The Victor Pinchuck Foundation - Ukraine
"The people of the Ukraine were amazing and gave me two great years. It's like a second home to me. The Victor Pinchuck Foundation supports the things I personally would like to see in the Ukraine. It stresses education, more technology support, the infrastructure and making the country more economically independent. When I was a missionary there I was really young and worked well with the youth. These were the same concerns the youth had in regards to the future of their country and their own futures."
--Casey, "January"
Eagle Condor - Argentina
"While serving in Argentina, I fell in love with the people there and gained an appreciation for others and their needs. I was excited about what Eagle Condor does - establishes running water, irrigation and teaches people how to be self sufficient - builds homes, schools, etc. They also have micro-loans for those who have or want to start a small business. It helps provide training, as well as support to create business in the area. Poverty and lack of jobs are their biggest concerns and Eagle Condor helps with both of those. I also have the opportunity to help build those schools and businesses where I did my mission in Argentina through this charity, so I'm looking forward to some of that work."
--J.D., "February"
Comic Relief - United Kingdom
"I like the idea of having a charity that incorporates comedy - which suits me. And it's a great cause as well. They do what they call a "Red Nose Day." It's a day started about 20 years ago where the BBC stops running their normal programming, and celebrities get together to put on comedy shows all day long. I like the idea that a nation takes a day off to laugh at themselves, and everything goes to charity - 100% goes towards the cause, much of which goes to Africa."
--Jonathan, "April"
Salvation Army - Las Vegas, USA
"I've worked with the Salvation Army previously, and it was one of the most memorable charities I came across during my mission. The people I've met through this organization were wonderful to work with and showed their appreciation of our help. It makes me feel good to give back to others. I didn't know what it felt like until I did my mission and was helping people 24/7. The fact that I still can help others now that my mission is complete makes me feel good to help any way I can."
--Shane, "May"
Habitat for Humanity - South Africa
"Habitat for Humanity focuses on building communities, which I feel is one of the best ways to help give underprivileged people a better opportunity for the future. The idea of building homes and building communities is really important to me. I want to give more to the communities and people."
--Kenny, "June"
Dreams Can Be Foundation - Brazil
"As Whitney's song goes "I believe that children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside." - I believe that kids deserve a chance to live life free from the gangs, and drugs that envelope most of the slums in the larger cities of Brazil. Music is and has been a passion of mine since I was born. And I have found that it always lifts up my spirit and makes me want to become more than I am. I have performed musically since elementary school, recently auditioned for American Idol and plan on doing so again next year, with the hopes that I can impact even more peoples' lives through music in the future as I have in the past. DREAMS CAN BE FOUNDATION supports musical programs in Brazil that can keep thousands of kids out of the gangs and keep them involved in something beautiful. Then they can see the positive influence they can have on people through music as well. I've been given so much, and it's nice to give back."
--Brandon, "July"
Care for Life - Mozambique
"While in Mozambique on my mission, I encountered a wonderful woman from Arizona who started Care for Life -- a charity created to help children in that particular region of Africa. Feeling a strong connection to the people of the area, and with great admiration for this woman and her dedication to the organization, I chose to donate my portion of the proceeds of the calendar to Care for Life."
--Brandon, "August"
The Itoman Children's Foundation - Japan
"Helping this community was a big part of my life. Serving them helped change me and I look at things differently. It changes your global perspective, and being able to assist them is important. I miss being there to help them and they truly need this funding. It also helps build the name of the church out there. Being a part of the schools and the children's' lives was really interesting, especially since these rural areas rarely see a white foreigner. Being an American was unique for these areas. I enjoyed teaching them English, teaching them how to play kickball, etc. I looked forward to it every week. Knowing I have access to funds - I immediately thought of the children I could help."
--Matt, "October"
Variety NC - California, USA
"Variety is a charity that donates to children's funds, particularly those with preemies. I have a love of children, and the money Variety raises goes to several different funds for children who are ill or are in need. While on my mission, I was able to see some of the really poor areas of the state, and one particular area had been devastated by a flood in the entire region. One house had two children living in a small shack with their parents and there were no walls - just the skeleton of the walls. It was cold that night and rainy. The father was building a fire in the fireplace and ran out of kindling. I saw him take a hammer to one of the walls and take out a chunk of the wall- it was the most tragic thing I'd seen. These two little girls were beautiful, and it was sad to see them in a home where illness is prevalent. We ended up building a home for them, which was an incredible experience. I also ran into other families where they had children and didn't have the means to care for them."
--Dustin, "November"