔ　ｔhem. The first Japanese word I spoke ｗａs `SAH･･･MUI･･･’meaning･･･ Cold.

Gosh, it was really cold. My whole body was shivering with my jaws chattering away. Fortunately､ in Mr. Horie‘ｓ　ｃａｒ，　everything was fine with the heater on. Upon ａｒｒｉｖａｌ　ａt Horie’s place, I was greeted by Mrs. Horie and the friendly neighbor Mr. Sugimoto.　
Having placed my luggage, I was taken to my first ｍｅａｌ　ｉｎ　Japan- Lunch. We had lunch at A nearby posh restaurant in Taisho　ａｒｅａ． Immediately as the ｆｏｏｄ　ｗｅｒｅ served，　ｔｈｏｕｇｈ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｍｙ　ｐｏｏｒ　ｊａｐａｎｅｓｅ，　ｉ　ｗａｓ　ａｂｌe to communicate well through the food language, `Ooishi!` everyone laughed．　When asked is there anything I cannot take, I answered I can take and try anything. Mr. Mitsuma and Mr. Horie were so happy.

I was told that Osaka is Japan’s Food Haven. Almost anything in Japan can be found here at its freshest and best condition. The lunch was superb with Miｓｏ soup, soba in thick soup, ｓａｓｈｉｍｉ，　ｔｅｍｐｕｒａ　ａｎｄ　ｍｙ　ｆａｖｏｕｒｉｔｅ，　ｔｈｅ　Ｊａｐａｎｅｓｅ　Rice! Little ｄｏ　ｉ　ｋｎｏw that this is just the beginning, more delicious and tasty food were to come everyday!

After the lunch, I was orientated with Home rules, where to place my things, wｈｅｒｅ　ｔｏ　ｓｌeep, where to perform my daily rｏｕｔｉｎｅｓ and where not to enｔｅｒ　ｗｉｔｈｏｕｔ　ｐｅｒｍｉｓｓｉｏｎ. I was warned about not allowｅｄ　ｔo exit the house without a guardian. Though these has ｂｅｅｎ　ｍｅｎｔｉｏｎｅｄ over and over while back in Malaysia, but there is no harm of being reminded on something with is important.

In order to smoothen　ｕｐ the communication with the Horie’s， I was given an illustrated conversation book. It was really handy. The book encompasses everything from A to Z. It surely helped me a lot in my communication with the Japanese.

The best is yet to come．　After a tiring flight and journey，　my day ends with another　surprise – the Hot　Tub bath (Ohuro).　Ｔｈｅ　ｓｕｐｒｉｓｉｎｇ　ｐａｒｔ　ｉｓ　ｔｈａｔ　ｅｖｅｒｙｔｉｍｅ，　ａｆｔｅｒ one uses the tub， the water is not being released．　Ｔｈｅ　ｗａｔｅｒ　ｉｓ　ｒｅｔａｉｎｅｄ　ｆｏｒ the next member of　ｔｈｅ　ｆａｍｉｌｙ．　It is until the whole family has　taken　the bath that the water is being released. Of course, initially, one has to shower and cleanse oneself first before entering the hot tub．

Ｃｏｉｎｃｉｄｅｎｔｌｙ，　Ｍｒ　Ｈｏｒｉｅ　ｗａｓ　ｒｕｎｎｉｎｇ　ａｎ　ｅｌｅｃｔｉｏｎ　ｃａｍｐａｉｇｎ　．　Ｉ　ｗａｓ　ｆｏｒｔｕｎａｔｅ　ｔｏ　ｂｅ　ｉｎｔｒｏｄｕｃｅｄ　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　Ｊａｐａｎｅｓｅ　Ｅｌｅｃｔｉｏｎ　ｓｙｓｔｅｍ．　Ｄｕｅ　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｅｌｅｃｔｉｏｎ，　Ｍｒ　Ｈｏｒｉｅ　ｉｓ　ｕｓｕａｌｌｙ　ｂｕｓｙ．　Ｔｈｅｒｅｆｏｒｅ， most of the time I am with Mrs. Horie. Occasionally, Mr. Mitsuma drops by to visit and take me around. With Mr. Mitsuma I was brought to visit many places. Among them, The Kohzu Lions Club office in New Otani Hotel. I was amazed that Majority of the Lions Club in Japan has their own office. Back in Malaysia, Lions Club does not usually own any office.

