To the children of Zanzabar
Donation protected
Africa is calling me back. Last year I had an experience that drove me to return to Africa for the sole purpose of giving to people who have far less than most of us can fathom. I had an idea and was surprised, to say the least, at how many people contributed. 34 individuals in total pitched in to help a poor man I had met in my travels. There was so much support and at the request of some of you I found a local orphanage to bring much appreciated gifts from America.
With a 50lb bag of clothing, toothbrushes, books, socks, basic first aid supplies, note pads, crayons, soccer balls, the list goes on and on. But one of the important items was simple cash. The money donated was used to buy local items we take for granted, soaps, umbrella's, flashlights (the power goes out regularly) one child needed a bed, beans and rice. Let me tell you $500 goes a long way in this part of the world. I spent an entire day shopping the local market for these items.
Never in my life had I attempted such a task and I thank everyone who helped immensely. Since that time last year I have continued to help and send money back to Africa. One person in particular I have been extremely impressed with.
Her name is Arsheen, she was my contact for the orphanage, and runs a nonprofit transition house for the children for when they must leave the orphanage at the age of 18, most of whom become homeless. The Flo House she named it. A place where these young adults are given education, job training, and a place to live. She also as a classroom at the orphanage to teach the children English. She is by definition a true humanitarian.
Being so impressed by what she has done I have been making monthly contributions to her cause, The Daraja Foundation, which supports both the transition house and the orphanage.
Recently, as in last week, I booked a flight back to Africa. It calls me. Intentionally I planned my trip to visit Zanzibar for the purpose of supporting the children. I have already contacted Arsheen asking her what they need, whether it be the first computer in the Flo house, backpacks for all, clothing, or plain hard cash to buy whatever they need to continue their help in enriching these children's lives.
Though I already have my own plan in place to help I am asking any of you who wish to contribute, I would be honored to deliver your donation personally for you.
Thanks
Chad
With a 50lb bag of clothing, toothbrushes, books, socks, basic first aid supplies, note pads, crayons, soccer balls, the list goes on and on. But one of the important items was simple cash. The money donated was used to buy local items we take for granted, soaps, umbrella's, flashlights (the power goes out regularly) one child needed a bed, beans and rice. Let me tell you $500 goes a long way in this part of the world. I spent an entire day shopping the local market for these items.
Never in my life had I attempted such a task and I thank everyone who helped immensely. Since that time last year I have continued to help and send money back to Africa. One person in particular I have been extremely impressed with.
Her name is Arsheen, she was my contact for the orphanage, and runs a nonprofit transition house for the children for when they must leave the orphanage at the age of 18, most of whom become homeless. The Flo House she named it. A place where these young adults are given education, job training, and a place to live. She also as a classroom at the orphanage to teach the children English. She is by definition a true humanitarian.
Being so impressed by what she has done I have been making monthly contributions to her cause, The Daraja Foundation, which supports both the transition house and the orphanage.
Recently, as in last week, I booked a flight back to Africa. It calls me. Intentionally I planned my trip to visit Zanzibar for the purpose of supporting the children. I have already contacted Arsheen asking her what they need, whether it be the first computer in the Flo house, backpacks for all, clothing, or plain hard cash to buy whatever they need to continue their help in enriching these children's lives.
Though I already have my own plan in place to help I am asking any of you who wish to contribute, I would be honored to deliver your donation personally for you.
Thanks
Chad
Organizer
Chad Gearin
Organizer
Portland, OR