Vehicles needed to safeguard workers & children
Dear Friends,
In just six months AFCECO has been catapulted from a quiet, grassroots organization to being one of the highest profile Afghan run NGOs. (See our web site for reports on NBC News, Vital Voices, and the White House Summit). At the start as now we adhere to our philosophy that, unlike many other NGOs we make certain 95% of every dollar raised goes directly to the children’s health, education, housing and food. We are all virtually volunteers. There are no high salaries, no luncheons, no SUVs. The blessings of our new high profile are many. A great influx of donations and sponsors designated specifically to increase the number of children we serve has made it possible to open several new orphanages in Kabul, Herat and Jalalabad. We are thrilled with these developments, but with this sudden growth we are faced with new challenges we could never have anticipated. The reality is to manage this growth and notoriety and to keep the orphanages running smoothly and safely we must immediately raise money towards the purchase of three vehicles, one each for Jalalabad, Herat and Kabul.
Right now the new orphanages do not even have a bicycle. This means extra costs, hiring taxis, trucks and delivery people to handle everything from the movement of staff to supply trips and doctors’ appointments. It also means the limitation of outings and other extra-curricular events for the children. In Kabul these needs are compounded by our newfound security problems. With AFCECO’s recent awards and publicity, Andeisha and foreign volunteers and visitors are at great risk. Having only one car to handle all our coming and going to the orphanages and for supplies, as well as bringing the children to the football field and special events is not only logistically impossible but by every standard of security here it is dangerous. If this car breaks down in the street, or if it is identified as an easy target, there is nothing to stop any of various threats.
This is a plea for help. Our immediate need is $50,000 minimum. This will secure three or perhaps four good used vehicles and alleviate our desperate situation. If there is anything you can do or suggestions, contacts you have, we will be forever thankful if you would get in touch with us directly and as soon as possible, or perhaps even spark a fundraising campaign in your community.
If you simply wish to contribute, our partner Charity Help International has set up a link on their web site for donations.
If you would like to donate by check, please make your check payable to CharityHelp International and send it to:
CharityHelp International
P.O. Box 1904
Annapolis, MD 21404
With gratitude and utmost respect for your sustaining presence,
Andeisha Farid
Executive Director, AFCECO
andeisha@afceco.org
www.afceco.org