From Cassie:
Hi, I recently joined the site, I think it’s great what you’re doing. I have a small income but would love to help. I’m not sure how I could do that, we (my family) recycle clothing and anything else we can do here. But I would really like to do more, is there something I could do to help?
Hi Cassie,
Thank you so much for your desire and willingness to help. We typically do not send much clothing over, just due to logistics in getting them there. However, the very best way to help on a limited budget is to spread the word! The more people who hear about the cause and the Foundation the better. When we have a large group of committed, passionate, caring individuals amazing things can happen – and just talking about it is a huge part of that! Thanks for following us!
Treana
From Juliet:
Are you planning to promote the Obakki Foundation in the UK?
Hi Juliet,
Obakki has recently picked up a showroom in the UK to sell our collections, and they are very interested in helping us promote the Obakki Foundation as well. You may be hearing more of us over there soon and don’t worry – we’ll be all over the blog, Twitter and Facebook talking about it when it happens!
Treana
A quick note from Treana:
Thank you again to EVERYONE for the amazing questions – we will be answering every one of them in the blog, so keep checking in this weekend and next week (basically, until they’re all answered!).
From Sharon:
How do you keep from feeling overwhelmed by the difficult circumstances you see in the third world?
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for your question. There was a time when I really struggled with this.
I’ve been doing this for over 15 years, and early on I didn’t have the extra money for these trips. Since the main charity I worked with also doesn’t take administration fees, all volunteers had to cover every aspect of our trips. At one point, I had to sell my car to buy the plane ticket to Africa.
When I would come home from these trips, I would get very depressed, feeling like there was so much to be done and very little that I could do. Ryan used to get frustrated with me because I’d become so very frustrated and not appreciating what I had. I felt that I was too spoiled and that life was unfair. I wanted to sell everything I had and give it all away.
It was actually Ryan who helped me overcome this: as our careers began to build and we started to experience success, he taught me to use it for good and accept the fact that having money, success and good things in life didn’t make me a bad person. And, more importantly, that because of these things that we’re very fortunate to have, we can make a difference.
I stopped traveling when I had my children and honestly I was very worried to head back to Africa last December. Over the last 6 years, Ryan and I have been very spoiled and I was sure that I would be very upset when I returned home after seeing the imbalance of their world compared to mine.
But to my surprise, it invigorated and inspired me, and when I came home I wasn’t sad. I knew that because of what we have and where we are in our lives, we can make some significant differences in the lives of others. We plan to contribute to the world as long as we are blessed enough to do so, and that is a great feeling.
From Wendy:
How long are you going for this time and will you go to the same places? On a personal note, can I ask what started you on the road of fundraising and looking out for those who can’t for themselves? You seem to have been doing this since your teens and wonder something “kick-started” it or were you raised this way?
Hi Wendy,
We’re going for 10 days again (it’s the longest I can leave my children – and believe me, it is tough!). We’re visiting the same places so that I can check in on the progress of our projects. We’ll also be distributing the school supplies that we’ve collected from all of you (THANK YOU!).
I wish I had a clear answer for why I started doing fundraising. I don’t think there was a moment that ‘kick-started’ it – I think it’s always been a part of me, ever since I was a little girl. I would often watch ads and documentaries on countries in need – I’m not sure why, but I was always drawn to them. I’m not even sure that I can explain why – it’s just something I think about all the time…it’s a part of me that is always there. If I’m not doing it, I feel unfulfilled.
As time passed and we began to see success in our careers, it became even more important. I’m extremely fortunate and appreciative to be able to make a difference; I’m not sure where it came from, but I know it makes up a huge part of who I am.
From Karen:
How do you involve your children in your work with the Foundation? Do you feel it’s important to involve them?
Hi Karen,
Thanks for the great question. This is a HUGE part of my life, and I feel it’s one of the most important things that I can share with my family. We’re very fortunate to be able to provide our children with the necessities (and more!) but we’ve been lucky and it’s not really a true view of the world.
At home we lead a very regular life like everyone else, but our children are certainly exposed to the luxuries of life when we travel on the road. We ride around on a beautiful tour bus and have a chef and driver, we stay in nice hotels, and we have people taking great care of us.
But this isn’t the real world and I don’t want my children to have a skewed version of reality, nor do I want them to have unrealistic expectations. What I do want is for them to be grounded, appreciative and thankful. I want them to know that because of our good fortune we CAN help to make the world a better place.
Our kids are only 4 and 6-years-old, but as soon as they’re old enough to travel to Africa, I plan on taking them (10-12 vaccinations and strong anti-malaria medications are required!).
In the meantime, we talk to them all the time about philanthropy, which is easy since it’s a huge part of our life. As far as direct involvement or exposure: we spent a month outside of Mexico City where we toured the countryside delivering boxes of food and supplies to families in need; we’ve delivered blankets to the homeless in Vancouver; we sponsor and write to 15 children in the Philippines; and we volunteer on a regular basis to a variety of local causes.
We vacation in real places where we can experience the culture and get involved in the community. We avoid the tourist places and luxury spots so that our kids can grasp the vastness, diversity and beauty of the REAL world.
My daughter is already coming up with ideas to raise money for Africa and my son is so compassionate on so many levels. I think as they get older we’ll be able to continue exposing them to more of our charity endeavors and help them explore their own ideas so they can hopefully help to make the world a better place.
From Cynthia:
What are you most looking forward to on your upcoming trip in May? Personally I cant wait to see pics of kids wearing the backpacks I sent!!! So glad you have been getting such great press as of late, though I havent had the time watch the clips(tonight maybe:)) Thanks again for all you are doing and to all those who are helping you!!! Together we can all make a difference!
Hi Cynthia,
Thank you so much for all of your support. You’ve been there from the beginning, and I really appreciate that!
What am I looking most forward to on my trip? Good question. There are so many things. I’m very excited to see the progress of our projects – we’ve built seven schools in the last four months! I’m looking forward to sharing the great news about the ‘What Makes You…?’ campaign with the children who were involved in creating it.
I look forward to gathering those little kids up in my arms and telling them that there are many of us (i.e. – ALL OF YOU) from the other side of the world who care about them. I look forward to just smelling the jungle air, walking in the red African dust, eating some foufou, and drinking some palm wine with locals under the stars. I look forward to hearing the children sing, seeing friendly and familiar faces and starting new projects with our partners.
I always get so inspired while I’m there and come home with a head full of ideas – which will hopefully be turned into reality. Africa is an amazing place on many levels and this trip will be a great one. I look forward to sharing it with all of you again!
As Treana prepares for her upcoming trip to Cameroon, Africa (May 5 – 15), we thought it would be a good time to ask any questions you may have about the trip or foundation. You can ask them here in the comments section or on our Facebook page. We’ll be answering them over the next week.
Here is a movie made from Treana’s trip to Cameroon in December 2009. She’s going back next month, so stay tuned for upcoming blog posts, pictures and videos of her trip!
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