Going barefoot puts them at risk of infections and death from soil-transmitted diseases that enter their bodies from cuts in unprotected feet. The “Heeling Our World” project is helping these children by teaching mothers and caregivers to make a simple shoe for their children called KLEM. We are also creating cottage industries for shoe-making as a pathway to dignity and economic empowerment. Our initial project was in Mozambique. The children in the photo above, in the rural village of Macuane, are wearing their first pair of shoes. We are currently working in Uganda and are about to launch the project in Mali. We have also received requests from other African nations, but to meet their requests and continue our ongoing work we need your help.
We are participating in the GlobalGiving Year End Challenge, which begins on Tuesday, Nov. 29 (#Giving Tuesday) and runs through midnight, Dec. 31, 2016. As a small foundation, our support comes primarily from the generosity of individual donors. Please consider a gift, in any amount to support our project. The link to our Project Page is: GlobalGiving.org/projects/heeling-our-world/
On #Giving Tuesday, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has provided $500,000 in matching funds. There will be 50% matching applied to donations up to $1,000 for the first $1 million raised while funds last. The campaign begins at 00:00:01 on Tuesday Nov. 29. This would be the perfect day to help us. But only the early birds will get this worm. So we suggest making donations after midnight on Monday night, or very early on Tuesday morning. Thank you for your consideration. Our very best wishes for the holidays and the New Year.
Submitted by: Mitch Lewis