My name is Fernanda, and along with my colleagues at Managing Matters we want to help make a difference in the lives of impoverished families in Soatá, Boyacá- Colombia. We need your help to bring Christmas joy to 150 (approx) families that live below the poverty line.

At this year’s kickoff meeting, while we were choosing and selecting initiatives, we all agreed on supporting a cause where funds go directly to families in need. One of our committee members narrated a story that motivated us to start this project. We are positive that it will generate a 100% ROI on happiness by working with local communities to distribute gifts and food baskets to these families.

THIS IS THE STORY:

Christmas should be a happy season for all, especially for children! While in our country the majority of houses shine through the season with giant Christmas trees, gifts, lights, and children expecting Santa, in other parts of the world, children are just hoping to eat a proper meal. A few years ago, our committee member, Fernanda, was visiting her family for Christmas in the town where her family is from, Soata, Boyaca, Colombia.

It’s a common tradition in Colombia to have gatherings with family and the community for nine nights before Christmas eve (“Novena”). Fernanda and her family were invited to a gathering in one of the nearby villages, and she headed to the “Novena” with her family. There she saw so many children playing around with a smile on their faces, this is their night. They got on a makeshift stage and the light shone on them while performing their Christmas songs. At the end of the night, generous people donated gifts to the children whose families were too poor to afford them, but unfortunately, there were not enough. Many children were left empty-handed and sad that night.

Fernanda promised herself that one day she would return to the village with enough gifts for everyone. This sad night was a reflection of the root problem that many children in her country face every day. They are often forced to grow up too quickly, facing challenges such as poverty, violence, and a lack of access to education and healthcare. So we're asking for your help to bring a smile to the faces of children who have faced challenges that no child their age should face.

We want to support Colombia's children and their families, especially those from Soata’s rural areas. As a grassroots project, all funds will go directly to this cause. We will help with the purchase and distribution of donations through local churches. Any amount of money is a blessing for these children and their families. Nothing is taken for granted and your generosity will bring a smile to their faces this holiday season.

Why are we so passionate about this project? Through the experiences, Fernanda has shared with us we better comprehend the need and change this project can bring. With the support of these donations, we will give families hope for a better future.

What we take for granted, others are praying for, and with a little bit of our help, we could impact so many families and bring a smile to their faces this upcoming Christmas.

We’ll be posting updates, and pictures and sending videos of families receiving your generosity.

GRACIAS AMIGOS!

This is the Town in Boyaca , Colombia

This is where some children have to walk through to go to school, or entire families walk through to go do any activity outside of their homes. (This girl was bringing food to vulnerable families)

The majority of people cook on this, there is no stove (Food is delicious though).

COLOMBIA:

It is heavily thought that what stands out the most in Colombia are Drugs and Cartels portrayed in pop culture/cinema. But that's not what Colombia is all about, despite of being ravaged by a decades-long violent conflict involving armed groups, drug cartels, and gross violations of human rights, Colombia is frequently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world due to its vibrant people, music, wonderful gastronomy, and diverse culture.

Soata-Boyaca is a town located on the western slopes of the Cordillera Oriental mountain range, at the northeast end of the Department of Boyacá. It has 8.730 inhabitants of which 63% live in the urban zone and 47% live in the eight subdivisions that comprise the rural area.

Helpful Links:

Photo Credits: Manuel Gomez Mesa

Colombia Country Profile