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THE U.S. FUND FOR UNICEF
Did you know that a contribution of $17 immunizes a child for
life against six childhood diseases?
The U.S. Fund for
UNICEF raises funds that provide humanitarian aid to
families in crisis in more than 158 countries and territories. In
2006, UNICEF received a four
out of four possible stars from Charity
Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of
charities.
"It is my belief that we are all socially responsible for the
world's children, especially those children in need," Alex
said. "Because I have no children of my own, I try to make
a difference in the lives of children in developing nations as a
public speaker and fundraiser. A little effort here can make a huge
difference elsewhere."
UNICEF's regional program
manager of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF
called Alex's work for the organization "extremely helpful."
"Alex McLeod has gone above and beyond to help UNICEF
receive attention and support" Katie Scolari says. "We are eternally
grateful for Alex and all that she does to ensure that UNICEF's
mission to change the world for children is accomplished."
Scolari says that Alex's dedication as a public speaker for the
Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF
campaign has educated hundreds of kids and motivated them to raise
funds. Her fundraising efforts through the "Women's
Giving Circle" and on behalf of the "UNICEF
Goodwill Gala" in 2003 and the "UNICEF
Snowflake Gala" in 2007, helped increase awareness
significantly, as well as raise thousands for impoverished and vulnerable
children worldwide.
In 2004, The Southern California Chapter
of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF
presented Alex with a President's Volunteer
Award by the President's Council
on Service and Civic Participation in recognition of
her "commitment to the strengthening of the nation and making a
difference through volunteer service."
You Can Help, Support UNICEF
visit
unicefusa.org
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death
for women?
As an advocate of personal health, Alex McLeod has
donated her time and services as mistress of ceremonies
for the American
Heart Association's annual Women's
Legacy/Go Red for Women Luncheons in
Los Angeles and Ventura counties in 2002, 2003, and
2005. This event was a national call for women to
take charge of their heart health through diet and
exercise.
"I believe health is wealth," Alex says. "If you have your health,
you can accomplish anything in life."
The AHA is a national
voluntary health agency that promotes the reduction of
disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and
stroke.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Did you know that the families who participate in Habitat
for Humanity have to put in 500 hours of "sweat equity"?
With the home improvement
skills she picked up from Trading
Spaces, Alex has volunteered time and expertise
to the South Bay/Greater Los Angeles Habitat
for Humanity, a nonprofit organization
dedicated to building simple, decent housing in partnership
with families in need.
"At times, it seems we live in a world of have and have-nots," she
says. "I feel everyone should have a space to call their
own. Habitat
for Humanity makes this possible for the
people who would otherwise not have this opportunity.
They make dreams come true."
In 2004 and 2005, Alex McLeod participated in Hollywood
for Habitat for Humanity's annual Blitz
Builds as both a fundraiser and a volunteer
builder. Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity is
a unique organization founded to raise the entertainment
industry's awareness for Habitat's mission
to eliminate poverty housing worldwide.
McLeod also joined forces with the First
Lady of California, Maria Shriver, and some of the most
powerful women in the entertainment industry for an all-female,
Power Women, Power Tools Build.
Alex was also one of the many celebrities to lend a helping hand
to Habitat for Humanity International
and NBC's TODAY show to assist
the victims of Katrina. Under the auspices of the grassroots effort
Operation Home Delivery, more
than 300 volunteers framed five houses in five days and sent them
to the Gulf Coast.
In 2007, Alex built homes in Los Angeles, California with
39th President Jimmy Carter
and former First Lady, Rossalyn,
as part of the Habitat for Humanity-Jimmy
Carter Work Project. Under the leadership of Jimmy
Carter, thousands of Habitat
for Humanity volunteers built and improved more then
100 homes in the Los Angeles area. McLeod also co-hosted a cocktail
reception for the Carter family and all major sponsors of this worthwhile
event.
You Can Help, Support Habitat
for Humanity visit
habitatla.org
KATRINA
Did you know the worst natural disaster in our nation's history
took place in Galveston, Texas in 1900?
As a native of Galveston Island, Alex grew up learning about the
1900 Storm which took more than 6,000 lives from her hometown. Personally,
Alex and her family have endured several hurricanes and many evacuations.
Her empathy for those hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina's path of
destruction has compelled her to get involved. Alex has partnered
with the Galveston based Moody Memorial
First United Methodist Church-Red Cross Shelter, which
housed hundreds of Katrina evacuees over a two-week period, to create
a charity decorating project for those seeking refuge in her home
town permanently.
“Our project is taking over where FEMA
and The Red Cross have left
off. Galveston is a small community, and those evacuees from New
Orleans who arrived days after the storm received less media exposure
than other areas. The Galveston-Katrina guests are still very much
in need of the basics to live a decent life.”
In 2005, her Trading Spaces
background came in handy as she and Moody
Memorial church volunteers worked tirelessly in the
City of Galveston for an entire
month side by side with 16 hurricane families to furnish their newly
rented apartments. McLeod raised $75,000 worth of home furnishings
donated generously by ten major corporations and personally delivered
them herself with camera man in tow!
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There are so many worthwhile charities out there who
need your help. Go online and research nonprofit organizations in
your area today. Why not get out there and make a difference through
volunteer service?
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