Melissa's World of Opportunity

Weaving a basket with Aissatou Diaye in Ndombil, Senegal

Friends, family, and colleagues –

This year I am helping Engineers Without Borders build a World of Opportunity for rural Africans.

Thank you to all who have generously contributed already. Because I have already reached my goal of $1,500, I have decided to double it. Ambitious, but I am confident I can meet it with your help. I have worked with EWB for almost 10 years now and sincerely believe that they do great work. I believe in their work because of their approach. In communities across Zambia, Malawi, Ghana and Burkina Faso there are millions of hardworking and innovative people seeking the chance to improve their lives. Yet, all too often they are stuck - unable to move forward because they lack the same opportunities that you and I have here in Canada.

I know intimately the incredible work they are doing both in Canada and overseas. I want to support EWB’s work to foster these opportunities for rural Africans. Specifically, I am motivated by EWB's focus on agriculture - the cornerstone of most African economies. EWB works in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Malawi and Zambia to increase opportunities for farmers to gain the business skills and knowledge they need to make a viable income from their humble plots of land. By working with farmer unions, development partners, government agencies and private companies, EWB is helping to develop lasting solutions to rural farming challenges.

This is why I am asking you to support EWB’s work this holiday season. Please support in whatever capacity you can. $100 or $10 is greatly appreciated and it adds up! And if you know anyone who would like to donate, please forward this on to your network! I believe that EWB is a powerful vehicle for creating positive change. EWB is seeking to increase its impact – by doubling its volunteer capacity and flexibility to innovate. I know that they will use your donation effectively, and continue to make great things happen.

This holiday season please donate to my World of Opportunity campaign and support my passion and commitment to EWB. Together, we can help increase the opportunities for rural Africans to thrive.