SEVA Challenge 2009: Uganda
What is our purpose?
The SEVA Challenge 2009 is in collaboration with Off the Mat Into the World® organization where yogis around the United States and Canada join hands to raise money for national and international causes.
This year, I have pledged to raise $20,000 by November 15, 2009 for three organizations. Once my goal is reached, I will be traveling to Uganda in February 2010. Through the transformative practice of daily yoga, extensive hands-on experience and leadership training, we will create a powerful container in which to learn, discover and become effective agents for change.
Organizations
Shanti Uganda, a Vancouver based organization dedicated to helping children, women, and communities in Uganda find peace and health. Off The Mat Into the World® will support these efforts (www.shantiuganda.org):
Build an eco-friendly birthing center in remote Uganda
Offer services to 50 HIV positive women
Support a mid-wife training program, allowing them to earn an income, and supports women giving birth
Building Tomorrow is an international organization out of Indianapolis, Indiana. This year, Off The Mat Into the World® will support Building Tomorrows efforts:
Building a primary school
Housing for seven teachers and their families
Develop a farm on the schools property
Seane Corn, along with Ashley Judd and Josh Lucas, is an ambassador for Youth Aids. Off The Mat Into the World® will be working with this organization to support:
Education and prevention initiative to stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS
Life-saving programs in over 60 countries
• 41% of children in Africa have no access to education.
• Every morning 41 million children in sub-Africa wake up with no school to attend.
• Over 1 million children in Uganda, between the ages of 6-12 are not in school.
• Only 57% of children in Uganda will complete primary school.
In addition, 20% of proceeds will stay in the United States and Canada to support youth at-risk programs. Off The Mat Into the World® is committed to continuing our work to support cultures and communities where basic human needs are at risk and to offering our hearts, hands and resources in joyful and practical service.
• The war in Northern Uganda has been called the most neglected humanitarian emergency in the world.
• 15 million children around the world have been orphaned by AIDS losing one or both parents by this disease
In a country where sanitation and medical facilities are lacking, high cesarean section rates, and other interventions lead to infection and death.
• Without continued access to education and supplies, these practices put the birthing mother and her child at risk causing thousands to die each year.
My Plan
Between now and November 15, people with the same vision and I have organized several events for this cause:
Yoga-thons
Cut-a-thons
Art Auctions (one online and one live, local event)
Letter writing campaigns
Traveling yoga donation classes
Action
I am asking you to support my effort in any way possible. If you feel inclined to offer a monetary donation, please do so the following ways below. Your tax deductible donation will go to support these worthwhile causes. If you would like to donate an item for our art auction, or volunteer for one of our other efforts, please contact me at staceyshanks@insightbb.com or (812) 455-6740.
Your donation will be part of a legacy of hope for Uganda and an agent for social change. Please consider my plea for help by supporting this cause and my goal now. I am happy to answer any questions you may have about these organizations or my efforts. Together we CAN make a difference!
Love & blessings for a better tomorrow,
Stacey Shanks
You may also donate at Off the Mat Into the World®. Please select Stacey Shanks in the drop down menu beneath Uganda on the donation form.
Send check to Off the Mat, Into the World P.O. Box 748, Venice, CA 90294
(Payable to The Engage Network with Stacey Shanks in the memo on the check)