Saturday 19 January 2013

The Kindness of Strangers


A few days before Christmas, our Etsy friend Sandra lost her husband to cancer. It was discovered in an advanced state and he was gone in a matter of months, forty years old.

Sandra and her husband were self employed as restorers of historical tiles, where their country, Portugal, is famous for. When a town has a project, restorers make offertes and the cheapest get the job.

An uncertain living in the best of times, seven or eight months before his death they weren't able to work. He, too ill, she, taking care of him. They have a five years old boy.

In those hard months they depended on the income of Sandra's Etsy shop, Azulado, where she sells lovely ceramic pieces. With all the extra costs related to the illness and burial, we know that  Sandra is in big financial trouble, although she hasn't complained once. When this adds to the pain of loosing a loved one, is too much for a person to go on.

She is now trying to get an allowance from the government for her small child, but Portugal is a country in bankrupcy, so thus far she has only met a wall of bureaucracy.

Life is so fragile, and so is the web of dreams that we depend on. Everything can be taken from us in a moment. It can happen to any of us, and then we badly need the kindness of strangers.

Sandra's Etsy team, EST spirit wants to help her, and so we are organizing a raffle to collect money. There are more than FIFTY prizes to be won, all of them donated by her team members. We will run this raffle for ten days, and at the end of these ten days, more than FIFTY WINNERS will get a prize.
There are items for women, men and children, for every taste. To win, you can buy here tickets for 5$.
Buy as many as you can, the more tickets the more Sandra will get help and you the opportunity to win one of the amazing prizes. You can get an additional extra ticket if you blog about this raffle, tweet or share it on your Facebook page, just leave the link here at the comments.

If you don't feel like participating in this raffle, please do buy something from her shop. We all know how every sale counts and gives courage.


Here you can see the first five of the items that you can win, and every day we will post pictures of all the prizes that can be won. Winners will be announced after the ticket sales are closed.
All procceeds of the tickets will be going to Sandra and her son.

 Art print donated by BarbaraSzepesiSzucs

 Ceramic cup donated by BiscuitCuit

 Silk Brooch donated by Attractive1

 Crystal earrings donated by ArxRosarum


Statement ring donated by MARIAELA





148 comments:

  1. Done - best wishes to your friend and her son x

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  2. I was widowed with a one year old daughter exactly five years ago this week. One of the things that helped me get through that awful first year was simply the cash that strangers/colleagues/friends gave me. I don't know if anyone who hasn't been through it can imagine the financial burden losing a loved one places on a family, but it's enormous and long term. If I could the charity I would start would be to help widowed parents with young children get through that awful first year.

    Although I don't have loads myself, I've just donated.

    All the best for Sandra and her son...

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  3. Done
    Brigitte from BacaCaraJewelry

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  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  5. Bought the tickets and Twitted!

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  6. Thank you so much for organising this Estella, Sandra is a real inspiration!

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  7. Thanks so much Estella for organising this! Sandra is such an inspiration!
    Shared on facebook.

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  8. oh no, that's terrible. Poor baby!

    Thanks for organizing the raffle, Estella!

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  9. Bought the tickets and shared on FB

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  10. Bought the tickets and shared on FB

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  11. Hope many tickets will be sold.

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  12. Bought a ticket and shared on FB :).

    Thank you Sasha for sharing your story :)

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  13. I didn't hear about this before :( Thanks for informing us and organizing this

    I wish Sandra all the strength and patience in the world. Many many hugs.

    Please let me know if you still need items for the raffle

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  14. tweeted https://twitter.com/NatalkaPavlysh/status/292632091248705537

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  15. Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Arctidas.creations/posts/315210638599115

    Twitter - https://twitter.com/Arctida/status/292610591749726208
    https://twitter.com/Arctida/status/292631597545570305

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  16. I'm so sorry for Sandra's and her family's loss. I wish them a lot of strength in these difficult times. I bought a ticket and if you can accept more items offers please contact me, I would like to offer my help (and a pair of earrings).

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  17. Shared on FB twice
    http://www.facebook.com/UkrSkrynka/posts/270765509716470
    http://www.facebook.com/natalya.pavlysh/posts/246850858782222

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  18. Just shared on FB and twitter. I'm going to buy the ticket.

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  19. Just shared on FB and twitter. I'm going to buy the ticket.

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  20. Thanks for organizing the raffle, Estella!

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  21. Thanks for organizing the raffle, Estella!

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  22. Done. Now I am going to share this initiative on my FB page.
    These are hard times for Sandra, all my love to her and her child.

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  23. donated and shared :)
    my thoughts are with her and her son.
    marmen from french attic finds.

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  24. donated and shared :)
    my thoughts are with her and her son.
    marmen from french attic finds.

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  25. donated and shared :)
    my thoughts are with her and her son.
    marmen from french attic finds.

