My name is Juanita Reimer, I am a Canadian who has lived in the Sahara Desert in Tunisia for ten years. Most of my friends here are Bedouin.

We started this campaign for Mekki, to raise $700 to buy a donkey and cart for him (see the story below). After raising more than we needed for Mekki ($1400), we began to think about two other families in dire need. 

After visiting some dear friends in the dark of night, (a Berber family living in a troglodyte home), I saw for the first time what their life was really like without electricity. When I arrived, her son was doing his homework under the dim light of a small solar light. I am worried about her children's eyes. They are lovely kids. The room was mostly shadows. Going from room to room required walking through the mud floored courtyard, I kept tripping over uneven spots as I fumbled my way in the dark. Saliha went to the kitchen to make tea on a fire - in the dark. She has no refridgerator. We want to buy her a solar panel that will change this family's life - especially the kids. 

The third family I would love to help, if we raise enough funds is Fatma's family. Fatma is an older single woman, who solely supports her mother. Fatma is blind in one eye, but that does not stop her from working hard for her family. She had a donkey and cart so she could go get grass for their sheep and goats (it is very expensive to buy grain and hay). Her donkey is no longer able to work, as he is finally too old. Fatma now walks for miles every day to cut wild grass, and returns home carrying it on her back. Since she still has a cart, we would love to buy her a donkey to make her life easier. If we raise another $600, we can help all three of these families.
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This Christmas, a dear Bedouin friend has been on my heart. I have known and loved Mekki and his family for ten years. Not only is he a dear friend, but he is the main cook and Cameleer on our camel treks. I always say that Mekki is the heart of our camel treks. Mekki is Bedouin and was born in the Sahara Desert. 

Tourism has been down in Tunisia, and many families are struggling to survive. But Mekki's family  has struggled more than most, and it breaks my heart.

This is the guy that bought me a pair of desert shoes when he saw me tape up my feet (I do this to prevent blisters). He thought I taped them because I didnt have good shoes. He can barely afford shoes for his kids. He and his family give with their hearts, and never talk about how much they are struggling.

Having a donkey and cart would make a huge difference in Mekki's life, allowing him to go cut wild grasses for his sheep, goats and camels instead of having to buy expensive hay and grain, which would allow more money to feed his family.

I would like to raise enough for a donkey or mule and cart for Mekki and his family. If there is not enough funds donated, for around half of the amount I will just buy him the donkey/ mule. At least he will be able to ride that.

At this time of year, when most of us have what we need, and dont need more junk, consider giving a gift to someone in need instead. Or how about your office giving a donation instead of the silly gifts you give each other?

I am not sending this en amass, due to privacy reasons for him and his family. I am just sending this to my friends and family.

Apparently Gofundme takes 5% of any money you send, but the rest will ALL go towards the donkey and cart. I will let you know at the end how much was raised, and will post photos of the donkey and cart after it is purchased. 

Take a few minutes.
Change a life. You really can make a difference

Juanita Reimer