On the same day, I was brought to visit the Osaka Castle. It was a magnificent and beautiful castle. Later on, Mr. Mitsuma even took the initiative to take me to visit Kyoto. In Kyoto, it was an eye-opening one. Compared to Osaka, Kyoto is completely different. Mainly divided by the Kamogawa River, the city has successfully retained its original historical buildings. While on the other side of the bank, the city continues to flourish with advancing technology and development. Kyoto is also well-known for the residency of many Geiko-san and Maiko-san. They are the Geishas of the Japanese professional traditional entertainers who are highly paid to sing, dance and serve their patrons.

Not long after my arrival in Japan, I was introduced to a special tradition of the Japanese called the “Bonenkai”. Bonenkai is the event where friends and relatives gather to feast to forget the sad and bad events during the year, hoping the coming year will be a better year.

Not only am I occupied with Bonenkai, I was also occupied with Christmas party. Among the highlight, the Kohzu Lions Club Christmas party. Right before the party, I was brought to Mr. Tanaka, a Lions Club Member’s, shop. In Mr. Tanaka’s shop, I was fortunate enough to see some Japanese traditional games, like Hinamatsuri, Kabuto and the Koinoburi, which are exclusively expensive and rare. These games are not easily found as they are seasonal, each at different season.

At the Kohzu Lions Club party, I got the opportunity to met almost all the Kohzu Lions Club Members. The party begun with the formality part. Like Most Lions Club in Malaysia, it involves the sounding of Gong, the protocol, the National Anthem, the Lions Songs and speeches. I was also invited to deliver a speech. Thanks to Mrs. Horie and Mr. Mitsuma, my Japanese speech went on well. Everyone understood what I said and after that, Mr. Mitsuma and I exchanged club banners and gifts and badges as a token of appreciation. The Kohzu Lions Club even gave me a Koinoburi, sponsored by Mr. Tanaka as souvenir from Japan!

The following day, I had to attend the International YE Camp in Kobe, Hyogo. In the Camp, all the Japan inbound YE’s gather together. I had the chance to meet YE’s from Australia, Croatia, Peru and of course Malaysia. During the camp, we were treated to a visit to Himeiji Castle, the Red-Cross blood donation centre and some shopping at Mosaic Shopping complex. After that, we were given the opportunity to experience the Luminous Kobe. Luminous Kobe is actually the name of the Yatch. While cruising along the riverside, with scenery of Kobe city night lighting, we were served dinner! It was superb.

After the ride, I was shocked to find that I had to share the bath with all the guys. As this is my first time to share the public bath. It is certainly an interesting experience which I will never forget.

The following day, after the breakfast, we were given the chance to attend a traditional Japanese flower arranging class - Ikebana. Simple it may sound; it is in fact quite difficult. It demands great artistic sense and some sequential arrangement. After that, we had a short farewell party where majority enjoyed the camped very much. Many thought that the camp was too short. Despite that, the camp has to end as host parents came to pick the YE’s up.

Back in Osaka, I was brought to BIC Camera, the Digital mall of Osaka city. Above the mall, there was also the famous \100 shop. There, everything can be found. After visiting the BIC Camera Mall, I was brought to visit the Americamura. Here, a replica of the exact Statue of Liberty could be found. On the same day, I was given the opportunity to try the Famous Osaka Food – Tako Yaki. Tako means Octopus. Tako Yaki is Octopus, being cut into small pieces, mixed with some flour batter and cooked into some round shape topped with some sauce, mayonnaise and some seaweed bits.

Following that, I had the opportunity to go and see the famous Bullet train – Shinkansen. It was certainly expensive to take a ride in the Shinkansen, but I was fortunate enough to have taken some pictures and walk around in the Shinkansen.

The day after that, I was brought to Kohzu Shrine to experience the traditional Mochizuki. Mochizuki is the process of beating the cooked Mochi rice into thick dough then shaped into various round shapes. These Mochi can be eaten plainly, added with red bean pastes, mashed radish with shoyu (Japanese Soy sauce), and barbequed or just with shoyu. It was certainly a very interesting experience.

