Ok so seriously - you are all the best!! I'm getting emotional over here thinking about all of the small (and some very large!) bits of generosity that we combined into the huge effort of reaching our goal and then some! Together we raised an amazing
$15,135!!!
We are going to make a real concrete difference for some women and children who who we are helping. The money we've raised here will go a long way. It will pay for the sewing workshop graduation kits for 43 women. They have learned the skills and now they will have the sewing machines and supplies they need to make a living. These are women who would not be able to do this without the money that we raised here together. Our money will also pay for the sewing workshop to continue running for a new group of women to learn. Additionally, our money will pay for children to go to school, altering their futures immeasurably. Together we have made the lives of some women and children a bit better.
It's often unbearable to imagine the pain and suffering these victims of the conflict in eastern Congo have lived through - but know that we've helped some of them to begin rebuilding their lives. All while sitting in front of our computers. Pretty amazing, isn't it?
So thank you. Thank you a million times over! Thank you to those who gave money, to those who gave prizes and to those who helped to spread the word that this fundraiser was happening. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
A big congrats to the winners of the prizes. We're sending emails to everyone one who won today, so keep an eye out for that! And everyone else, your donation is tax deductible so we'll be sending you a letter within the next couple of weeks.
I know that for some of you the needs of these women and children and the work that Action Kivu does really struck a chord. If you're wondering what more you could do, you could set up a monthly donation, (no matter how small!) or you could organize a bake sale or your guild could make a charity quilt to raise funds. I can easily connect anyone who's interested directly with Action Kivu and they would be thrilled to work with you. Know that the needs of Congolese women and children are huge and Action Kivu is always in need of more donations. You can also keep up with Action Kivu by liking them on Facebook or following them on Twitter.
And we'll be here again next year doing it all over again! Again, thank you all so much!