Hope Tote 2013

For several years, Aikido of South Florida, Stephanie Yap Sensei and some very special friends, have been involved in the raising of food, financial aid, scholarships and supplies to charities around the world. These establishments include Children with Cancer, Children's Burn Center, Children's Orphanages and the homeless. We feel as a group these activities are unique opportunities for us to collaborate our efforts and desire to help others as a group - pool our friends and family to get involved. We hope that through our efforts we could possibly change someone's life, or simply give to others that are less fortunate.

This year, Aikido of South Florida wanted to focus our energy on the heart of our community - The Hollywood Outreach Center, a homeless and crisis center for men, women and children. We wanted to give back to the community in which many of our members have lived, worked or played. Furthermore, we have decided to not only tackle one charity project for the Hollywood Outreach Center, "Hope Tote Bags", but chose to come together for the "Pack the Pantry Project" as well. Our experience has been that these efforts are contagious and attracts others to also want to help, which is a good thing. We open the doors to all who want to donate supplies or monetary donations for supplies. No person with the desire to help is refused.

For our first challenge, ASF set a goal this November to provide 150 Hope Tote bags of basic, personal hygiene items for the underprivileged men, women, and children in our community, starting now. Last year over 200,000 showers were provided to the homeless and the needy! For those wanting to participate, the Deadline to drop off your contributions at the dojo is November 16th, 2013. WE have asked each member to provide a least one Hope Tote Bag for this project.

What Goes Into A Hope Tote?

We asked our members to donate at least one complete Hope Tote Bag to this project in order to do their share as part of team ASF. The items only need to be travel sizes and the underwear and socks can be any size. If you would like to see more, you can check out some of our activities on our website AikidoSFL.com under AHAN, the Non-profit Humanitarian Organization that we have proudly been a part of since 2003. Please bring donations to the dojo by November 16th.

Pack The Pantry 2013

Our second collaboration with the Broward Outreach Center is for Project Pack the Pantry 2013. Aikido of South Florida wanted to put forth their efforts once again to provide a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner to over 500 homeless men, women and children who deserve a warm meal on this day of thanks.

Last year the outreach centers served nearly 850,000 meals in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. For those non-members wishing to participate please bring donations to the dojo during November 18-22. We will gladly accept your donations.

What kind of donations can you bring to the dojo?