This year has, at times, seemed incredibly long. But here we are just a few weeks away from 2021. Not much in this past year has gone to plan – you can read about that here and here. But if 2020 has taught us one thing, it is to not take anything for granted. We here at the foundation, are incredibly grateful for you and your support during this past year.
Today is Giving Tuesday. If you are unfamiliar, it is the first Tuesday after the US holiday of Thanksgiving. People are encouraged to take time to give back, volunteer, or donate.
This year many nonprofits have struggled to continue offering their programs and live their mission through the challenges of this pandemic. Like us, many of our partner organizations have needed to suspend travel for medical missions to keep providers and communities safe. We would love to tell you about a few of the amazing organizations we partner with. If the work they do inspires you, consider making a donation during Giving Tuesday. (Click on the name of the nonprofit to be directed to their website where you can donate).
A Broader View Volunteers: A Broader View is a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit run by Sarah and Oliver Ehlers. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Sarah for the past couple years planning trips and, I have to say, that these folks are passionate about making it easy and affordable for people to go around the world to volunteer. If you want to volunteer with family or friends, they are willing to work with you to plan a trip at a time and to a location that is best for you.
Choice Humanitarian: This Salt Lake City organization was started by two doctors over 30 years ago. They focus on the fight to end poverty in seven different countries around the world. During Covid they have been working hard to keep getting supplies and resources out to these underserved areas.
Direct Relief: Earlier this year when there was a shortage of PPE, Direct Relief stepped in to help. The foundation was so impressed with their work that we even donated to help them in this important work. Whenever there is a disaster, Direct Relief is there to help with life-saving medical resources to care for the world’s most vulnerable people.
International Medical Relief: Acute medical care, acute dental care, and community health education is where this organization excels. We have been so proud to work with them over the years as they truly are experts at providing medical support across the globe.
Project CURE: Project Cure is the leading nonprofit in delivering medical supplies and equipment to communities around the world. Thousands of people die every day in the developing world because their hospitals and clinics don’t have the supplies and equipment they need to save lives. I’ve witnessed this reality firsthand in my travels. The work Project CURE does is vital to the health and wellness of these communities.
Remote Area Medical: We do not need to go around the world to find people in desperate need of medical care. With almost 10 million jobs being lost during this pandemic, there are folks in our own backyard that do not have health insurance or are underinsured. Remote Area Medical offers free pop-up clinics in places like Colorado, Tennessee, and Idaho – just to name a few.
The Making a Difference Foundation would not be where we are today without the generous support of people like you. We hope that you will join the movement and get involved during Giving Tuesday. If you believe in our mission, and the work we do, please consider making a donation!
Thank you from all of us at the foundation!
Sarah, Margaret & Kevin
