FOUNDATIONS

Too often we hear about the takers.  Today we are going to discuss the givers.  I have several friends and acquaintances that have started and are the driving forces behind charitable foundations.  Two of the foundations that I wish to highlight today are genius - based on the vision of their founders the Atoa's and the Van Leeuwen's.  These groups are not only about giving money, supplies or care.  They are about helping people in difficult circumstances find dignity and respect through their participation in the work where possible.

A little bit of the story...

http://www.atoafamilyfoundation.org/

The Atoa Family Foundation was founded by Sam & Lori Atoa following the devastating Tsunami that killed 119 people in Samoa on Sept 30th 2009. The main purpose of the foundation is to provide a way for our family and friends to give back to Samoa. When the tsunami hit Samoa, I was determined to help. With the help of many wonderful people and organizations in Utah, we were able to raise enough money to take a 40’ container of humanitarian supplies to Samoa (Independent Samoa).

Before the tsunami I was already preparing to take my women’s volleyball team from Utah Valley University to compete in New Zealand and Samoa. Because of the tsunami we decided to add a Humanitarian focus to our trip. It was the best decision we made. The entire team was involved in making this possible. We also visited elderly care centers, schools and the pediatric ward at the main hospital in Apia. It was an experience of a life time for the girls to go from village to village delivering clothing and much needed supplies to those in need.

Following the trip in May of 2010, Lori and I decided to take the steps necessary to establish the Atoa Family Foundation. Since that time, we have been able to return to Samoa every year to continue our support for the people of Samoa.

In 2011, we joined with Dr. Marv and Lori Allen (Cardiologist) and the Rheumatic Rescue Group which included Eco Techs from IHC and Utah Valley University Nursing Students. The main focus is to screen Elementary School kids for Rheumatic Heart disease and to educated them about Strep throat. We are also trying to determine why it is so prevalent in young children in Samoa. As we travel from school to school, we would leave books and school supplies that we brought on the container to help with the educational needs of each school.

In 2012 we returned to Samoa and continued to screen other schools. We spent more time in Savaii this year because of the high percentage of children detected with this disease.

This year (2013) in May we are returning again to spend another 2 weeks in Samoa with the Rheumatic Rescue group. We will also be focusing on taking supplies to help families that were affected by Cyclone Evan that hammered Samoa in December 2012. The service continues.

Thanks to all that have been so generous in helping us make this possible. Especially to Globus Relief in Salt Lake City who has helped us every year. Thanks to many family and friends that have given time and money to help with this cause.

Thank you or in Samoan we say: Fa’afetai tele lava.

Atoa for Samoa

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And, another powerful story of what caring committed people can do...

www.koinsforkenya.org/

Initially, all Koins projects were education based - schools, libraries, science center, etc. As we progressed, in order to maintain balance in our service area, Koins incorporated farming and agricultural programs, water retention systems, and micro-business ventures, uplifting the entire community. The Koins board in Kenya proposes projects and budgets to the Koins board in the U.S. and project selection is based on the following considerations:

• Most urgent needs. Whether it's the need for a new school building, latrines, scholarships, water projects or to aid a micro-business, no one knows the needs better than our leaders who actually live within our service area. Each project requires monetary and non-skilled labor participation from those who will benefit. This ensures a strong sense of accountability and ownership.  

• Best use of donor funds. Through the Koins qualification process, along with our required village participation, no one can stretch a donated dollar further than Koins.

• All donated funds go toward projects. Koins is dedicated to this concept. This has been our position from our very first project, and continues to be our mantra.  

• Village beneficiaries must meet the 10% requirement. No project starts without the full monetary participation of the community, and non-skilled labor commitment (foundation digging, mixing cement, hauling sand and gravel to site, etc.) Koins has established a strong working environment within our village area. The villagers recognize that Koins will come through with our commitment, so they willingly do whatever is necessary to raise their 10%, sometimes requiring months and even years of personal sacrifice.

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One summer a few years ago my son and niece traveled to Africa with Koins for Kenya to perform volunteer service.  It was a life changing experience for them.  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... involve yourself with the work of foundations that have a vision and mission that you support.  Where possible give financial support, but there are also other ways to aid the cause by helping acquire needed supplies, raising awareness or donating time.  There is so much need both domestically and internationally.  So many amazing  people have open hearts and helping hands.  To all of these wonderful people I offer a grateful SALUTE!!!

Enjoy life.