A Wandering Sole

Kony 2012: Have you seen it? What do you think?

// March 8th, 2012 // 3 Comments » // Africa, Philanthropy

In our world where it seems like everyone and their mother is on Facebook, it’s understandable why Invisible Children is utilizing the power of social media to take down dictator, and head of the Lord’s Resistance Army, Joseph Kony. I have seen his name pop up on Twitter over the past week, but my friend just sent me the video called Kony 2012 last night. And with that, she sent me an article attacking the video, and asked me, “What do you think?” And now, I’m doing just that to you readers. I’m interested to find out, if you have seen the video, what you think about the campaign. Take a look at the criticisms and see if they change your opinion.

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Sole Purpose: Kenya Video Show Update

// November 14th, 2010 // 4 Comments » // Kenya, Philanthropy

Last week, I spent an amazing seven days in Germany. What was intended to be a sightseeing trip to Berlin turned into a road trip/adventure with my dear friend Stella that I met while volunteering in Kenya. We were roommates at the orphanage and shared many of the same visions for the project and a similar outlook on life. She took an interest in the boys that I assist there, and after I left, she followed up with them. Thanks to her, I have photos of the Video Show project! (more…)

Sole Purpose: Baan Dada Children’s Home (Thailand)

// October 6th, 2010 // 11 Comments » // Philanthropy, Thailand, Volunteer

Lush landscape in Huay Malai

Note: In Thailand I never once heard the word Myanmar. It was always referred to as Burma. I believe the U.S. also supports the name Burma and out of respect for Burmese refugees,  I will do the same.

When I was looking for a volunteer project in Thailand, I started by skimming the guidebook. I read about a couple of projects assisting Burmese refugees in two border towns. While these projects were not a good fit for me, it sounded like there was no shortage of NGOs in these areas. I narrowed it down to the area of Sangkhlaburi due to time constraints and transport options. (more…)

Cards for a Cause: Deadline is THIS Thursday!

// September 21st, 2010 // No Comments » // Philanthropy, Thailand, Volunteer

Get ‘em while they’re hot! Kids from Baan Dada Children’s Home, where I am currently volunteering, have worked very hard on making these cute Christmas cards. The cards are an annual fundraiser for the home and if you send these to your friends and family, you’re guaranteed to be the hot topic at Christmas parties! The cards cost $1 each: the child who made the card will receive $0.15 and the remainder goes to support running the orphanage. There are also Easter cards, Valentine’s cards, and birthday cards available, so if you fancy stocking up on birthday cards to have them on hand you can do so as well.

I will ship them once I’m back in the States, and you will have them on your doorstep by the end of November- just in time to send out for the holidays! If you are interested in purchasing these cards, please email me with your name, address, and how many of each type of card you would like. Check with friends, family, or neighbors who may be interested.

Each card comes with an envelope and a little slip telling you which child made the card and. You can keep the slip for yourself or include it in the card for the recipient to see what a nice person you are!

My email: awanderingsole@gmail.com

The deadline is THIS Thursday, September 23 at 5pm EST. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Sole Purpose: Big Brother Mouse Books (Laos)

// September 12th, 2010 // 14 Comments » // Laos, Philanthropy

Before arriving in Laos, I read about an organization in Luang Prabang called Big Brother Mouse. They distribute books that are written in both English and Laos, and I think it is a great idea. When I arrived in Luang Prabang I was looking for a bookshop or book exchange for myself. I asked around and never got a straight answer. One young man even told me that they weren’t any bookshops in Luang Prabang. Why would he think this in such a small town? Because for the most part, people in Laos don’t read books for fun. I can’t blame them… try finding books written in Laos. They’re not common, and the only bookshops I actually did find sold English books and were geared for tourists. Big Brother Mouse is a business started five years ago by an American gentleman who recognized the lack of books in Laos. The organization delivers books to villages and also sells books to tourists to hand out. (more…)

Sole Purpose: Fundraising Update & Reflection

// July 31st, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Philanthropy, Travel Review

Dead Sea Marathon- Running past a bedouin herding his goats

As the halfway mark has come and gone on my trip, I thought it was time for an update on Sole Purpose fundraising and donations. (more…)