Wow!  October already!  It’s that time of year when we all start to realize the year is coming to a quick end, and we think about what the next year will handle.  This morning, I was listening to CBC radio, and something during the interview that really struck me.  They were talking about the crises in Syria, and the tendency for people to “give once, and forget.”  I think this is so true: people get passionate about a single crises, and then it slowly quiets down, even though the crises doesn’t go away.

This is the truth for both our own work, and our support from others.  Every year, we set a budget at Warm Heart Initiatives.  It ranges between 6000-9000 in revenue, and 5000-14000 in expenses.  As you might guess, it took us a few years to figure out our budgeting, and we are happy to say that 2016 is the first year in which we do not have debt:  we were able to pay the final cost on a loan we got in 2012.  What a relief!  One of our goals is to be transparent in finances, keeping as much as possible for projects in Malawi, and to maintain a balanced budget.

We have had very few consistent donors (board members, family, etc.), and a good handful of one time donors.  Let me tell you: getting consistent, regular donors is far more beneficial than one time large donors.  With consistency, we do not have to become highly concerned about one time fundraising events being our main source of income, but rather use the finances for special contingency.  We consistency, we can develop relationship with the people who truly care and are interested in the work that we are doing.

Would you consider being a regular donor?  Even 25$ a month (cost of a dinner out?!?!) totals 300$ a year: something that can support a child in school for the year, pay part of a salary for our teacher, or invest in the maise needed to make a nutritious meal.

Would consider an ongoing donation? 10$, 25$ a month? As a regular donor you will be kept updated on our projects in partnership with WHEAMS in Malawi, or any time that we have an event in Canada. You will also be named on our webpage as a supporter of Warm Heart Initiatives.  We thank you in advance, and look forward to hearing from you.

In July and August, Amelia completed a walking challenge for Warm Heart Initiatives: walking 500km in 50 days, and completing it with a 50km trail race.  Below, you can see a photo of her mid-race, hitting the 500km final goal!  It was so great to get out into the community, and into nature, and reflect on the work going on in Malawi.  Over this time, she was able to raise about 600$ over the time, all which directly goes to our partnership in Malawi.  In fact, our partner in Malawi (Rodrick) also did a walking challenge during the same time, in which he walked to town and back everyday, rather than taking a bus.  He was able to take that money saved, and contribute it directly to the project!

Work in Malawi continues on.  We are waiting to hear a recent update; however, the computer that they regularly use has finally met the end of its lifespan, so communication has been difficult.  The board in Malawi has continued to work on maintaining a balanced budget, despite difficult times with income from a chicken and sanitary business that they are running.  There is a food crises in the country, with prices of basic necessities increasing.  Despite that, the work in Thukuta village continues.  We have had a return of a teacher to a regular teaching position, and scholarships are continuing to be distributed to secondary and college students.  We are eager to hear from the board in Malawi to get photos of the students, as well as the details of their finances.

As we approach the fall season, we know that the project in Malawi will be gearing up for the annual christmas event.  This is always an exciting time of the year, and we hope to be able to hear updates.  Here in Canada, we are going to be planning a fall event.  Perhaps another silent auction or tea party. Perhaps a quiet selling of goods, perhaps a presentation on getting youth interested in global projects. Please stay in touch!

Meanwhile, Amelia has made, and is selling totebags.  They are selling for 30$ a bag, plus shipping.  Made with material from Malawi and from Mozambique, these are great for shopping, lunch bags, and general toting! As always, 100% of the fees raise go towards the projects at Warm Heart Initiatives.