Jessica, a Wanderluster whom I interviewed for my forthcoming India book, was so moved by her experiences on the subcontinent that she decided to do something to help out the disabled children she worked with while volunteering there. Here’s a video that she has put together:
Her goal was simple. She sent an email to 165 people and asked them each to send $5 for a program called the Association for the Welfare of the Mentally Disabled (AWMD).The program assists disadvantaged children in India, those who are both physically and/or mentally challenged.These children learn basic self-help skills and are trained for jobs. As Jessica says, “In a culture where handicapped persons are shunned, beaten and cast out, it is the work of Mr. Manohar at AWMD that provides these children with what may be one of the greatest gifts of all: knowledge that someone believes in their abilities versus their disabilities.”Moved by her visit to a poor village in Panama, Jessica is also committed to supporting the residents of this community through a program called Cada Nino.Thus, her Power of 5 was recently launched to accept donations to help these two organizations.Boy from Cada Nino program in Panama
Jessica is one person making a huge difference in the lives of these people. She’s simply asking for donations in multiples of 5. I’m in for $25 – how ’bout you? Her original goal was to raise $825 which she calculated would buy boots for 82 children in Panama or support about 16 children for one month at AWMD.
Here’s how to donate to her program. Please note that these instructions must be followed exactly, otherwise the bank and/or post office may not accept the donation.
1. You can write a check payable to “J. Erler/Power of 5 Foundation”. These will go into a business account that she has established.
If you are only interested in donating to the Association for the Welfare of the Mentally Disabled you may make the checks payable to AWMD. All other funds received will be split between the two charities.
Mail your checks to the following address:
Jessica Erler
PO Box 36536
Los Angeles, CA 90036
2. To make your payment with a credit or debit card, go to Paypal
From the home page, click on Send Money
Fill out the info and send to this email address: [email protected]
Oh, and don’t forget to pass this on to 5 people!
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