Children, Incorporated is fortunate to have the support of sponsors who live around the world. But, with geographical boundaries also comes the reality that we don’t often get to meet these caring individuals face-to-face to thank them for their support of our mission and the children we serve.
Yesterday, CI welcomed longtime sponsor Michaela Schneider to our headquarters in Richmond, Virginia. Michaela, a San Francisco resident, stopped by to present a check for $1,500 and to discuss her involvement with the project site where her current sponsored child receives care and education.
Michaela and her son, Markus, spent two months last summer doing volunteer service in Nairobi, Kenya, at the St. Johns Community Center, a CI project site. While there, Michaela and Markus volunteered in countless ways - teaching English, conducting vocational training, assisting in the economic empowerment office and organizing a true library for the 200+ children served at the center, the result of which Michaela described as “so touching to see the hunger for books.”
(From left) CI Director of Foreign Programs, Luis Bourdet, Michaela Schneider and Marianne Vermeer, CI President and CEO
Moved by the level of poverty in the center’s surrounding slums as well as the level of support the center provides to those families, Michaela was empowered to raise funds for their medical needs and for undergarments for the girls, who often had none. Michaela secured a $1,500 contribution which channeled through our Hope in Action program will provide these items to the center.
We are delighted to call Michaela a friend and welcome her continued ambassadorship of our mission not only at St. Johns but at our other project sites around the world. Thank you and asante sana, Michaela!