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  26. Done and shared, all my wishes to Sandra and her son

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  27. donated and shared.

    I'm so sorry for Sandra's and her family's loss. Words are not enough...

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  28. Ibought tickets! A big hug to Sandra and her son: I wish you all thew best in your future!
    Mirella, from Mireloom

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  29. Shared!!
    A big hug for Sandra and her son!

    Alessandra

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  30. Shared!
    A big hug to Sandra and her son!
    Alessandra by Mapano'

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  31. Shared!
    A big hug for Sandra and her son!
    Alessandra

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  32. Absolutely fantastic initiative, many thanks for organizing!
    Shared on my FB pages!

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  33. Thank you for sharing. I ordered from her shop. Her work is so beautiful!!!

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  34. Donated and shared.
    Thank you Estella for organizing the raffle.
    A big hug to Sandra and to her son.

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  35. Thank you for the opportunity to help out. I purchased a raffle ticket and will try to promote this page through social media.

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  36. I've just bought a ticket and shared your post on my FB page. All my heart goes out to Sandra and I hope this raffle will help her a lot!
    Also, if you accept more items, I'd love to offer a glass jewelry set to help them.

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  37. I bought a ticket. I hope it helps.

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  38. http://irenka-r.blogspot.com/2013/01/huge-raffle.html
    http://www.facebook.com/irina.rybak.1/posts/320896911344875
    https://twitter.com/Irenkar1/status/292705648595046400
    I am happy to be in this Team!

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  39. Thank you, Estella for making this possible. ((((((Hugs for Sandra)))))))

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  40. Donated and shared on facebook!
    http://www.facebook.com/ariadne.skyrianidou
    I am really sorry for Sandra!
    AriadnefromGreece!

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  41. donated and blogged: fancifuldevices.blogspot.com

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  42. and of course, thank you for this. it means so much to see selfless kindness in this world full of cruelty and suffering.

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  43. I am really sorry for what happend to Sandra! So I'm in for the raffle, just donated!

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  44. I've just donated! I hope for the best for Sandra and her son!!!!

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  45. And share it on twitter: https://twitter.com/aplusdesignnn/status/292742457932783617

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  46. I've also share it on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/atomium.any

    and on my pages: http://www.facebook.com/Selenedream

    http://www.facebook.com/AplusDESIGNNN

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  47. Thank you Estella. I've shared on twitter.

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  48. Done.Hope it helps!
    All the best for Sandra and her son!

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  49. how sad for her, i will share on my page
    https://www.facebook.com/Rowenberrystitches?ref=ts

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  50. Donated and shared on FB: http://www.facebook.com/birgit.horvath.muck/posts/555967554415235

    Warmest wishes to Sandra and her son!!

    Birgit Lehner
    danaan at gmx dot at

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  51. hopefully many people will participate!

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  52. Shared on my blog:
    http://madamerenard.blogspot.it/2013/01/help-for-sandra.html

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  53. got a raffle now, hope lots of people buy, have shared on my fb page

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  54. Donated!!!

    My best wishes to Sandra and her prince!

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  55. Well done on organising this Estella. My condolences to Sandra, I wish her and her son strength in these difficult times and may they see many happier days ahead.

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  56. Just bought a ticket. All the best wishes to Sandra and her son!

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  57. I am so sorry for Sandra and her family. Blogged and shared on FB. Donated, too.

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  58. Just bought the ticket.

    Best wishes to Sandra!

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  59. I've bought!!

    Best wishes to Sandra!!

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  60. Thank you for organising this, Estella - had no idea Sandra was in such difficulties, poor woman.

    Happy to help - have bought a couple of tickets, and will take a peek in her shop tomorrow x

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  61. Donated! I hope life treats Sandra and her boy with kindness from now on ..

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  62. Donated!
    Best wishes for Sandra and her son, I know how hard is it to fight with cancer, my 3 years old has Leukemia, we just finished a 8 months long treatment in the hospital, I know from personal experience that every little help is welcomed.

    Shared on my Facebook page:
    http://www.facebook.com/EveryKnotIsAPrayer

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  63. so sorry to hear this news :( shared this link and bought some raffle tickets. Thoughts with Sandra.

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  64. I only heard about Sandra today, what a terrible time she is going through, my heart goes out to her and her son.

    I have to say how wonderful it is when the Etsy community comes together to help someone, everyone who has donated and made blogs and treasuries and told their teams, how heartwarming it is to see everyone pull together. There isn't much I can do to help, but have been tweeting for her and tweeting treasuries that I've seen on Etsy that were made for her. I hope that helps a little bit,she is in our thoughts and prayers.

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  65. I only heard about Sandra today, what a terrible time she is going through, my heart goes out to her and her son.

