There are various reasons why people blog. Some say it's a way of honing their writing skills, while others find it a place to let off steam in an anonymous environment. Most bloggers love the community feel of the blogosphere and have made genuine friendships across cyberspace. But perhaps the most important aspect of blogging is the feeling that you can actually make a difference, whether it be empathising with someone experiencing the same difficulties as you, or in this case, on a much wider scale.
No one will ever be able to forget Madeleine McCann, least of all her parents. It's now been two-and-a-half years since the almost 4 year old disappeared from her appartment bedroom in Portugal. And no one is any nearer to discovering what actually happened to the little girl.
I watched this video and I cried. There's nothing new in it. I've seen all the footage before, but nonetheless I still cried. As a mother of two little girls, I can't possibly even imagine the devastation that Maddie's disappearance has caused to her family.
My heart truly breaks for the McCann family. Please, somebody, somewhere, help find her.
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Momentum celebrate Christmas in Sligo
13 hours ago
Apologies if this comment appears twice.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what happened with my first comment.
Here's hoping that all missing children are reunited with their families before too long.
Very Sad.
best wishes
Ribbon
I'm going to post this later this week too. Top Ender told me I had to, she remembers when Madeleine went missing and said that it was important that everyone tries to find this little girl and all children who aren't with their families.
ReplyDeleteThe charity 'Raising Malawi' (PR firm) founded by Madonna, Michael Berg, and Monica Berg in '06', held fund raisers for over two years before finally getting registered as a non-profit. In other words, Madonna and the others were free to squander that funding any way they saw fit for those first two years. In fact, they still havn't accounted for the 3.7 million raised from a single event in early '08' (The grand opening of a Gucci flagship store in Manhattan.). She also pleaded with her fans worldwide for donations along the way. In the meantime, she toured the world to promote her latest CD and raked in another $400,000,000 gross in just over 12 months. To date, the basic financial info for 'Raising Malawi' still hasn't been posted on the website or anywhere else. The 'progress' page only tells of the collective works by over 20 seperate charities. Each of which have their own sources of funding and may have recieved some sort of promotion or support from 'Raising Malawi' in order to be considered 'partners'. But no indication is made how much of their funding came from 'Raising Malawi' or how much of their progress if any could be directly attributed to 'Raising Malawi'. The fans/donors have no clue how many millions of dollars were raised in that first two years, no clue how much Madonna herself chipped in, and no clue how the money was spent before they finally registered as a non-profit. No clue what fraction of funding or works listed on that 'progress' page could be directly attributed to 'Raising Malawi'. Nothing to go on but the vague and misleading word of Madonna. For example: She states in her latest promotional video that she will match any contributions made to her charity (PR firm) "dollar for dollar". However, there is a disclaimer posted on the website for 'Raising Malawi' that Madonna's total contribution will not exceed $100,000. Thats not per donation. Thats a maximum of $100,000 TOTAL. Less than a single days pay for Madonna. Also much less then she will surely rake in by promoting her own CDs, DVDs, books, and 'for profit' merchandise through this massive worldwide publicity stunt. So I called the office of 'Raising Malawi' in an attempt to verify some sort of efficient financial operation (310) 867-2881 or (888) 72-DONOR). These details are ALWAYS made available by legitimate charities. But not in this case. I got nothing but recorded messages and hangups. So I did some research on my own. 'Raising Malawi' still hasn't been given any kind of rating by ANY independent charity watchdog like Charitywatch.org. The vast overwhelming majority of 'celebrity' foundations never are. In general, they are inneficient and riddled with corruption. Like the promotion of CDs, world tours, commercial websites, entire lines of jewelry (not just the single piece from which proceeds are donated), and high end retail flagship stores. Its far less expensive to promote your image and product with a contribution to your own charity (PR firm) than it is to buy commercial airtime worldwide. This is why its become such a trend. Celebrity foundations are also notorious for squandering much of their funding on private jet rides and super high end accomodations for their celebrity figure heads. Its legal even for a nonprofit but not noble or efficient by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, non-profits are not actually required by law to be efficient. This is why the independent rating is so important. In general, 'celebrity' foundations never even get one. They are a twisted inefficient mutant of charity, self-promotion, exotic travel, marketing, and PR crap. Still, they compete for funding with more efficient legitimate charities. The celebrity figure heads often disregard the primary donors, co-founders, and managers, take personal credit for any collective work done, and seek maximum publicity shortly before or after the release of their own commercial projects. Its a sham. So if its not rated, then don't support it. Instead, support a top rated charity like any of those given high ratings at Charitywatch.org.
