Anniversary Excitement!

Hey Everyone!!!
Thanks for checking up on our amazing updates, now you get to hear about the awesome stuff we are doing in May, our Anniversary Month!!!! We've been in existence for 2 years now and because of that we are offering a great deal on our KATW products for sale. If you haven't checked out our Etsy Shop, now is a great time to check out the knitted items for sale by our HIV/AIDS groups in Malawi because we are offering a 20% discount.When you are checking out just use the code 2YEAR to get the discount and use it soon, it's only for the month of May.
Another great thing that we are doing during our anniversary month is a raffle giveaway that will cost you nothing! Check out how to enter to win some awesome KATW logo ware, a mystery scarf and a picture and story book of our August 2013 trip to Malawi. This raffle ends on May 31, 2014 so make sure you check it out soon!

Here is a look at what our prize pack looks like!

If you don't want to enter the raffle we'd love to have your feedback of how you want to learn more about us and what types of products you'd want to purchase so please take a moment and fill out our Services Survey to let us know!
Thank you so much for your support and I can't wait to tell you more about our happenings in May! Don't forget to check out the updates on our website where we have provided you with more information about our organization!

We got our 501(c)(3) tax exemption!!!

Hey supporters!
I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for their support over the past 2 years helping us get this amazing non-profit off the ground and we've made serious leaps and bounds! Over the next month there were be some great things happening at Knit Around the World. Currently we are working on updating our website with more information and we are planning some great surprises for May, our anniversary month! Please keep an eye towards our Facebook page and this blog for updates.
One thing we are planning is a weekly blog post (time permitting) where I keep you up to date with our plans and how you can help. I will also rolling out a survey for you to fill out to let us know what you are interested in seeing from us in terms of products, involvement and communication. There might even be prizes for filling out the survey!!!!

About 501(c)(3) Status

Due to the fact that we just recently received our change in status it is taking some time to make adjustments to make sure that anyone who donates gets a letter to verify their tax deduction, whether through mailing a check, paypal donation or knitting needles/yarn donations. There is a lot for us to learn so please be patient with us as we learn how to navigate through these new waters.

New Board Members!

I also wanted to mention that we have 2 new board members, Natasha Levinsohn and Kristin McGinnis. You may remember Natasha from our trip to Malawi last August. I'm very excited to welcome them to the board, I know they will bring refreshing ideas and perspectives.

Again, thank you for all your support!

End of one journey and beginning another...

Today was a wonderful last day in Malawi. It's hard to leave this wonderful place but it helps to know all the good we have done over the month and that I will be back. I signed the partnership agreement with NAPHAM this morning and I know it will be a great partnership!

This afternoon Matt and I met with Patience at the Kamuzu Hospital to learn about a program they are working on there. I will have more details to come about how you can help these adorable kids and their parents.

We also got to see the outside of Lighthouse, the building at the hospital that helps people with HIV/AIDS. I'm hoping that we can possible work with the patients there next year. 

This is probably the last post from Malawi! Can't wait to tell more stories an share pictures and video on Facebook and our website so don't forget to check us out!

Zikomo!

Saying goodbye to the Chisomo support group

Today was another difficult day because we had to say goodbye to more friends at the Chisomo support group. Not everyone was there because there was a training but it was nice to see those who were available. We spent the afternoon reviewing the materials that we gave them and advice for keeping track of all of their sales and money. They have already started to receive orders for scarfs in their soccer team colors, I know they will make great progress until the next time we see them.

Tomorrow we are hoping to get the partnership agreement with NAPHAM signed as well as is it a possible knitting HIV/AIDS group at the local hospital. Tomorrow is also our last full day in Malawi.

I'm sad to leave because I love working with everyone here and to see the great progress but I think it is time to go home and work on the US side of things until we are able to come back.

Saying goodbye to the Mtsiliza support group

Today was our last day working with the Mtsiliza support group. It was great to see their progress over the past few weeks. They are planning on selling their knit items this Saturday at the market and we wish them well. We got to witness another support group meeting where they discussed many issues regarding living with HIV/AIDS. It was hard to say goodbye to such amazing people but I know they have a great future ahead of them. I can't wait to come back and check up on their progress when I'm in Malawi next.

Tomorrow we give the Chisomo group their advertising sign and bid them farewell. It hard to say goodbye.

Chisomo poster!

We were going to meet with the Chisomo support group in zebra but they pushed the meeting back to Thursday. Here is their advertising poster though!

I am still knitting tons for another baby blanket before we go.

Matt has also gotten monthly budget sheets translated and bound for the groups to use over the next year so we can help them manage money and inform us better for our next trip!

Ta da!

I didn't post yesterday because not much happened. Matt and I just relaxed and enjoyed the day. I did finish the baby blanket that will probably be donated to the Crisis Nursery or local hospital. 

Today I did more knitting for another baby blanket. I hope I can finish it in a week before we leave. 

We emailed the draft partnership to NAPHAM and are waiting to her back to come to an agreement and sign it this week.

I have also been thinking a lot about how to sell the knitted items when I return home and we might sell through etsy. I will keep you up to dye in that progress. I am also thinking of trying to sell some items at boutique stores in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. 

We are meeting with each group over the next 2 days and will try to soak up as much of Malawi as we can before returning home. We will also be looking into our next fundraiser.