Marc Gold and those working with him on the 100 Friends Project continue to make a direct impact in the lives of people living in developing countries. Often a few dollars, or even a rusty old bike, can make a difference.
People living in a village near the airport in Jakarta (Indonesia) gather recyclable items and exchange them for money. Everyday they search for things that they can turn in such as plastic bags, bottles, cans, metal, and wire. In the past they had to walk and carry the items to the brokers. Most people were able to collect enough recyclable material to earn about $1 per day.
With help from the community committees in the area volunteers obtained 100 bikes and fitted them with large baskets. They distributed the bikes to the families in the village. Now with the bikes and baskets they can take more recyclables and they can do so much faster.
Marc said that with these bikes their “income goes from about $1 per day to about $3 per day and that is really significant for them.”
It is hard to imagine even living on $3 per day when thinking of it in US value. However to put this in perspective in Indonesia the average yearly income is $3843 US (2005).
This year 100 Friends has worked on many other great projects. In Cambodia they distributed hundreds of mosquito nets that could protect up to 1000 people from malaria and dengue fever. They support orphanages in several countries and are even building a school in Afghanistan. The 100 Friends Project 2007 Field Report describes the other activities from the past year. Whether it’s bikes, medical supplies or just a dollar or two to a family in need, 100 Friends continues to do good all across the globe.
A couple of weeks ago I attended the Association of Fundraising Professionals conference in Dallas. Actually I was just there for one day, heard the opening session and toured the exhibit hall. But it was enough to make a big impression. I’ll definitely be going next year.
