Jimmy  Darts

SB Mowing

Pattie Gonia

Little Miss Flint

Kalina Silverman / @makebigtalk on Instagram

The Dogist

Samuel Weidenhofer

Patriotic Kenny Foundation

Peter Bond

That Good News Girl

Ben Saunders - Flawless Cleaning

Flavor Flav

Ask Uncle Jack

Amy Jandrisevits

FowlMouthFarmer

Tess Bohne

Latonja and Taylor Richardson

Officer Richard Craig

John Wolfe

Khloe

<div>Hi, my name is Iva, and I'm a Canadian woman who has been living in Guatemala for the last 10 years. I originally came here to help families who were living in poverty, to help with food, medicine, and anything else their children needed just to get by.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>What I didn’t expect was to be confronted by the heartbreaking reality of the <strong>street dogs.</strong> In my town, Panajachel and the surrounding small villages, the street dog population is completely out of control. There are no shelters. There are only a handful of foster homes, and they are always full. When dogs are hit by cars, suffer from mange, get sick, or need surgery, there is often <strong>nowhere for them to go </strong>afterward. No safe place to recover. Too often, dogs are released back onto the streets too soon, or they are left to suffer.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Some have <strong>already died</strong> simply because there was nowhere safe for them to recover.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>After years of witnessing this again and again, I realized the problem isn’t a lack of compassion because there are plenty of loving souls here; it’s a <strong>lack of space.</strong> There is nowhere for these dogs to go when they need help the most. That is what I am trying to change.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We run low-cost spay and neuter clinics every month in villages around the lake, but it's <strong>not enough</strong> to control the street dog population. The situation here is critical and <strong>heartbreaking,</strong> and it's time that something is done about it.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>My goal is to purchase a piece of land here in Guatemala and build a dog sanctuary. A <strong>safe place</strong> where injured and sick street dogs can recover after surgery. A place where they can heal <strong>instead of dying on the roadside.</strong> A place where they are protected, cared for, and given a real <strong>chance to survive</strong>.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>What the funds are used for</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<ul>
<li>I need to find and purchase a piece of land far enough away from town that's safe
</li>
<li>Purchase building materials and hire locals to build kennels and secure dog houses
</li>
<li>Construct a small area for volunteers and supplies (cleaning, medicine, bathing area, etc)
</li>
<li>Purchase beds, blankets, supplies, etc.
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I'm basically <strong>starting at 0</strong> with nothing but hope, prayers, optimism and a ton of faith. I've seen <strong>far too many dogs suffer </strong>on the streets, and I can't just sit back and continue to watch this happen.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This fundraiser is about securing that land and creating a sanctuary that simply does not exist here right now. One that will <strong>save lives</strong> that are currently being lost for no other reason than there is nowhere for them to go.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Thank you </strong>for reading, for caring, and for helping me turn this into something real. Every share, every donation, and every bit of support brings us closer to giving these dogs the safety they desperately need.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>with so much love
</div>
<div>xo iva xo
</div>

Help Me Build a Dog Sanctuary to Save the Street Dogs

<div>My wonderful husband, Jonathan McCormick, passed away unexpectedly on January 16th. We moved to Amity, Maine on June 3rd of 2024, and poured everything we had - heart, soul, and money - into building the homestead of our dreams.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Jon passed away without life insurance, and left behind a substantial amount of debt. I am currently 19 weeks pregnant, and we also have three young children - 6, 2, and 6 months old. Anything that you can donate, even if it's only $5, will help relieve an enormous burden until I can get financials figured out over the next few months.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you so much.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/85987203_173800235481014_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/85987203_1738002370600303_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/85987203_1738002391109189_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/85987203_1738002353933079_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>

