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Day 364: Every Day Heroes Inspire Great Change

Does your list of every day heroes inspire your gives? Mine does. With just 2 posts left to complete my 365 days of giving I took sometime to reflect on all the people I have met over the course of 365 days via social media.

The stories that pulled at my heart strings the most are of the “Every Day Heroes” that are doing remarkable things to change the world. They are giving in ways that I could not even imagine. They are fearless and motivated by passion and love for other human beings, living creatures and the planet.
One person stands out in particular and today’s GIVE will be a donation in her honour the shelter she has started in Africa. Her courage and love for the lost children of Lira, Uganda makes her and her partner Morris two of the most remarkable people I have ever met.

Day 364: Give 364

The world is a small place. 365give has introduced me to a world of wonder, meaningful connections and love for humanity that I never knew existed beyond my own life. There are people that are so touched but what they see and experience as they travel the world that they have to do something – they have to do what so many do not have the courage to do. Change what they know is wrong in our world.

Chelsea Peters is one of those people.

” A trip with friends brought me to Lira and after meeting the street children, spending time with them and hearing their stories I made a promise to do everything in my power to give them two things missing in their lives; hope and love.” quote by Chelsea Peters

With no fundraising experience, no not-for-profit experience and no money she came back to Vancouver and for 8 months did every thing she could to raise the initial funds needed to fund Atin Africa Foundation (Child of Africa). I watched in amazement as her passion along with her partner Morris who was back in Africa making the arrangements to open a shelter for the street youth in Lira, worked tirelessly to make it all happen.

I have dedicated a number of daily gives to Chelsea and Morris following and contributing to their journey to help make their dream come true. On Day 226 I interviewed Chelsea as she was having her first fundraising event for the shelter. The title was appropriate. Do You Have to be Oprah to Start an Orphanage in Africa?

On Day 269 I posted the story Morris (co-founder) wrote about the first day he went and gathered some of the children off the street in Lira and brought them home to the shelter. It is a remarkably moving story that brought me to tears as these children got to sleep in a bed, have a bath and brush their teeth for the first time in years for some of them.

I have become passionate about their mission. I believe in what they are doing and how they will impact these children on the other side of the world. My give today is a donation that will go on long past my final 365give to Atin Africa. I am committing to a monthly donation for the next year. Every dollar is appreciated no matter how big or small and will be used with great care. I am honoured to now be sitting as a Board of Director for Atin Afrika and plan to help Chelsea and Morris realize their full dream for years to come.

Do you have a dream to change the world? It can be done! Read the Atkin Africa story and be inspired to realize your own dream.

Time Commitment: 5 minutes

Cost: $10.00 a month for a year

What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
“Actions really do speak louder than words, which is why I believe the 365give Challenge has resonated throughout my community. Every give we do is so important to us and leaves us happier and appreciating our lives a little bit more than before.”
Mahina Niyozova (Tajikistan)
“After watching the 365give TEDx Talk, I was inspired to join and begin a daily giving program in India. Today, along with 12 other volunteer women, we provide 100 meals to local underprivileged children in Bangalore for school every day.”
Deepika Ahuja, Mom (Bangalore, India)
“My life has greater meaning now.”
Renate Jorge, @BeKindBrazil and 365give Member, Family Program (Brazil)
“I just wanted to share that 365give really helped me. I am a better person now, thank you.”
MayLee, 365give Member, Individual Program
“This 365give Challenge has really injected excitement and extra enthusiasm in each work day as I think about what we can do. It has motivated me and the students.”
Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)