ReplyDeleteMiss M is the same age as Maddie's brother and sister, so my heart aches when I see them as I know how aware they will be and how much even then they will have missed her. I will post this later today lovely. And it's so good that you've highlighted it. Making a difference is an amzing part of blogging. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteMaking a difference is one of the nice things about blogging - I can't believe how much time has passed and can't imagine how her poor family are coping
ReplyDeleteThe day this came out I'd heard about it on the radio when waking. Then my daughter came down for breakfast, and I looked at my blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl and thought: You are the same age as Madeleine McCann. You could be in the same class at school.
ReplyDeleteHow awful, to have to live with not knowing. I am so, so, so grateful to know my children.
I've planned my post for tomorrow so that a couple appear in the blogosphere every day this week. This is when blogging really comes into it's own, doing what we can to help an international campaign. This is why we blog, and this is why we must continue doing so, and for God sake, someone must know where Madeleine is. her parents need news, they cannot live in limbo any more. Makes me so upset and angry.
ReplyDeleteApologies, got a little emotional there.
Ribbon - Nope, you're alright - you just appeared once! And yes, it's good to be reminded that there is more than just one missing child - there are thousands of families feeling exactly the same way as the McCanns right now. Here's hoping that they all come back safely x
ReplyDeletePippa - Aaaah - bless Top Ender - what a lovely girl. Yes, Renée knows about Maddie too - because we talk about her sometimes and how not everyone in this world is nice (have to have the talk cos she often befreinds funny people she doesn't know and it's a bit scary)...
Anonymous - While I think you may have a point, I'm not sure this is the forum to cut and paste your comment when we're talking about a little girl who has gone missing. Besides, the comment is way too long for anyone to actually get to the end without falling alseep. I would suggest that if you do it in future, you make your comment shorter. Then people might read it and listen. Like I said though, you may have a point...
Jo - Have read your post and it's wonderful, as usual. Yes, well done for highlighting it too. Like I said in my comment under your post, my two girls are so close that it's unbearable to think of them being parted in such a hideous way. It's too much to think about sometimes...
Muddling - I know - every day must just be hell for them. When I watch that video and see her two little brothers it breaks my heart. I think the not knowing is the worst thing...
Catharine - Yes, Renée is just a little bit younger, but I had the same thoughts as well. In fact, they look extremely similar, so it pulled my heartstrings even more. Since becoming a Mother I can not bear to see any form of child cruelty (actually couldn't before, but when you have children of your own it just intensifies a millionfold).
Rosie - I just crossed you. Yes, good idea - to spread it out over the week. And yes, if by blogging I can help in any way at all, then I will. Maddie's story sets me off every time - it's having two children of similar ages and wondering how on earth anyone can possibly cope if something like that happens to them. It would destroy every part of you, I think. And yes, somebody, somewhere knows something. And as Potty Mummy has entitled her Maddie post - it's never too late to do the right thing - someone should come forward + stop a million bleeding hearts...
ReplyDeleteI think this is brilliant that they are going internet-- and showing the possible changes made in her appearance will surely help.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous seems to have such a good cause, I wonder why they felt the need to hide?
It's too awful. I can't bear to think what her parents are going through, or indeed what little Madeleine might be going through. Even writing this, my heart feels like it's in my throat at the thought of my children suddenly going missing.
ReplyDelete(By the way belated thanks for my award, you lovely, lovely woman) x
I started writing my blog because of Madeleine McCann.. it made me realise how important our children our and how close we should hold them. I still dream about someone finding her, although worry now that it may be too late.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me of what is important.. puts my current bad mood into perspective.
BM x
ibhh - Yep, internet is the way to go - has also caught many a people out. Let's hope that Madeleine is found...And yes - strange about anonymous. Thought they had a good point, but wasn't sure they went about it the right way!
ReplyDeleteSelina - I know - I well up every time I think about my own children in the same position. The poor, poor parents. What they have been through and continue to go through is beyond imaginable. And re:the award - you are so very welcome xxx
Bush Mummy - Yes, I remember you posting about Maddie before - it's such a hideous story so close to all our hearts. Some days you think it's not possible that she's found, but then you hear about cases, a couple recently, where children are found years later. Obviously life can never be the same for any of them, but as long as she remains 'unfound', there's still hope...