One last thing

I know I said the blog was done, but I didn't quite realize how many people had been following this until I got home. I'm not sure how many will see this message, but I wanted to post some info about my plan to raise funds. I am hoping to raise enough money to help WOFATA open an office in Arusha.

Currently, the whole organization is run out of a notebook that Flora maintains. She keeps a list of members, some information about people she visits (members and non-members), and a financial balance sheet. Before I left I had Flora consult with a builder to get an estimate for an office. They can build their own office (15x15 feet with a couple windows) for about $1900. That way there would be no rent or ongoing expense. It would be nice to give them a little extra to furnish the office, but the important part is the building itself.

It would be a very basic office, likely without electricity. Electricity isn't necessary because nobody involved with the project can use a computer and most don't have electricity at home. The important thing is to have an established location and space where the leaders of the organization and other volunteers can work, and where people with HIV can come to get help and information. At the moment, Flora is really the only leader in the organization. She does everything. If they had an office, she could give others some responsibilities and they would have a place to work.

So, here's what I'm thinking. For anyone who has been reading this blog and wondering how you can help, you can make a big difference by contributing to building this office. You can become a lifetime member of WOFATA by contributing $25 (or more). This is how I would suggest you contribute. Membership is not restricted to people with HIV/AIDS; it is open to everyone. This is the same amount the members in Arusha pay, although it might take many of them more than a year to pay in full. If we can actually raise the $1900 to build the office, I could also have a plaque made that lists the names of all who donated $25 or more, so they can put it on the wall. Smaller donations would also be welcome. Remember that most of these people live on just a few dollars per week, so even $10 is a big help. Donations larger than $25 are also welcome, of course.

Unlike donating to the Red Cross or United Way, or some other large organization, your money will not just be a drop in a giant bucket. By reading what I have written during my trip, I think you know the people you will be helping to some extent. With most charities, you rarely know so specifically where your money will go and who it will help.

If you're interested in contributing, e-mail me at stopthat21@yahoo.com to let me know how much you want to contribute. I'm going to collect the money so I can send it in one payment. My goal is to send them the money by the end of July. I didn't make any guarantee that I would be able to raise $1900, but I did promise I would send at least $500 by the end of July, and I will, even if it's all my own money. But I would like to surprise Flora by sending enough to build the office.