Top #STS Mini-Fundraiser - Ruth Cardona

The #SmallThingsSummer Campaign has got off to a brilliant start. With over $16,000 raised so far out of our $20,000 target for the Orphanage Reform, we couldn't be more thrilled and thankful to all of our generous supporters. With just over a month to go, there is still plenty of time for you to get involved. And if you need some inspiration, then just check out the story of our fantastic top fundraiser, Ruth Cardona, who will be arriving in Tanzania tomorrow, ready to start her eight day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on Saturday. She will spend Thursday visiting the children at the orphanage, followed by one day of rest before her assent. Read on to find out more about Ruth's motivation to tackle the world's highest free standing mountain, with a massive $5,865 worth of donations in tow.

Ruth is originally from Wisconsin in the United States. Her family is Puerto Rican and in 2006, she moved to Dubai for work. In 2010, she made her next move to Abu Dhabi, where she currently lives, and works at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. 

Ruth at Lake Duluti on her first trip to Tanzania in January 2013

So Ruth, where did you first find out about The Small Things? 

"I did quite a bit of research on orphanages in Tanzania. I wanted to support one that was officially registered but small enough that money was not caught up in red tape and bureaucracy. It was important that I know exactly where the money would go - to the kids. Bekka, (the Founder and Director of The Small Things) replied to all my questions and I felt very comfortable with my decision to fundraise for The Small Things."

What motivated you to fundraise for The Small Things and the children of Nkoaranga Orphanage?

"I've always had a place in my heart for orphans. During my visits to Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Botswana and Zimbabwe), I've seen so many kids with few possessions living simple lives, but always smiling and joyful. They really teach you a lot about contentment."

What made you choose to climb Mount Kilimanjaro as a fundraiser?

"After my first visit to subsaharan Africa in August 2013 to Kenya, I was hooked on Africa. I traveled to Tanzania in January 2013 and during my visit, I kept thinking about Mount Kilimanjaro and, "what if I climbed it? Could I?" I like to push my limits and although the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone in such an extreme way for eight days is quite scary, it's also very exciting. Using it as an opportunity to fundraise makes it even more meaningful." 

Some of the gorgeous faces that motivate our super stars to fundraise!

How are you feeling about taking on this challenge of a life time?!

"I started planning this trip more than a year ago. I was really excited about it....until about a month ago! As it draws nearer, my nerves are getting the best of me and I'm feeling quite anxious about it. I try to keep reminding myself that there's a greater purpose in this challenge, and that's to support the kids at Nkoaranga Orphanage. That's my motivation." 

How do you feel about all the amazing support and donations you have received so far in response to your fundraiser?

"I'm very grateful to everyone who has donated and I hope it will inspire others to give back in which ever way they can. I've been blessed in my life and I knew I had to give back and encourage others to do so too. 

(Now, if Ruth's inspiring words are not already great enough, then check out this for dedication and hard work!)

"I exercise six days a week. I'm training to run my first marathon, the NYC Marathon in November, so I alternate between strength training classes and runs. I originally started working out with a personal trainer last August to prepare myself for Kilimanjaro, to lose weight, and improve my overall health. My trainer made me run and I ended up really enjoying it, so a marathon goal was soon added to my Kilimanjaro goal for 2014. I ran four 10-K's and two half marathons in the winter!"

Ruth's top fundraising tips:

-Publicise your events and goals on social media

-Send your story to everyone on your personal email lists

-In each case, follow up with two or three additional emails 

-Encourage your family to help out by emailing their own friends and co-workers

"Contact everyone you know, from the closest friends to long lost acquaintances, because sometimes, the people you least expect will be the ones who support you the most. Fundraising is not easy. You really have to be proactive and patient!" 

Click here to check out Ruth's personal website to keep up to date with her remarkable travels!

Click here to support Ruth's climb and to donate to the children of Nkoaranga Orphanage.

GOOD LUCK, RUTH! 

