It took a tragedy for me to understand how powerful social media can be. When my mother passed away 15 months ago, I watched as what felt like half of the internet shut down in her memory on the day of her funeral. People I had never met were memorializing her and creating a nationwide support network for my father. It took my breath away. As individual people we can never achieve as much as we do when we work as one.
I’ve often wondered when I would have the opportunity to rally people around a cause and make a difference. Rocky Turner gave me, my father and my wife that opportunity. The work that rocky and her husband Jeff are doing is nothing short of awe-inspiring, helping a group of teenage girls in Kenya defy the odds and get the education and material goods that would otherwise be out of their reach. Much of their fundraising efforts are done through social media. When Rocky asked me to be a part of this movement, I couldn’t say yes fast enough.
I’m proud to be a member of Team Irene, raising money to directly benefit this lovely young lady, Irene Mwihaki, described as “an extremely bright girl. She had the highest marks of all the girls entering HS this term. She is determined to make herself proud this school year.” It’s my honor and privilege to help her realize her goals.
Today Kenya remains underdeveloped economically, and educational opportunities are scarce for its citizens. Being female only makes this struggle harder. I’m a member of Team Irene because I want to give Irene the opportunity to have what so many of us take for granted. But I can’t do it alone. On the righthand side of my page is a Mothers Fighting For Others Badge that will allow you to donate money that will go toward helping Irene have a better life. Donate what you can, but whether you donate or not, you can still help. Retweet this. Share it on Facebook, Digg and Delicious. You can be a part of the solution and do it without breaking a sweat. Just a few clicks and you can make a difference in Irene’s life.
I’m excited to see just how powerful a community we are.
Tags: Africa, Charity, Education, Fundraising, Girls, Jeff Turner, Kenya, Mothers Fighting For Others, Poverty, Rocky Turner
