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Q&A: War Child's Sam Nutt Discusses First Book and Pros and Cons of Humanitarian Aid

As the founder and executive director of War Child Canada and War Child U.S.A., the non-profit organization that helps raise awareness and support of war affected children globally through local and international initiatives, Toronto’s Dr. Samantha Nutt has seen her share of atrocity.

In her new book, Damned Nations – Greed, Guns, Armies & Aid (Signal/McClelland & Stewart), in stores October 25, Nutt examines the plight of humanitarianism on the frontlines of such war-torn countries as Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, with heartfelt and startling eye-witness testimony on one hand and a sober analysis of the realities and actions that would result in a massive turnaround to help end war and suffering.

Nutt, recently awarded the Order Of Canada for her contributions to improve the conditions of citizens in the world’s worst conflict zones, explains in her book why eliminating the gender divide, implementing education and employment opportunities, and installing a stable infrastructure of legal aid offer hope for the future.

On a personal and local level, she offers several suggestions on how people who want to rally for change can get involved, from donation tips and consideration for where your money is going to lobbying for changes to the Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy.

Dr. Nutt recently spoke with Samaritanmag.com’s Nick Krewen about Damned Nations and what can happen when inexperienced people and organizations try to do good.

 

* Samaritanmag.com is an online magazine covering the good deeds of individuals, charities and businesses.

TOMS Shoes Creates Spring Line From Late Photojournalist Dan Eldon's Journals

TOMS, the American shoe line whose "one for one" policy is to donate one pair of new shoes to a child in need for each pair bought, has just launched its spring collection, inspired by late photojournalist Dan Eldon.

On July 12,1993, 22-year-old Eldon, one of Reuters youngest photojournalists, and three colleagues were stoned and beaten to death by an angry mob reacting to a UN bombing in Mogadishu, Somalia, which had led to the death of 74 innocent civilians.

“Dan Eldon was one of these brightly burning flames whose ability to live in the present and capture its emotional content through photography and collage were unmatched. Dan’s journals and safari approach to life touched all facets of the Spring Collection’s development,” reads the TOMS press release.

The British-born Eldon, who grew up in Kenya, left behind journals, which have been exhibited worldwide. “Blake [Mycoskie, TOMS founder] and the TOMS design team immersed themselves in Dan’s immense body of work, built a room covered in his art, and even listened to his favorite music as they crafted the line,” the release says.

 

* Samaritanmag.com is an online magazine covering the good deeds of individuals, charities and businesses.

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