#STS mini-fundraiser - Art for All

As soon as I heard about #SmallThingsSummer, I knew I wanted to get involved.  What better way to make the most of my summer than by joining lots of other people who are all working towards raising money for the same goal - The Small Things' Orphanage Reform Project.  I had already decided that I wanted to do more painting this summer, so I thought doing paintings for my fundraiser would be a good way to combine both wishes!

First paintings - and paint all over my sweater...

I wanted people to be able to choose what they would like me to paint (and mail) them in return for a small donation.  That way, each person could have a painting which they had had a part in creating and which meant something to them.  Since it was a mini-fundraiser, I hoped that everyone would be able to get involved and receive a unique piece of art in return for their support.  It is my first time doing commissions for people, but I thought that it would be the perfect reason to start.  All the same, I was quite nervous!

I worked out that it would be best to do fairly small paintings (5"x7") because it would allow me to do several of them over the summer, whilst still giving me enough time on each painting to make sure it was as good as I could make it - I wanted people who had supported me and The Small Things to have the best quality painting I could make!  

It was great having my sister, Kirsty, paint with me one day

Originally, I set my goal at £30, hoping to get 6 requests over the summer.  I hadn't expected the amazing support I would receive from everyone: requesting paintings; commenting on my posts, and passing the word around to their friends about my fundraiser!  When I exceeded £30 after week one, I decided to raise my target to £100.  Everyone has been so kind and enthusiastic, and it has meant a lot.

So far I have had 18 requests, including a friend trampolining, an African-sunset, and a hippo!  It has been fantastic to get requests from people from all over the world!  I will be sending paintings to Japan, Canada, Scotland, Zimbabwe, England, Tanzania, Sweden - and hopefully some others by the end of the summer!

Mailing paintings to Sweden, Canada and England

My favourite part about this project has been responding to the diverse requests from people.  I have had so many creative, personal and unique ideas, and it has been a lot of fun translating these into paintings.  If I had not been involved in #SmallThingsSummer and just done paintings myself, I definitely wouldn't have produced such an interesting collection of paintings!

It has been very rewarding being able to give all the amazing people who have shown that they care for The Small Things and the Orphanage Reform Project something to remind them that we appreciate their support.  If you are interested in requesting a painting or finding out more, you can check out my mini-fundraiser page!

Thank you all so much!

Painting and thank-you note arrive safely

Project Riziki: The Past and Present

Guest blog: Dorothy Goldberg, Board member

Tanzania: A Devastating Blessing

Being involved with The Small Things and the children it benefits can be the most wonderful blessing. But what I have come to learn through my involvement with the Nkoaranga Orphanage is that sometimes it can also be quite heartbreaking.

When my husband and I visited last January, much of our attention was focused on baby girl Hope. At that time, she was 6 months old and still very small as she was born prematurely as the last of six siblings. Thankfully, our emergency fund for premature and sick babies, Project Riziki, allowed us to take her back and forth to hospitals in the nearest cities Arusha and Moshi, as well as helped us pay for her to have one-on-one care from a Mama. Even though her health was always fragile, we were able to give her every chance to thrive.

Following our trip, April had brought The Small Things with some devastating news. Hope as well as Lulu, a baby the same age who was seemingly healthy, both suddenly passed away within two days of each other from a rampant lung infection and sepsis that even intravenous antibiotics could not ward off. We had several medical professionals in our Board of Directors’ network comforting our team saying that this type of infection could have been just as lethal had it been in the US. Needless to say, we were all devastated.

The Silver Lining

Statistically, one in 20 babies will die before their first birthday in Tanzania, but even by these standards, this year has been difficult. At a time like this we remind ourselves that Project Riziki has allowed us to obtain the best medical and comfort care for these children and to offer them the best life we could during their time here on earth.

It's also important to remember that Project Riziki has most likely saved the lives of several other children who may not have made it through without the extra vigilance and care our funding provided. Baby Peace was tiny, delicate and extremely premature when he was brought to the orphanage, struggling to gain a healthy weight. After we began one-to-one care, he started gaining weight quickly and is now a gorgeous, loquacious three year old boy thriving in pre-school.