Aid for Jonathan's Grieving Family

<div>(Version en español abajo)
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Dear donors,
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We recognize the challenges that many families in Panajachel, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, are currently facing. People across the country are experiencing difficulties due to various factors, including economic instability and limited access to essential resources.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>In response to these challenges, we are reaching out to our community to provide support to those in need. Your generosity can make a significant difference. Donations received will be directly used to purchase food baskets, basic medical assistance, and psychological care for families struggling to afford basic necessities.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Together, we can show solidarity with those facing adversity and offer our support during these difficult times. Your contribution will ensure that families receive the help they need, whether in the form of basic food, essential medical assistance, or psychological care, promoting a sense of security and well-being in our community.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>With gratitude,
</div>
<div>VisitPanajachel
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the current situation in Guatemala. Here are some useful resources:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>In English: <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/10/09/1204611996/guatemalans-protest-attempts-to-overturn-the-results-of-presidential-election" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Link to NPR article</a>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Auf Deutsch: <a href="https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/guatemala-242.html?fbclid=IwAR1zYvoLyTHbIIm5x62q4JwK8ntz5YCSYTHlvTZGbbfFBN80n3mDL4mCD_Q" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Link zum Tagesschau-Artikel</a>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>En Español:
</div>
<div><a href="https://elpais.com/internacional/2023-10-09/guatemala-cumple-una-semana-de-paro-y-bloqueos-para-exigir-la-renuncia-de-la-fiscal-general.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOTICIAS EL PAIS</a>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><a href="https://www.prensalibre.com/guatemala/comunitario/junta-directiva-de-los-48-cantones-convoca-a-paro-nacional-indefinido-y-confirma-bloqueos-breaking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOTICIAS PRENSA LIBRE</a>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Our Policy: VisitPanajachel is not responsible for the content or messages that may be shared by its members and other people; these are the sole responsibility of the individuals expressing them.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Who is VisitPanajachel?
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We are an organization committed to the community development of Panajachel and Lake Atitlán through sustainable and respectful tourism.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Our mission is to contribute to the comprehensive well-being of the population, promoting culture, economic growth, security, and environmental protection. Join us on this path towards a better Panajachel for everyone.We are fairly new, but not new to Panajachel. If you’d like to learn more about us or contact us directly, you can do so at <a href="https://gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">[email redacted]</a> or our social media accounts.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/visitpanajachelgt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook</a>
</div>
<div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/visitpanajachel/?fbclid=IwAR0Z0XDd7CUSBrRilsW85gl-sfHPE46H2l2q2XwKBP4DoOxGe0pcJwlhHwc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>
</div>
<div>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</div>
<div>Estimados donantes,
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Reconocemos los desafíos que muchas familias en Panajachel, Lago de Atitlán, Guatemala, están enfrentando en la actualidad. Personas en todo el país están atravesando dificultades debido a varios factores, incluyendo la inestabilidad económica y el acceso limitado a recursos esenciales.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>En respuesta a estas dificultades, nos dirigimos a nuestra comunidad para brindar apoyo a quienes lo necesitan. Tu generosidad puede marcar una diferencia significativa. Las donaciones recibidas se utilizarán directamente para comprar canastas de alimentos, asistencia médica básica y cuidado psicológico para familias que tienen dificultades para cubrir necesidades básicas.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Juntos, podemos mostrar solidaridad con aquellos que enfrentan adversidades y ofrecer nuestro apoyo durante estos tiempos difíciles. Tu contribución asegurará que las familias reciban el apoyo que necesitan, ya sea en forma de alimentos básicos, asistencia médica esencial o cuidado psicológico, promoviendo un sentido de seguridad y bienestar en nuestra comunidad.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Con gratitud,
</div>
<div>VisitPanajachel
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Animamos a todos a familiarizarse con la situación actual en Guatemala. Aquí hay algunos recursos útiles:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>En inglés: <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/10/09/1204611996/guatemalans-protest-attempts-to-overturn-the-results-of-presidential-election" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Link to NPR Article</a>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Auf Deutsch: <a href="https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/guatemala-242.html?fbclid=IwAR1zYvoLyTHbIIm5x62q4JwK8ntz5YCSYTHlvTZGbbfFBN80n3mDL4mCD_Q" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Link to Tagesschau Article</a>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>En español:<a href="https://elpais.com/internacional/2023-10-09/guatemala-cumple-una-semana-de-paro-y-bloqueos-para-exigir-la-renuncia-de-la-fiscal-general.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Articulo en El Pais</a>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><a href="https://www.prensalibre.com/guatemala/comunitario/junta-directiva-de-los-48-cantones-convoca-a-paro-nacional-indefinido-y-confirma-bloqueos-breaking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Articulo de la Prensa Libre</a>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Nuestra política: VisitPanajachel no se hace responsable del contenido o los mensajes que puedan ser compartidos por sus miembros y otras personas; estos son responsabilidad exclusiva de los individuos que los expresan
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>¿Quién es VisitPanajachel?
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Somos una organización comprometida con el desarrollo comunitario de Panajachel y el Lago de Atitlán a través del turismo sostenible y respetuoso. Nuestra misión es contribuir al bienestar integral de la población, promoviendo la cultura, el crecimiento económico, la seguridad y la protección del medio ambiente. Únete a nosotros en este camino hacia un mejor Panajachel para todos. Aunque somos relativamente nuevos, no somos nuevos en Panajachel. Si deseas obtener más información sobre nosotros o contactarnos directamente, puedes hacerlo en <a href="https://gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">[email redacted]</a> o a través de nuestras redes sociales.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/visitpanajachelgt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook</a>
</div>
<div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/visitpanajachel/?fbclid=IwAR0Z0XDd7CUSBrRilsW85gl-sfHPE46H2l2q2XwKBP4DoOxGe0pcJwlhHwc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>
</div>