On Christmas day, I had a shock of my life, where I thought Christmas is universally a holiday, but not in Japan. The Japanese work on Christmas day! On this day, Mr. Horie brought me to the Famous Kurumong Ichiba. Kurumong is Osaka city’s wet market. Here, all sorts of locally produced goods and vegetables could be found.

After that, I was brought to visit the Osaka Tower at Shinseki commercial Area. Osaka residents call the Osaka Tower; Tsutenkaku which literally means ‘The Sky pillar’. From the tower, the whole of Osaka City could be seen. It was a breath-taking moment.

The following day, I had the opportunity to visit Nara. Nara is basically a Park-City. The whole city is filled with park and Deer. I was fortunate to be given the chance to see the Great Buddha statue (Dai but tsu) located at Todaiji. Todaiji is one of the World Heritage site. As souvenirs, I was introduced to something I have always seen in Doraemon comics; the Dorayaki. Dorayaki in Nara is quite different as it is five times larger than normal Dorayaki. It is even given another name called the ‘Mikasa’.

Then after, Mrs. Horie and Keiko, Mr. & Mrs. Horie’s daughter brought me to the Kaiyukan. Kaiyukan is the underwater world of Osaka. It is located at Tempozan, nearby the Osaka port. Kaiyukan is home to various sea creatures from around the world.

Soon, I had to be transferred to the Wakabayashi’s. As a farewell dinner, I was treated to a dinner of Fugu Fish and Kani (Crab). There a saying that goes, “You haven’t really been to Japan if you haven’t taste the Fugu Fish” It is exclusively expensive and of course tasty.

At the Wakabayashi, I was fast to adapt as the home rules were the same, except I had to socialize with youths of the same age as me. However it was a no problem as the Wakabayashi treated me with care. Communication was not hard when we communicate with Heart.

The next day after transferring to the Wakabayashi, I was brought to visit the Universal Studios of Japan (USJ). USJ is ranked next to the Tokyo Disneyland. It was certainly a memorable experience with all the fabulous rides such as The Spiderman ride, E.T. ride and among the best, the Dream ride which is a rollercoaster. It was certainly adrenaline rush ride. Best ride I’ve had so far.

After a day at the USJ, I was brought to experience the Kaiten Sushi. Kaiten is in fact the name of the belt the sushi runs on. Although we also have Kaiten Sushi in Malaysia, but it is horrendously expensive. In Japan, I was told it’s horrendously cheap compared to usually dinner.

On 30th December, after a sukiyaki dinner, I had the opportunity to experience the “Hinoyojin” culture. On this day mostly Japanese march around their neighborhood shouting the slogan “Hinoyojin” followed by two clicks of sound using two pieces of wood and “Machi Ipon Kajinomoto”. Literally meaning watch out for fire! A Match could be the source of fire”

On 31st December, it is the Japanese Omisooka. As the clock strike midnight 12A.M., Every Japanese household eat the Soba as a symbol of longevity.
The following day, it was the Oshogatsu. From this day onwards till the 3rd, every Japanese household uses a new pair of chopsticks. These three days as well, the Japanese eat the Osechinoriori (The New Year dishes). After the breakfast, the Wakabayashi family visited the Mizuma Temple paying respect to deity on the first day of the Year.

The following day, I had the chance to watch and play the Tako and Koma; the Kite and Spinning-Top. Followed by that day, I visited Fushimi Inari Shrine Located in Kyoto. Fushimi Inari is famous for its Thousands Tori. The Tori is usually used as gate for any Shinto Shrine. However, at Fushimi Inari, these Tori’s forms a tunnel throughout the whole mountain. After that, I was brought to visited another World heritage site; the Kiyomizutera Temple. Home to the famous compassionate Bodhisattva, Kiyomizutera is built upon the mountain slope and here, one may have a breath-taking view of the Kyoto City.

My Stay in Japan has been a fabulous one. I believe both my host families have given me the best I could receive. Everything I receive was at its best; be it the treatment, the gifts, the Care and Love. From both families I received an I-pod. From the Lions Club I received the Koinoburi.