Baby Peace

Peace today, happy and healthy!

Little Ebeni was also premature, and was hospitalized for several extended stays with lung infections as an infant. With the extra resources that external referral hospitals provided, he stabilized and was able to come home where one-to-one care helped him gain strength. He is now walking, talking and beginning o eat on his own.

Ebeni when he came to the orphanage

And today!

Project Riziki for New Baby Suleiman

Recently, a sweet new baby, Suleiman, had arrived at the orphanage at only a few weeks old. Our staff on the ground became concerned when they noticed that he had blue lips and subsequently brought him to KCMC in Moshi, the largest medical complex in the area. It turned out that he was born with a serious congenital heart abnormality. Our staff are now exploring the possibilities for this baby, but most likely he would need to be airlifted out of Tanzania for surgery, and even then there’s no guarantee. We steel ourselves again for the reality that we might lose him, while our incredible mamas, staff and volunteers have been caring for him at the TST compound day and night to be sure he is never alone.

Outreach Intern Amanda providing overnight care for Suleiman

Baby Sule's first day in NK

To help provide Suleiman with the comprehensive care that he requires, we have decided to partner with Kumbuka Children's Centre, an organization based in Arusha to help provide Suleiman with temporary 24/7 one-to-one care. Since he will be currently the only baby at their baby home, he won't face the sniffles and bugs that inevitably get passed around an orphanage, and that his delicate body might not be able to fight off. Bethan Saidy, Kumbuka's founder, is also a registered nurse from the UK who can help monitor him properly, providing him the critical care that he requires. Together with the Kumbuka Children’s Centre, we hope to be able to bring him to a specialist in Mwanza where he can get a comprehensive evaluation and potentially treatment.

Beautiful Suleiman

One-to-one care costs about $1,000 per month, and air travel and surgery are all extremely expensive in Tanzania. 

As always, we would be grateful for any support our supporters can provide through Project Riziki, which was crucial in helping cover costs with Lulu, Hope, Ebenezer and Peace. With your help, we can give Suleiman the best chance at success and a healthy development.

To contribute to his care, please visit www.crowdrise.com/projectriziki.

To contribute to building an isolation room that will protect sick babies and prevent illnesses from spreading, please visit www.smallthingssummer.causevox.com.






Thank you for caring about our kids!

Field Trip to the Botanical Gardens

Last week we had the opportunity to send the children on yet another fantastic field trip! This time, we went to the Botanical Gardens in Arusha. With a super star team of staff and volunteers available, it was the perfect time for a trip off-site for all of the pilot house children and fourteen of the oldest children from the orphanage. We were so grateful to have such wonderful group who was able to volunteer their time to facilitate such an exciting trip.

The day began with the usual chaotic and excitement of a day trip. All hands were on deck, with everyone arriving at the orphanage early in the morning to get all the children dressed in their play clothes. The children ate their lunch, and of course, last minute potty runs was a must!

Such funny, adorable girls! Ester, Maureen kubwa and Miriam; dressed and ready for the trip!

Raring to go!

The children were so excited and thoroughly enjoyed the car rides too; a bonus! They love pointing out the goats and cows on the side of the road, singing songs, observing the people, and especially the piki pikis (motorbikes) and big trucks! 

Excited to get going!

Our Marketing & Fundraising Intern Ashley played a game with the Pilot House kids where they pointed things out in both English and in Swahili. The kids' English is excelling now, so they were able to also teach Ashley the names of things like tree (mti), cow (ng'ombe), mbuzi (goat) in swahili. We're so proud of their progress!

As soon as everybody arrived at the Botanical Gardens, they all b-lined for the playground slides, tunnels, swings and teeter totters! Until they then noticed the mechanical train, and that was that! They all rode the train together which was such a lovely sight to see.

A big happy "Hi!" from Baracka!

Something Brighton said or did certainly tickled Ebeni!

