(2019, $550, Chontal) We raised money to provide Christmas gifts for the Christmas programs in both Chontal ($200) and Magdalena ($100). I was also able to donate an extra $250 to different families in need, focusing on families with people with disabilities and sickness.
Update 12/31/2019
Since the last update, I was able to disburse the remaining $250 to different families in need, focusing on families with people with disabilities and sickness. Thanks again for the support! Here are the final financial details.
Additional Fundraiser outlays since the last update:
Total $250:
(see the page here for more details on these donations)
$100 to the Bosmediano family.
$30 to Juanito. I mentioned Juanito above.
$30 to Segundo Chiluisa.
$25 to Marta Ayala.
$25 to Pedro Andrade.
$20 to Agustin and Lola Reascos Mediavilla.
$20 to Jimmy and Maria Bastides.
Including the $300 previously donated to the Christmas programs, the total donated from the Fundraiser = $550.
Updated Final Accounting for Fundraiser Receipts:
$454.71 (before fees) Donated to Fundraiser through Campaign [NOTE: $52.07 (before fees) was also donated to the campaign late, in January, and was not used in the fundraiser. That's why the campaign total is $506.78 (before fees)]
+ $103.83 (before fees) Donated to Fundraiser outside of Campaign [NOTE: this is not reflected in the campaign total of $506.78]
= $558.54 (before fees)
= $539.64 Total received after fees
Plus, I added my own $10.36 for a total receipt from the Fundraiser = $550
UPDATE 12/27/2019
I have only a short opportunity with good internet access until early January, so this is the quick update.
We donated $200 to the Christmas program in Chontal and $100 to the Christmas program in Magdelana, the next village over. All went very well. Because of some later donations, I still have an extra $250 believe it or not, and so I'm in the process of finding a good use for that money. That may take a little time, as using donated money is a delicate activity that needs careful consideration of the effects on community and relationships, which are the end goal! I'll have more updates later when I start to get ideas.
Because of my internet limits, I can share links to collections of photos and videos. Here are some:
(1) me handing over the money to the queen of Magdalena, Abigail Reascos (who is responsible with the local leaders for organizing the Christmas program). This went to purchasing about 100 Christmas bags of candies for the kids and seniors. You can see the queen take off on the motorbike afterwards. :) Click here for photos/videos
(2) me handing over the $200 to the queen of Chontal, Kely Bosmediano. Her mother Ines is one of the church leaders. Click here for photos/videos
(3) the Christmas bags and the toys and prizes that were bought with the money the next day in Quito. Click here for photos/videos
(4) pictures and videos from the Chontal Christmas program. You might see me in those! You might also recognize Santa. Click here for photos/videos
Thank you again for sharing in this experience with me. I hope the photos and videos give you a sense of joining with me and being a part of the celebration and activities. Drop me a note anytime, I'll respond as I can. Many best Christmas season wishes, and a Happy new Year!
Kids and adults alike in poorer rural places here like Chontal typically get a few of these bags of candies & cookies - "Navidades" - from local institutions, like the public school or the local governments. The local school, government, and church have some type of Christmas "programs", which is a community gathering of activities and participation. They typically hand out Navidades and other small Christmas gifts, but can be short. Handing out these bags of goodies is a Christmas tradition throughout the country, that has lasted for many years. And for some families, those are the only gifts that they will give or receive for Christmas.
This year, the pueblo Christmas programs in Chontal and nearby Magdalena are looking for some help to have enough small gifts like Navidades for all the children and seniors. A few years ago, we raised $325 that more than covered the needs for the church Christmas program in Chontal. This year, the church program isn't having small gifts, and instead the public programs are doing it. I'm hoping to contribute a total of $300 to the public Christmas programs in both pueblos, to provide small gifts to about 150 children and seniors (combined). Would you like to help me do that?
I'd love to have you involved, and thank you for considering giving a gift for all us here!
-Jerome
For tax purposes, please be aware that Barriers to Bridges does not yet qualify for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. No goods or services will be provided to you for your contribution.