Orphans in Africa
Donation protected
For those who know me, this isn't a surprise to you. My love of philanthropy and traveling makes this opportunity my calling. This is why I've committed to spending my birthday volunteering at orphanages in Kenya for 2 weeks.
Volunteering has always been in my blood, but it kicked in when I joined the community service club in high school and in a couple of years, was made President of the community service club, doing great things with great people. There, through many different forms of volunteering, I found my passion lied in helping children and the less fortunate. I once had the opportunity to study and volunteer abroad, and although my parents knew how passionate I was about giving back, they simply couldn't afford it unlike they are able to now with my little brother. But lack of money can't burn out true passion. I spent the last decade ensuring my career success and now that life has aligned for me, I can't forget that others don't have the opportunity to mold their life the way I was able to mold mine and it's time I re-focus on what's important to me.
I have decided to register for the Orphanage volunteer program in Kenya because that is where I can make the biggest impact and give the most love for the ones who need it the most. All the children at the orphanages are from very poor backgrounds and broken homes. Many have lost their parents to crime, alcohol, drug abuse and HIV/Aids.
Although it's volunteer work, it's not cheap, but money I am willing to pull out of my own pocket. However, I am asking for your help to make it more feasible for me to volunteer. My fundraising goal listed is just the bare minimum and all major costs are clearly listed below. Does not include vaccinations, gifts for the orphanage, the fundraising costs of this site, etc., which I will cover. In the spirit of the holiday season, I genuinely appreciate your generosity and I'm sure the children in the orphanage will too!
Feel free to leave a comment if you want me to pass on any words to the orphans. I'm also seeking ideas of something I can make to bring back to the orphans that can incorporate the names of the generous donors! All comments welcome!
Program info:
Depart: April 4, 2013
Return: April 22, 2013
Due to the high incidences of poverty and illness, orphanages in Kenya can host 50-300 children at any one time and there is always a high demand for more volunteer assistance. In Kenya we have a few different types of orphanages, some which house and foster abandoned and orphaned children, some which have schools attached, and some where the volunteers live at the orphanage full time. Each orphanage accommodates children of differing ages, but generally volunteers work with children from 2 to 16 years of age.
Organizer
Alina Mitchell
Organizer
San Francisco, CA
