What Seasonal Flu and My Trip to Haiti Have In Common. This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GetAShot #CollectiveBias
What Seasonal Flu and My Trip to Haiti Have In Common #GetAShot
It’s Back to School time, which means Seasonal Flu season is right around the corner. While most parents are focusing on school bus schedules, homework help, and keeping those kids germ-free, I’ve been sitting here looking through an old photo album from my trip to Haiti. Didn’t know that I’ve been to Haiti before? Well, honestly it’s not something that I talk about much. I didn’t have the experience I was hoping for.
I was in high school when my family received the opportunity to travel to Haiti on a once in a lifetime mission trip. I remember having so much hope before we left. I was determined to make a difference for the Haitian people. Fast forward to the end of my trip, I was emotionally drained. The drudging heat with no air conditioning, having rocks hurled at our group and having people constantly “touching” me all the time (Asians were a novelty in Haiti)…I had had enough.
Merchant Cards from the Haitian Shops
I didn’t have the storybook ending to a mission trip like everyone else. But I do have some amazing memories. The one thing that continues to stick in my mind? The children. The Haitian children were just amazing. Their eyes lit up every time that we saw them, wondering what we had brought them, if we would buy any of their “souvenirs” from their little shops (aka blanket on the ground), what game they were going to play with us today. They didn’t know how desperate their situation was or where their next meal was coming from. They had beautiful smiles and innocence. Those children are what made the difference for me on this trip, and why I was so excited to learn about Get a Shot. Give a Shot.
1 in 5. That’s how many children in the world do not have access to life saving immunizations. But this seasonal flu season, you can make a difference.
From now through October 13th, for every flu shot or other adult immunization you receive at Walgreens, you will help provide a life-saving vaccine to a child in a developing country through the United Nation Foundation’s Shot@Life Campaign. That’s one life you could be saving, one child from a country like Haiti. Just head into your local Walgreens and get your annual seasonal flu shot. Walk out knowing that your provided life to a child. That’s it. 3 million vaccines were donated last year. Let’s give more for 2014. Get a Shot. Give a Shot. It’s a simple concept that can have life changing results.
When I receive my seasonal flu shot this year, I’ll be thinking about those kids in Haiti. Those children left a lasting impression on me to do more, give more, and be more for them. With the Walgreens Get a Shot. Give a Shot Campaign, I know that I will be giving them more than a vaccine.
I’m giving those kids hope.
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Lindsey G says
I just love this campaign – THIS is why I shop at Walgreens because they give back so much!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
It’s scary to think that there are so many kids out there that can’t get the immunizations they need. We are so lucky to live here where we can get them.
Ben @ Cheap is the New Classy says
I love this initiative. It’s so good to know that getting my flu shot means a child will get their flu shot as well. Good for you on the mission trip. I took a trip like that to New Orleans when I was 15. It was seriously another world. We were in the ghetto, and it was like a third world country.
Marina says
What a wonderful program. It’s nice to know that getting my flu vaccination will help a child in need.
Debbie Denny says
I love this program. It is an awesome way to give back.
Pam says
I love that Walgreens is doing this. It’s so convenient to get a shot there, and it’s even better that it’s helping someone else.
Tracey says
This is an awesome program. It’s a great way to give back.
Carly from The Puzzled Palate says
I went on a mission trip when I was 15 to Honduras and had a similar experience with the children- they were amazing! This is such a great campaign!
Catherine S says
What a great program. It is great that I can help kids in need just by getting my flu shot.
April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition says
That’s a great program! Shots are so easy and so inexpensive but do so much good that it’s sad that other areas don’t have easy access to them to save their lives.
Debbie L. says
This is such a great cause – Thank you Walgreens for helping make a difference.
Janel (A Mom's Take) says
It’s so easy to help, and I like easy. This is a great thing Walgreens is doing. I’ll gladly support Walgreens and their Get a Shot, Give a Shop program.
Brandy says
Other countries are so different than ours but I fear even our own country is going downhill too. I love that you are spreading awareness of this for Haiti, because honestly, giving back and educating others on our experiences like this … matter! Matter a lot. Thanks for sharing this!
Camesha says
I absolutely love this campaign. Thanks for spreading awareness.
Emily says
Oh no, I’m sorry you didn’t have a good experience on your mission trip! I do like the idea of buying a shot and giving a shot…
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
Thanks for the reminder. I need to get my kids the flu shot this season. It is coming up.
Jenn @TheRebelChick says
Whenever I hear people ranting against vaccines in the US, I just think of all of the kids in countries like Haiti, whose parents would BE THRILLED to be able to give their kids their vaccinations. My heart always breaks when I think of the kids in Haiti, it definitely makes me appreciate my life here in the US!
Kiwi says
Once again I love when brands come together for a bigger cause. This is nice to know since vaccine season is around the corner.
Liz Mays says
I hope there really are more shots donated this year. I did it last year and I’m down for it again!
April says
I have been hearing a lot about this fantastic campaign and they are all great! It is the most genius thing I have seen in a while!