Dear friends and family,

This is from Stefan, not Kirsten, but as a minor I cannot have a GoFundMe in my name.

I am writing because over the past few years, a coach at my soccer club has collected extra soccer equipment (whether it be used or the wrong size), which he would periodically bring to players in his village in Colombia when he traveled home. He has also shipped donations and items he collected directly to the village in between his visits. The club, Club Deportivo Real Santander F.C., is located in the municipality of Santander de Quilichao. Due to this municipality’s location and its geographical features, it has, unfortunately, become an epicenter for armed forces outside the law, drug trafficking, kidnapping, etc.

For the past several years, our family has always sent whatever clothing and equipment we had to support this cause. I have enjoyed participating in this effort, and recently, I started thinking about what I might be able to do to help in a meaningful way, taking a more active role in the process of supporting the young players in this Colombian village. Toward this end, the coach at my club recently connected me with his friend who lives and coaches in Colombia.

I have reached out to this coach to explore ways I could help support his club. The coach, Mauricio, is coaching a youth girls’ team, which has become increasingly successful and competitive, becoming one of the club’s most promising teams. The club has 18 players, who are 12 and 13 years old. On Friday, January 5 they have the opportunity to compete in three games in a prestigious youth international tournament taking place in Medellín. For some of the players this would be their second time participating in this specific tournament, and for others it woul be their very first. Medellín is 373 km (232 miles) north of Santander de Quilichao, making travelling to/staying over for this event very expensive. It is a very exciting opportunity for these girls.

The first project that I am working on with this club is to attempt to support them by raising funds for their travel expenses for this upcoming international tournament. The total cost of their expenses for this trip will be $2,130 USD. Because they will need to leave on the 5th of January, I’m working quickly and hope to send them a contribution as soon as possible so they will receive it before January 2, 2024. Even if this is not a cause that you personally are interested in investing in, if you have any friends of family you think might like to participate, please do forward this along. Thank you!

Wishing you a very happy holiday and a wonderful 2024,

Sincerely, Stefan