During my stay in Japan, have been the happiest days of my life by far. With such cold weather, I was warmed with the care and love of my host families. The view, the food, the people, I will surely remember till the end of day. I am strongly convinced that I have been placed in the best hosts any Youth Exchangee could receive.

God Exist?

This is one of the best explanations of why God allows pain and suffering that I have seen...

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed.
As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.
They talked about so many things and various subjects.
When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said:
"I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer. "Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist.
Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people?
Would there be abandoned children?

If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain.
I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things."
The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.
The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.

Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard.
He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber:
"You know what? Barbers do not exist."
"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber.
"I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"
"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because
if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me."
"Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist!
That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help.
That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

The Best Salesman on the Year!

An Indian moves to Montreal and goes to
a big department store looking for a job.

The manager asks, "Do you have any sales
experience? "

The Indian says, "Yeah, I was a salesman
back home".

Well, the manager liked the young man,
so he gave him the job. "You start
tomorrow. I'll come down after we close
and see how you did, but let me give you
a bit of advice. If a customer comes
looking, say, for toothpaste, you might
suggest for him
a toothbrush, or shaving cream etc. You
get the idea?"

"Of course," the young man said. His
first day on the job was rough but he
got through it.

After the store was locked up, the
manager came down. "How many sales did
you make today?

The Indian says, "One"

The manager groans, "Just one? Our sales
people average 20 or 30 sales/day.

Ho w much was the sale for?"

The Indian says, "$101, 237.64."

The manager exclaims, "What?
$101,237.6 4? What did you sell him?"

The Indian replied, "First I sold him a
small fish hook. Then I sold him a
medium fishhook. Then I sold him a
larger fishhook. Then I sold him a new
fishing rod. Then I asked him where he
was going fishing, and he said down at
the coast, so I told him he was going to
need a boat, so we went down to the boat
department, and I sold him that twin
engine Chris Craft. Then he said he
didn't think his Honda Civic would pull
it, so I took him down to the automotive
depart ment and sold him that 4X4 Pajero."

The manager says "You mean a guy came in
here to buy a fish hook and you sold him
a boat and truck?!"

The Indian says, "No, no, no, he came in
here to buy a box of Kotex for his wife
and I said, "Well, since your weekend's
already screwed up you might as well go
fishing!!"

The manager fainted... +________+|||

Marketing

You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You
go up to her and say, "I am very
rich. Marry me!"
That's Direct Marketing

You 're at a party with a bunch of
friends and see a gorgeous girl.
One of your friends goes up to her and
pointing at you says, "He's very rich.
Marry him."
That's Advertising.

You see a gorgeous girl at a party.
You go up to her and get her telephone
number. The next day you call and
say, "Hi, I'm very rich. Marry me."
That's Telemarketing.
You're at a party and see a gorgeous
girl. You get up and straighten your
tie; you walk up to her and pour her a
drink. You open the door for her, pick
up her bag after she drops it, offer
her a ride, and then say, "By the way,
I'm very rich "Will you marry me?"
That's Public Relations.

You're at a party and see a gorgeous
girl.
She walks up to you and says, "You are
very rich, I want to marry you."
That's Brand Recognition.

You see a gorgeous girl at a party.
You go up to her and say, "I'm rich.
Marry me"
She gives you a nice hard slap on your
face.
That's Customer Feedback

Coffee OR Cup?

" The happiest people in the world are not those who have no problems,but those who learn to live with things that are less than perfect."

* A group of graduates, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor.
* Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
* Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain
looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
* When all the students had a cup of coffee, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the simple and cheap ones.
* While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.
* Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee.
* In most cases, it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink.
* What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you
consciously went for the best cups... Then you began eyeing each other's cups.
* Now consider this:

1. Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups.
2. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live.
3. Sometimes, by concentrating on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee

God has provided us. Enjoy your coffee!."
* The happiest people don't have the best of everything.
* They just make the best of everything."

1. Live simply.
2. Love generously.
3. Care deeply.
4. Speak kindly.
5. Leave the rest to God.

You are the miracle, my friend;
Your life either shines a light OR casts a shadow!
Shine a light & Enjoy the Coffee!!!