Fantastic smile from Queen. She is such a happy little girl who clearly loved the day!

As always, the trampolines were a huge hit. The older kids loved to jump as high as they could, and thought it was so funny falling on each other. The little ones were a little apprehensive but eased into it (especially Shujaa).

As they were playing, the grounds staff started blowing up the inflatable playgrounds, including climbing walls, slides, and a ball pit. While we all waited, it was snack time. That meant peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and bananas made by the volunteers. The kids don't typically have PB and J's so some of them loved it! In fact, Isaak from the Pilot House ate two and a half! Maureen mdogo,on the other hand, was skeptical about the gooey sandwich. Once refueled, the kids took advantage of the inflatables and had the time of their lives.

Ball pit fun! 

Watching the children play together is so heart warming. 

This looks a little terrifying! But it went down well with all of the older children who completed it! Loveness, Agape and Isaac were the first three to make it to the top. (Very brave!)

After a long day, the kids were getting tired so we headed back with 90% of them falling asleep in the car within minutes! As soon as everybody arrived back to the orphanage, the kids took a nap as they were exhausted after having missed their normal nap time, while the volunteers all treated themselves with a local meal to complete the perfect day.

So, a massive thank you goes to Ashley Hoy, Sarah Zack, Claire Weider, Bette Nunez, Mary Beth Zack, Chris Bradley, Amanda Houser, Ali Anger, Mac, Rehema, Frank and Teacher Emerte for making this day such a success!

Kongerslev Junior Klub's "Africa Team" - a perfect example for #SmallThingsSummer!

Welcome to our newly-launched summer campaign: #SmallThingsSummer!

Emma with her paintings.

If you have been following us on Facebook or Twitter, you will have already heard a little bit about our newest social project. What we are doing is asking our supporters across the globe to do one "small thing" this summer in support of The Small Things, so that together we can raise money to fund the Orphanage Reform, improving the quality of health and sanitation for our beautiful kids.

To find out exactly where the money will be spent, please visit our Campaign Page here.

There have already been some great fundraising ideas. For example, we have Emma providing one-of-a-kind paintings in return for small donations, Jordan and her family trekking through Brecon Beacons, Amy giving up chocolate and selling jam, along with plenty of small change collections happening all over the world. Thank you to everyone who has already started to advocate for the #SmallThingsSummer campaign. But if you haven’t already, there is still plenty of time!

One of the simplest things you can do is sign up to our Thunderclap to spread awareness of the campaign on Twitter or Facebook. It asks for the standard Facebook permissions, but it will only make one tiny little post on your behalf, helping to spread the word on the 14th of July.

Please click here to sign up - we desperately need 50 more people so we can launch it to the world!

A Feature #SmallThingsSummer Mini-Campaign

Our board member Marie has recently been to visit 15 wonderful young people who have raised $800 for The Small Things through their youth group in Kongerslev, Denmark. Their "Africa Team" has been making and selling cake, lollies, bracelets and candles since Christmas, and proving beyond doubt that every little bit helps.

The handing over of the final cheque.

They even recorded an African inspired song with their music teacher and then sold the CDs to add a bit extra to the pot.

A table laden with sweets, candles and CDs.

Their fundraising finished with an evening of homemade Tanzanian food and chai tea, with a fundraising lottery for parents and a look through some of Marie’s photos and videos from the orphanage – all for a small entrance fee of course!

To top it all off, the members of the youth club have donated their own toys, puzzles and shoes to pack into a suitcase which Marie will be bringing across to Tanzania this summer when she comes.

These kids have done this on their own, with a little help from their very supportive youth group leader Vibeke. Marie was overwhelmed by their enthusiasm and excitement. They wanted to do something good for others, and they have definitely succeeded.

Congratulations Kongerslev Junior Klub, and a massive THANK YOU from everyone at The Small Things for everything you have been doing.

A big thank you from the kids in the schoolroom

This group of young people perfectly embodies the spirit of #SmallThingsSummer. No effort is too small to contribute to something really valuable.