Support families in Panajachel, Guatemala

<div>As many of you know, Urijah is our baby son. We noticed a couple weeks ago that he had a knot on his back knee that we thought might have been a bite or a cyst. In just a few days time it ballooned and was noticeably larger. I took him to the vet last week and they took samples. It turns out it was a cancerous growth. Earlier this week I took him back to the vet to have chest x-rays, abdominal ultrasounds and blood tests ran to see if the cancer had spread to his other organs. Thankfully all of those test came back clear. So he was approved for surgery to remove it. I took him for his consultation today only to find out that this cancer is aggressive and unless they remove his leg, it will spread to his body and he will need radiation and chemotherapy to prolong his life. We don't want to do anything to make him suffer and the surgeon assured us that he would bounce back from amputation just fine. Unfortunately, all of these tests have already cost over $1,000. I was told the amputation would cost nearly $5,000 dollars. I hate to ask for help but I'm at a loss. This is so very unexpected and I know times are tough for everyone, but every bit helps right now. Even just sharing this means the world. Thank you for reading this. I just want my baby to be okay. He's the sweetest angel in the world and deserves to be comfortable for the rest of his life. 
</div>

Emergency Leg Amputation for Urijah

<div>Our friend Jim Phillips needs our help.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>On January 20th, 2023, Jim went to Anschutz Medical Center in Denver after months of nagging back pain that wouldn't go away. The following morning, he was rushed into emergency surgery after doctors discovered a spinal epidural abscess.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>As part of the biportal endoscopic spinal procedure, doctors removed part of his spine bone to drain the abscess. The severity was so bad that doctors said he would likely no longer be with us had they waited one more day.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Since surgery, Jim has been paralyzed from the middle of his back down.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>For the past five and a half weeks, Jim has been trying to keep a positive attitude as he undergoes vigorous rehabilitation and adjusts to a new life without the use of his legs. He still has a ways to go on this new journey, and he will remain in the hospital for 3-4 more weeks, followed by in-patient rehab.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Jim is known for his passion for writing and sharing his undying love of professional wrestling and its rich history. As a wrestling historian on ProWrestlingStories.com (<a href="https://prowrestlingstories.com/author/jim/)," target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://prowrestlingstories.com/author/jim/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://prowrestlingstories.com/author/jim/</a>),</a> Jim has beautifully documented a business he loves by chronicling the wrestling territories while acknowledging many who otherwise don't get the recognition they deserve.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>A lifetime Cauliflower Alley Club member (which honors and helps people from the wrestling business in a time of need), and an extraordinary chef, Jim has given back to so many over the years. Now, it's our time to give back to him during his time of need.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Over the past few days, Jim has had some victories. After weeks of no feeling or movement from the middle of his back down, he has begun to be able to wiggle his left big toe slightly. Wins like this mean a great deal right now. While some people regain feeling in their extremities and use of their legs 6-12 months after this procedure, doctors have told Jim to keep an open mind about the reality of living the rest of his life in a wheelchair.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Now Jim is not the type to ask for anything. He's told me at least a few times, "I don't want any handouts!" But desperate times have softened his stance on that. The reality of life outside of the hospital is hitting hard. He will require the installation of an electric stair lift in his home, which will cost $10,000—a cost his Medicaid insurance won't cover. However, he has asked that we set the goal to $5,000 so as not to burden others and because his savings, fortunately, allows him to cover around half of the cost.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Jim has been a friend I can call brother for many years. After losing my parents during the pandemic, Jim was on video with me daily. Sometimes, more than that. I can't begin to explain how much his friendship means to me, and I know he's got many brothers and sisters spread out all over the globe who feel the same way.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>My wish is for us to raise enough money to help my friend reach at least half of the cost of the stair lift. Any further money raised will go directly towards the stair lift and other medical and life expenses.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I hope the wrestling community and friends alike can rally together behind Jim to help in any way you can. Any contribution, small or large, means the world to him and supports him on his journey of taking his first steps again.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Wishing love and light to you all, especially Jim. He may be down right now, but the ref hasn't even counted to 1 yet!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>- JP Zarka
</div>
<div><br />
</div><iframe media_type="0" media_id="e2hWGIlv244" class="youtube-replace" title="YouTube video player" style="margin-bottom:20px;width:560px;height:315px;" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/e2hWGIlv244/?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="1"></iframe>
<div><br />
</div>