    I have to say how wonderful it is when the Etsy community comes together to help someone, everyone who has donated and made blogs and treasuries and told their teams, how heartwarming it is to see everyone pull together. There isn't much I can do to help, but have been tweeting for her and tweeting treasuries that I've seen on Etsy that were made for her. I hope that helps a little bit,she is in our thoughts and prayers.

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  66. that's so sad, hope that the huge amount of etsy love relieve at leat material problems, I have shared on my FB page also :-)

    Good luck Sandra a big hug

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  67. Thank you for co-ordinating this Estella - I didn't know about this till I read your post either. My heart goes out to Sandra and her little boy. I've bought some tickets and also treated myself to something from her shop - I've admired her work for a long time.

    I've shared your post too and hope that you reach a lot of ticket sales. I'm sorry I didn't know about it earlier as I would have also loved to donate an item.

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  68. I shared this raffle on my FB pages and my blog. I bought a ticket and the next days I will share this raffle in my FB groups.

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  69. Done, shared on fb and just bought a beautiful ring from her Etsy shop too... Warm wishes for courage to Sandra & her son ♥

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  70. just bought a ring...hope this helps her...

    you are soo kind and thoughtful Estella...

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  71. done...I know what it means to grow without a father, and there's a lot of people out there in the world that went through this and somehow found the strength to carry on.. I wish to Sandra and her son to do the same, to stay strong and to never lose hope and to keep on sharing her joy of life and her love through her beautiful art!

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  72. Ticket bought and shared on Facebook and twitter!

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  73. Tickets bought, prayers sent. Last year I was in a bad traffic collision- my mother died and I was in hospital and rehab for a month. The Etsy community were so incredibly supportive, and I've made it a personal vow to always give as it was given to me.

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  74. Done! And shared in my facebook account https://www.facebook.com/Crafteaser
    All the best to Susana whose work I love and have followed for some time.
    xxxx

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  75. I am in!
    And really crossing my fingers for you Sandra!

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  76. I am in!
    Crossing all my fingers for you Sandra!

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  77. I felt so sad upon knowing about this. I remember Sandra during my times with the Etsy European team. I am helping in all ways I can through donation, blog posts, shares...

    To Sandra, se fuerte... tu eres una mujer fuerte... saldras de esto...

    abrazos,
    Lelanie

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  78. Shared on Facebook one more time.
    My condolences and hugs, kisses , and wishes of best of luck for Sandra

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  79. donated and tweeted the blog...sincere condolences to you and your son, Sandra and sending love and prayers for you.

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  80. Donated and shared on my Facebook page. I wish all the best to Sandra and her son.
    Martina

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  81. My heart goes out to you Sandra... so sorry for your loss.
    Donated and will share on Facebook.

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  82. Donated, and will Tweet the Raffle! All the best to you - sending love and support from California xoxo

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  83. Done, and off to share on my fb page!

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  84. Thinking of you Sandra, I bought some tickets and will share on my fb page.

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  85. Thank you for this kind feature Estella, I was so sorry to hear about Sandra's sudden lost. Donated and shared (from Handmade Europe). Thanks again. xx, minna

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  86. Done. All the best for Sandra and her son.
    Thanks for organizing this.
    Özgül Tuzcu

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  87. Done!
    All the best for Sandra and her son.
    Thank you so much Estella for organizing this.
    Sharing this on my Facebook page (ODA SANAT).
    Özgül Tuzcu

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  88. thank you Estella for sharing this about Sandra, I came here from Penny of sparrowsalvage
    I purchased a ticket, thank you
    and glad to spread the news on my fb page and tweet
    https://twitter.com/dragonhouseyuen
    http://www.facebook.com/theleveretsnest
    sending much love to Sandra and her son :)
    thank you so much for helping her, and if you need any more donations? (sorry I missed the boat earlier), I will be glad to donate :)
    with love Annette
    theleveretsnest.etsy.com

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  89. blogged about this too Estella, thank you so much xxx
    http://dragonhouseofyuen.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/the-kindness-of-strangers.html

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  90. Blogged and also made Wednesday Collage in hope to make this collage and her beautiful creation visible to Estonian crafty people and readers: http://craftwerk.ee/blog/article-92

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  91. What a beautiful gesture Estella and estspirit that what i love about the Etsy community,
    just bought myself a beautiful necklace from Sandra's shop and a ticket , shared

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  92. I have also added this to my blog.
    http://ariadnefromgreece.blogspot.gr/2013/01/the-kindness-of-strangers-and-more.html
    I hope no one minds the use of the photo of one of Sandra's creations.
    AriadnefromGreece!

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  93. My best Wishes for Sandra and her little son!

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  94. Done and shared, all my prayers for Sandra and her son.
    Thank you Estella for organzing this.

