Fundraising for India

I have decided to embark on a journey to India this summer to provide underprivileged citizens with an opportunity to embark on business and civic endeavors through the use of micro credit. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology at Columbia University. This learning will give me the tools to make a difference in this third world country. My hope is to become a change agent in the lives of the local people by joining with HELP International in this effort.

In 1999, HELP International, a non-profit organization, began working across the globe to empower local community members by teaching self-sustainable skills that can be passed on to others. Currently, HELP is working to help impoverished communities in six locations around the world, including for the first time, Hyderabad, India. HELP (www.help-international.org) stands for Help ELiminate Poverty. This is achieved through sustainable projects led by motivated and enthusiastic volunteers.

The unique quality of HELP’s program involves volunteers participating in these projects, by providing them the opportunity to assess needs in each country and to develop new and innovative projects addressing those needs. Thus, the opportunities for growth and development are endless. Projects in India include: adobe stove building, microfinance, square-plot gardens, micro-credit loaning organizations, English classes, public health and hygiene education, and orphanage work. All these projects are done collaboratively with locally operated Non Governmental Organizations in India. All projects taken on by HELP International require a commitment from the community, thereby not only securing more sustainable projects, but also increasing the effectiveness of the work we accomplish while our volunteers are present in the country.

My role as a member of the India team will involve facilitating projects and helping volunteers in India develop and carry out successful and sustainable projects which will benefit the communities and individuals with whom we work. I personally plan to work with youth in the slums of Hyderabad in a Youth Social Venture Competition. Through this project to help, I will help youth create proposals for and subsequent funding of projects they believe are needed to better their community. Hopefully through this project, we will create local support for expanding social entrepreneurship and empowering youth to be change makers.

Non-profit organizations like HELP International rely heavily on volunteer program fees and fundraising. As a member of the India team, I will have the opportunity to make a difference by assisting the people of India, but I cannot do it alone. Would you consider making a donation to assist me in this endeavor? 100% of your donation will go towards my program expenses, so that I will be able to have this great opportunity. Minmum program costs approximate $4,000.

While money is tight for everyone, the amount of good that can be done for the people in the slums of India increases significantly with every dollar donated to help pave the way for social change by allowing me to help the process. I am inviting you to join me and HELP International in serving the people of India by donating $20, $30, $40, $50, or whatever you can*. Checks should be made payable to HELP International with “Caroline Welty, India” in the memo line. Donations can be mailed directly to HELP International at 363 N University Ave #110, Provo, UT 84604, or through **PayPal online at: http://help-international.org/donors.html, including “Caroline Welty-India.” in the comments section.

I want to thank you in advance for your generous support of the people of India. I feel honored to have you in my life, as you become invested partners in this grand endeavor to alleviate the suffering of our fellowmen. I would like to keep you informed on the progress of the various projects with which I am involved. Thank you!