Helping Jim Phillips Take His First Steps Again

Hi!! <br /><br />Before I even start I want to say<strong> thank you</strong> so much for simply taking the time to read this. That in itself means a great deal to me! Grab your coffee and enjoy this story of hope, love and determination.<br /><br /><strong>Who am I?</strong><br /><br />My name is Iva, originally from Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, now calling Panajachel, Guatemala home. In October of 2015, I sold everything I owned, all 53 years of my life, packed two suitcases and bought a one way ticket to a country I only knew one thing about: there was great <strong>poverty</strong> and <strong>great need</strong> for <strong>help</strong>. I was only planning on staying for 5 months however, it wasn't long after I arrived that I discovered how high the need for help is down here.  With no plans of returning to Canada anytime soon, I have decided to apply for permanent residency here and start up my own NGO. :)<br /><br /><strong>The Treehouse.</strong><br /><br />I currently rent an apartment in a wonderful treehouse that also happens to be perfectly set up to use for volunteer housing. The treehouse is for sale and is scheduled to shut down (meaning the current landlord has informed me and the other tenants that we will need to leave) in January of 2017 if no one buys it. This treehouse is located at the end of a long laneway where many of the families I feed live.  The children and the moms have grown to love and trust me and the thought of having to move and leave them breaks my heart. <br /><br /><strong>What's the plan?</strong><br /><br />My plan is to purchase this property, start up the NGO, The Treehouse of Hope and get more volunteers down here to help feed these families, keep them in their homes, get medicine to them and so much more. <br /><br />ALL monies raised goes directly to the purchase of the treehouse and anything over and above (yes I'm very optimistic!) will go to complete the renovations of the volunteer rooms and supplies.  As it sits now, there are 3 dorm style rooms available for volunteers with the possibility of one more. That translates to meaning the Treehouse of Hope can house up to 8 volunteers comfortably! That's 8 wonderful caring souls to help me help the beautiful people of Guatemala. <br /><br /><strong>Strength in numbers.<br /><br /></strong>I have been doing and helping as much as I possibly can on my own with my freelancing income and the generous donations from my <a href="http://amazingmemovement.com/donatetoday/" target="_blank">website</a> and my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmazingMeMovement/" target="_blank">FB page</a> , but I now have the opportunity to get more help down here and get more aid to these people faster! We have a chance now to make such a big difference in this part of the world. <br /><br />Together, we can stop malnutrition, eliminate homelessness, and make a HUGE difference to hundreds of lives here in Guatemala. <br /><br /><strong>BUT....<br /><br /></strong>Time isn't really on our side here. <strong>We have until January 2017</strong> to raise $100,000 to buy the property or we have to move and The Treehouse of Hope doesn't stand a chance. <br /><br />(I have 100% faith and confidence that together we can do this!)<br /><br /><strong>BUT</strong>....The Treehouse of Hope is more than just a sweet place to live and house volunteers. <br /><br />It is the place where hope lives, love spreads, happiness is shared, kindness is multiplied and dreams are realized. <br /><br />It is the place where people from around the world (one day that might be you!) come together to make a difference to the lives of strangers in need. <br /><br />It is the place where relationships are formed and purposes are fulfilled. <br /><br /><strong>Thank you from the bottom of my heart.<br /><br /></strong>Really, thank you so very much for reading my story, having interest in my mission and for your support. I can't even put into words how much your support means to me and the difference it will make to the families down here in Guatemala. <br /><br /><strong>Together, we can make a difference. <br /> <br />Much love,<br />Iva<br /></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><br /><br /></strong><strong><br /><br /><br /></strong>

Treehouse of Hope - NGO Startup 

Iva Ursano

Iva Ursano

Iva Ursano

Featured causes

About me