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  95. Sandra is a wonderful person and a gifted ceramist! She deserves all the help we can give her, in these dificult times!!
    Thank you all for your help!! :)

    I also bought a raffle and posted on Facebook! :)

    https://www.facebook.com/inesdiana.salgado/posts/402696206483455

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  96. Sandra is a wonderful person and a gifted ceramist! She deserves all the help we can give her, in these dificult times!!
    Thank you all for your help!! :)

    I also bought a raffle and posted on Facebook! :)

    https://www.facebook.com/inesdiana.salgado/posts/402696206483455

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  97. Bought tickets, will tweet and share on facebook.

    all my wishes to your Sandra and her son

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  98. I bought tickets and will shareon Facebook and tweet.
    All my wishes to Sandra and her son

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  99. Shared this on my twitter
    My prayers are with this lovely family. I have a little son , me too and I kwon how much is difficult to grown him.

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  100. shared on my twitter.
    My prayers are with Sandra and son.
    I have a little son me too, I know the difficult to grow they.

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  101. of course shared and two tickets bought, but most of all I would like to give a big hug to Sandra and her son and to wish them all the best I can think about.
    Ralitza - zolayka

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  102. Just bought a ticked and I'm going to share on FB.

    All the best for Sandra and her son.

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  103. Just bought a ticket and will share on FB.

    All the best for Sandra.

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  104. Donated, shared in FB and bouthg some lovely things from her shop!

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  105. Done and shared! Thank you for this chance to help somebody :)

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  106. Done! And with it all our positive energy to her and her son!

    Please let us know If you need any more items for the raffle!
    Vix & Lp

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  107. I just bought one of Sandra's lovely rings and would be very happy to donate something from my shop towards your raffle. Let me know if you would like me to do that. All the best :)

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  108. Shared on my Facebook page. I also bought a lovely pair of earrings from her shop.
    These are difficult times for Sandra, best wishes to her and her son.

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    Replies
    1. Here's the link to my page https://www.facebook.com/Deborah.Minibuds
      Will tweet too.

      Delete
  109. Said my prayers, bought my tickets, and shared your story. God bless you.

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  110. I've bought a ticket.
    What a lovely community the EST one is. x

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  111. Donated and praying with hope for Sandra and her son.

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  112. I've pinned, tweeted and faved every item in Sandra's shop. Here's the Pinterest link:
    http://pinterest.com/alegriacollec/jewelry/
    Sorry, I can't get the Twitter link! I'm now going to buy some tickets. All the best to Sandra.
    Betty from etsy.com/shop/AlegriaCollection

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  113. I pinned, faved and Tweeted every item in Sandra's shop. Here's the link to Pinterest:
    http://pinterest.com/alegriacollec/jewelry/
    Now I'm going to buy some tickets. All the best to Sandra!
    Betty from AlegriaCollection on Etsy.

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  114. Donated! Hope this will really support Sandra and her little son...

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  115. Donated! Hope this will really help Sandra and her little son!!

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  116. Hi bought my tickets there, and shared, tweeted and stumbled this page! If you would like another donation of a prize please get in touch, I would be more than happy to give a piece of jewellery from my Etsy shop (Ruby Robin Boutique) to the cause.

    xxx

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  117. Sorry to hear about Sandra.

    So kind of you, Estella, to organise this ruffle. I bought the tickets.

    My warm thoughts to Sandra and her son.

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  118. Sorry to hear about Sandra.

    So kind of you, Estella, to organise this ruffle. I bought the tickets.

    My warm thoughts to Sandra and her son.

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  119. I got 4 tickets, and if you need anything else to raffle, let me know.
    My shop is pixiemartin.etsy.com .

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  120. I had a terrible accident on New Years Eve (trying to miss a different accident on the road, I ended up wrecking my ride, and ending up with reconstructive surgery on the elbow of my dominant arm) and have been out of work myself, so I can appreciate the love and help of people who care.

    My heart goes out to you for your loss, I can't even imagine that sort of pain, and I'm on some pretty solid painkillers. Bad joke, sorry.

    I'm glad to help in any way I can.

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  121. Donated and shared.
    Thank you Estella for organizing the raffle.
    A big hug to Sandra and to her son.

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  122. Bought, shared and tweeted. Hope it helps. X

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  123. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  124. I shared it on my facebook wall and I've just donated!! xoxo

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  125. I shared this on my facebook wall and donated!!

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  126. I shared this on my facebook wall and donated!!

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  127. what a devastating loss. my heart goes out to her and her son. thank you for organizing this, just donated.

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  128. Dear Sandra, I don't know what to tell, it is so difficult and words can't tell everything!

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  129. Dear Sandra, I don't know what to tell. It is so difficult and words can't tell everything!

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  130. Best wishes to your friend and her son!
    I shared and donated too :)

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