As many of you know. Much of my heart lies in Brasil. I became affiliated and a servant of a non- profit organization called “The MORE
Project” (Projeto Mais) since back in 2011. And still today, it remains in my heart as one of the brightest lights. 

The organization serves the thousands of children living in a very dangerous favela (slum) outside Rio de Janeiro called “Vila Ipiranga”. This favela is located in a city called Niteroi. The children/teenagers, their families, teachers, leaders, and other friends who have served in Brazil alongside me- have all become like family. I honestly do not know how to put into words, how much they all mean to me. As well as how much I love them and pray for them all, as they continue to live and reside in complete chaos and danger. I pray for the hearts of the children, so that they can strive for more and not give up hope. I pray for opportunities for them. I personally, even started to learn Brazilian Portuguese four years ago, just so I could grow closer to them.  I still plan on being fluent in Portuguese, someday. We’re getting there!

Since 2011, I have now been to Brasil numerous times. I have laughed, cried, mourned, sang, danced and sat down in fellowship alongside and amongst these beautiful people I now call a second family. Amongst the many other children. We have eaten meals together and prayed. And I have tried my utmost best to understand even an ounce of what they go through on a daily basis. Falling asleep to gunfire every evening, right outside their windows. But truth is, I will never know. Because I am privileged. I am a first world child. My worst day will always remain their best day.

People think Brazil and they think Futebol (soccer), colourful sidewalks, beautiful famous beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema (and the song “Girl From Ipanema”) beautiful people, The Christ Redeemer statue , the Amazon Rainforest, Carnaval, Samba and Bossa Nova. Truth is, yes all those things are vibrant and amazing. MOST! of the population is NOT! Living like that. In fact, they are living in total poverty and in their own third world. As soon as you get off the plane you will see Favelas (slums). Yet their corrupt government do nothing to make it any easier for them. During the World Cup. They just simply build walls and pretend these people don’t exist. It’s horrendous. I love this country and people more than anything- but this is truth. Through all of their troubles, they have more joy, love and hope than all of us combined living in first world.

I am reaching out today with hope. This is my first time using a fundraising platform like this. But I must humble myself and ask for you help, as I can't quite do this one on my own. Erica and her boys (my sponsor boys) Caio and João Pedro, as well as her daughter Evelin and her grandson Pierre. Do not have medical or universal healthcare . That is unfortunately the type of country they live in. Erica, after so long (years) of not being able to find a job in Brazil’s economy. Got a job as a chef in a supermarket about a year before covid. It was something we had been praying about for so very long. However, she severely injured her shoulder. To be specific, she tore a major tendon in her rotator cuff- and could not work anymore. Then covid happened, and even if she did have the means for the shoulder surgery, she wouldn't of been able to go back, because of the pandemic. She will however, be able to go back to work now if she can get the surgery and heal. And as much as I try and help- I simply can't afford this right now. It breaks my heart, because I want to make all hers and the kids dreams come true. She is currently in constant pain and has been for a long time. And to top it off, she must walk up and down those favela hills, with groceries and more. While just trying to get through the day to day.

I am reaching out to all of you with hopes that you can help Erica get her surgery. Just this week, she received a call from the doctors. They said that if she can pay for surgery, then she has a surgery date on August 12th! that is in nine days from when I write this. So it's coming up FAST! I wish I had more time or else I probably could of planned ahead. So lastly, I am aiming for a goal of $3500 Canadian dollars. I hope and pray you can find it in your heart to help Erica out. She is a strong woman of Faith, and a beautiful wise mother of three. She has sacrificed everything for her children. And in a land where children give up Hope and fall into complete despair through gun and gang violence, drug and sex trafficking and more. Even as young as 10 and 11 yrs old. Many who I have known been shot and killed or ended up in Jail.

Erica is a woman and mother in whom stands out above the rest. I am so grateful she allows me to love and help parent her children alongside her. I hope you can find it in your heart to give with me, so she can get back to work and be healed to complete restoration. Any large or small amount helps. If you are a person that is concerned with taxes while giving: because this is a 'personal fundraiser' and not, an organized charity. You will have to file and keep track of your own giving. I have Erica's banking information and the money will go directly to her. But you will not receive a tax receipt because it is 'not' an organized charity. Apologies. I hope this doesn’t stop you from giving. We so desperately need your support. Thank you in advance for your understanding.

Much Love, Blessings and Joy always,
Kyla O'Donovan