Instead of traveling writing today, I want to spread the word about the Red Pashmina Campaign that was started here in Peterborough, Ontario three years ago, and has been building ever since. Yesterday, for the first time, I attended the annual campaign launch. I came home with an overwhelming respect for the young women who initiated this program, a longing to do something to assist, and a beautiful new red cashmere pashmina.

The Mission Statement,  “The Red Pashmina Campaign helps people from all walks of life make a lasting impact on the lives of women,” sums up what they’re all about, but how they go about it is inspiring.

Partnering with Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan the Red Pashmina Campaign has two aims.

First, to raise funds to help support women in Afghanistan. The sales of the Red Pashminas have so far helped to pay for the staffing of a maternity clinic in Afghanistan, and to facilitate education initiatives for women and girls. The goal for 2014 is to educate the educators, who are lacking in training themselves.

The second aim is to uncover and share the stories of women struggling to improve the quality of their lives and others, in both countries, and to recognize and celebrate their trials, triumphs and accomplishments.

Visit the website to learn more and find out where you can get YOUR Red Pashmina! They’d make great gifts for all the women on your list and you’ll be helping other women at the same time.