30/06/2023
What has been accomplished in the past, and what can be (should be!) done in the future is on my mind daily, although I AM getting older.
At some point you look differently at situations, needs, way to meet or resolve problems. I'm not 76 years 'old'. I have 76 years x 365 days = 27740 days in which I learned something new, saw where I was right or wrong and to think deeply about what I can or canNOT do. It is both a joy and a heavy burden even though I am not in league with Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF or any of these amazing organizations who are not without critique but are providing what you and I, with big words and negativity, cannot accomplish. We forget that small part. We forget that if the UN takes 60% of donations to function, write, produce...40% goes where it is supposed to or otherwise simply not exist, acting according to their abilities which we cannot judge. People NEED that 40%! I have SEEN and experienced what they do. KUSOS!
So we, oneBIGboost, manage to work with small amounts, no overhead or charges, all volunteers and I can guarantee you that each of the marvelous recipients NEEDED us and appreciate what we did. Because organizations were either not able to help, did not know who needed help or could not leave large projects or communities to sever small enclaves. We cannot help large numbers of people (except after Haiti's horrible quake), but we count to everyone we reached out to. And the variety is fabulous.
We have received funding in different ways since our first trip to Nepal in 2009.
We had invaluable volunteers both from the US, Europe and LOCAL people who could likely not afford to take time off...but did anyway. They were translators, builders, chauffeurs, explainers and guides. We needed them all.
We provided computers, IT stuff for rural schools, water filters for SAFE water in several countries from schools to communties. Skill building, equipment for community organizations and rescue centers. Food and medical equipment, training for women and SO much more!
People have often asked me "Are you a missionary?"
My steadfast response is "No, I'm a woman on a mission!" and so are all those who have joined us. ALL!! (OK, many are men as well)
one BIG boost is proud of its achievements.
How were we able to?
We received outright donations from $5 to $1750, USA to Europe, and each was necessary, for the projects, and as a vote of confidence.
We had fundraisers selling food, organizing a dinner, holding student, adult and organization speeches and video presentations and often selling beautiful items from the lands we visited.
How did I finance that? I took $1000 out my personal account, bought $1000-worth of items overseas but not 'touristy stuff' - none of which I would not love to have myself, went back to the US and sold each at events for2x, 3x or even 4x what I paid. but still really affordable. Items left were mine (rarely)...I paid for them, right? I couldn't lose and everyone else was a winner. I'd guaranteed sell the jewelry, paintings, woven items and carvings at a following sale.
I eventually took the $1000 back, the rest went to oneBIGboost, and I re-used the $1000 for the next visit! Everyone wins in a situation like this.
We did not offer any tax havens for donors: we basically took their $20 overseas in lieu of their presence. ALL of it. And people trusted us which was amazing and touched us deeply. Each of these donors, small and large, aided or saved MANY lives and increased stanility in communities in many ways. ANY volunteers paid their own way: flight, other transport, food and lodging.
And we have stories to tell very few people can!
We do not fund private people, do not offer scholarships. We do not serve individuals EXCEPT if it is clear that they will be a catalyst to many, generally in educational roles. We help build skills and provide Goodwill.
We really should continue. I don't know who has been so marvelous to post us over and over, recently, but I am DEEPLY grateful and indebted to this person. I am breathing deeper.
We are a group of adults from a number of western and eastern nations who provide to how-to and where-to, and a group of mostly young adults in various needy countries around the world who identify where help is truly needed, and logical within our Mission Statement:
One Place
One Time
Serving Many.
Not deviating is one of the hardest parts. We have now served for 14 years and well over 35 projects. Amazing, isn't it? Haiti, Nepal, Uganda, Panama, Honduras, Suriname and others.
We hope you will be able to keep our organization going.
We are ready!
Marianne Kuiper Milks, CEO
29 Lake Shore Drive, Equinunk, PA 18417 USA
Via Regina Isabella, 16, Lecce, Italy.
sita4peace@gmail.com
