I wanted to share with you all some info about a particular cause that I am very passionate about, the ASHE' Foundation.
The ASHE' Foundation collects and distributes shoes, clothing, basic necessities, and services to aid the disadvantaged and underprivileged children of African nations. Below is a letter from the CEO, Dion Fearon, that is particularly touching. For more info please visit www.theashefoundation.org.
-KL
In March of 2008, I received an email that included the photo of a pair of feet wearing "plastic bottle flip flops". That image haunted me for months until finally I discussed with my mother my desire to make a difference. She encouraged me to start the non-profit organization that I had been thinking and talking about for years. I then pledged to myself to collect one (1) million pairs of shoes and distribute them to the underprivileged children and adults in Africa.
So with that, The ASHÉ Foundation was born. ASHÉ, also spelled "Ase", "Axe" or "Ache", is a Yoruba word which means "the power to make things happen". Depending on the context in which the word is used it also means,”the ability to make whatever statement you make come to pass or happen", "the ability to compel nature, animate or inanimate objects to bend to your will", "so be it", or "so it shall be".
I then spoke with several close friends and family members who immediately endorsed the idea and encouraged me to move forward. Therefore, I began networking my idea within the San Fernando Valley community. At that time, I had no idea how I was going to get those shoes to Africa. However, I began collecting shoes anyway. Immediately things began to fall into place. Close friends, Jorge and Mampye-Matlou Maciel, of the Kanimambo Foundation informed me that they knew just how to transport the shoes to Africa. Thus a partnership formed between the two non-profits to transport and distribute "Shoes to Africa". So began what I believe is my life's work.
The ASHÉ Foundation is dedicated to serving the needs of the underpriviledged of African nations. Our current goal is to collect one (1) million pairs of new and gently worn shoes and other items so that we can deliver them to those most in need throughout the African continent.
Astoundingly, there are 1.7 million orphans in South Africa alone, and 99.8% were orphaned by parents who have died from AIDS. Sadly, there are countlees other children whose parents are still alive but are not able to care for or feed them, let alone put shoes on their on feet.
We urge you to help our foundation put shoes on the feet of so many in need, especially the millions of children in Africa who suffer daily from the devastating effects caused by HIV/AIDS. In early January 2009 our first stop on our world-changing mission was South Africa and Maputo, Mozambique where we distributed 3500 pairs of shoes to a crowd of 7000. Needless to say it was not enough. We will be embarking on our second of many trips to Africa in August 2009 to distribute more shoes to orphaned children. In September 2010 will will travel to Cote D’Ivoire and Ghana to distribute shoes, soccer equipment, clothing, school supplies and medical supplises. These trips will ensure that the items we collect will be delivered to the intended recipients. With your help we will accomplish our goal and have a larger impact on the world.
Thank you.
Dion Fearon
Executive Director
