Category: Fund Raiser

From Traveller to Fundraiser

One of our recent travellers was so taken by her trip to Africa that she set up this incredible fundraising effort…

Iconic Africa’s Julia Fryer showed one of our travellers, Toula Cassen, what Africa is truly about – wildlife, sunsets, people and heart! It is said that people visit Africa for the first time for the animals, but they return for the people. On Toula’s trip to Africa, she did a cultural tour in the Maasai Mara, meeting the locals and engaging in their daily life. Despite their tough economic circumstances, she was touched deeply at how happy they were. On her return back to Australia she started a fundraiser, working hand-in-hand with Julia to point her in the direction of where funds were needed the most. The reality is that precious wilderness areas can only survive in the long term if the local people who call the wildness areas home are uplifted and educated. They, therefore, decided to focus their efforts on assisting a school in the Maasai Mara that has accountable and transparent mechanisms in place to ensure funds are used for the purpose intended. In consultation with the trustees, we identified where the need was greatest and Toula responded accordingly. We are delighted to announce that the girls at the local school in the Emarti village, Kenya are now receiving @hurukits with hygiene instructions, underwear, reusable/washable sanitary towels and family planning education. The funds raised were so great that they were able to spill over to other schools in Kibera, Nairobi, the biggest slum in Africa.

“Africa has the ability to reach into people’s hearts. Travellers are amazed at the sheer joy Africans exude despite their often incredibly difficult circumstances. I knew from the minute I spoke to Toula on the phone that she was a true gem. She has such a heart for people, for giving back and for leaving the world a better place. Her efforts, and the generosity of those in Australia who supported her in her fundraising initiatives will reach women in schools far and wide in Kenya. The depth of the human heart when you engage people and point them towards contributing to a fund that has transparency and accountability is incredible! I am privileged to have met Toula and to have brought her to Africa. What a remarkable woman” – Julia Fryer.

A huge thank you from the bottom of our hearts to Toula Cassen who kindly fundraised to donate to @houseinthewild and @Crossroads_et_al. 

Here’s what they had to say:

@Crossroads_et_al: “I am thrilled to let you know that crossroads et al’s first fundraising venture has found its home! Your contributions are assisting female students in an area that has been a taboo up until recently. To all those who participated – you have made a difference.”

@houseinthewild – “An amazing visit from @hurukits to our local Emarti School today (2 March). 

Delivering kits of eco-sanitary towels, made by a women’s group in the Kibera slum in Nairobi, to all of the girls. The kits will not only help our environment by being reusable but they also keep the girls in school. The team also held sessions on family planning, bringing family spacing to the conversation. I was amazed to learn that 14 girls ages 15-17 at the school were mothers. And 4 more pregnant. Population pressure around the edges of the Mara is a huge challenge for conservation, and education is key. At #houseinthewild we are so excited to be partnering with @hurukits on this initiative and it would not be possible without the amazing support from Toula Cassen and thank you to the wonderful @jules_fryer for the introduction. Each kit costs $35 and comes with hygiene instructions, underwear, reusable/washable sanitary towels and family planning education.” 

For more information or to buy some kits for the girls at the neighbouring Ol Meoshi School email info@houseinthewild.com

A HUGE well done and thank you again to Toula – for making such an incredible difference in these girls’ lives.