Charity struggles to raise funds
Odyssey World International needs money to ship supplies to children in Africa
A charity is trying to arrange a supply shipment to two children’s homes in Africa, but it is struggling to raise the necessary money to send the package.
Odyssey World International declares in its mission statement that it is “dedicated to providing education opportunities to orphaned, disabled, destitute and underrepresented children all over the world through presentations, advocacy, education, special projects and services.”
Karen Morrison, Odyssey World International’s president, visited Kenya a few years ago and was moved by her experiences and the people she met.
“They’re beautiful to me, and they just need our help,” she said.
Under Morrison’s leadership, the charity has assembled a shipment of wheelchairs, walkers, clothes, shoes, books, school supplies and personal hygiene items to be sent to the children’s homes in Nyahururu, Kenya. In particular, Morrison says the supplies were meant to address any obstacles that “challenge (the African youths) with going to school.”
Assembling and preparing to ship the supplies has been a two-year ordeal for Morrison. She experienced a large setback when she lost a significant portion of her funding.
“The funders backed out due to fuel costs,” Morrison said. She estimates that the money required to ship the package is about $10,000.
Michael Mwaura, from Kiambu, Kenya, met Morrison during her original trip to Kenya. When Mwaura came to Spokane to visit his son, he met with her and talked to a group of youths who assisted Morrison in assembling the package of supplies.
He said that while many Americans seem to take their education for granted, youths in Kenya often walk one or two miles to attend school.
“Education is a privilege,” he said. “I think (the shipment) is going to help so many children who are … disadvantaged.”
Odyssey World International also has many local outreach efforts, including programs designed to help immigrants adjust to American life and develop necessary job skills. The charity is entirely volunteer-run and is seeking more volunteers; in particular, it is looking for grant writers. Their Web site is currently being updated to provide information on all their services and opportunities.