Help our Beautiful Malawi Family
Donation protected
My name is Katie Gaven and I am speaking on behalf of my husband Reecky Gaven and his beautiful family in Malawi, Africa.

Reecky came to the U.S. in 2009, when the economy of Malawi was much stronger. In 2012, Malawi's currency, the "Kwacha", devalued by over 50%. It used to be that one U.S. doller was 300 Malawi Kwacha. Today it takes 725 Malawi Kwachas to make $1!
In the 6 years that my husband has been in America, he's only been able to see his family last December for 2 weeks. Our daughter Joy and also went to Malawi and took advantage of the rare opportunity and stayed for 6 months.
It is hard to picture what Africa is like, and for those who have never been to a developing nation, it's hard to picture the beauty, the accomplishments, the growth, and the ways to offer productive aid.
I'm saying "productive aid," because many people donate to various organizations, hoping that the money actually reaches people in real need. I can't tell you how many times I saw brand new, shiney cars driven by "Nonprofit Organizations ." Corrupt governments eat much of the money that is sent with good intentions. Not only that, but often money is put into handing things to people, instead of investing in helping them to sustain themselves.
A simple example is Goodwill. It's a great concept. Millions of used clothes are sent to developing nations every year. These clothes aren't "given" to people though. They are resold in markets everywhere, which prevents countries from building their own economy through making or strengthening their own clothing manufactuing companies.
Here's a brilliant breakdown of the REAL issues, and why money you send to Africa doesn't necessarily help...
http://www.siliconafrica.com/africa-top-10-problems-not-the-ones-you-were-thinking-about/
I wish I had read this when I was in Malawi, it would have explained so many of my questions!!
Long story not so long, Reecky and I have many productive plans for our family. Unfortunately, it is exremely hard and unsettling to tell our Malawi family that we are also considered within the poverty line of our own country. I'm sure that sounds so silly to people who have never been to the U.S.-"the country of amazing opportunities." I know Reecky would never say it, but I can only imagine how much it sickens him to tell his family he can barely pay his own bills.
This is a very humbling experience to say the least. The last thing that I personally want to do is talk about finances, or worse, ask for financial help.
The good news, is that a little money would go a LONG way in Malawi. For example, a semester of High School or College is approximately $60.
We will put the focus of our funding on education, and small business developement. We will also draft out a monthly budget that will significantly impact our family's financial planning. This budget will keep them from losing their house, allow them to be prepared for unsuccessful harvests due to droughts, and remove a great strain of stress and health issues.

If you would rather, another way you can help is by sending small but extrenely helpful, simple items.
Batteries, matches, small scented candles, flashlights(lots of black outs), toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, lotion, razors, tampons/pads, small cleaning supplies, small books, pocket bibles, small childrens books, art/school supplies, earbuds, pens, makeup, scarves(thin), socks, flipflops, non perishable foods items like spices/seasonings, salt, power bars, tea, sugar, an so on!!! Basically anything you can get at the dollar store!
Please send items to 13499 Lake Valley Drive, Auburn, Ca 95603 at any time. We will set up a shipping plan with our budget as well and spread out the dates so our family doesn't get a "one time package".
I thank you gratefully for your consideration, time, and generousity. Know that your money can make a REAL difference in so many ways.
With love,
Katie Gaven

Reecky came to the U.S. in 2009, when the economy of Malawi was much stronger. In 2012, Malawi's currency, the "Kwacha", devalued by over 50%. It used to be that one U.S. doller was 300 Malawi Kwacha. Today it takes 725 Malawi Kwachas to make $1!
In the 6 years that my husband has been in America, he's only been able to see his family last December for 2 weeks. Our daughter Joy and also went to Malawi and took advantage of the rare opportunity and stayed for 6 months.
It is hard to picture what Africa is like, and for those who have never been to a developing nation, it's hard to picture the beauty, the accomplishments, the growth, and the ways to offer productive aid.
I'm saying "productive aid," because many people donate to various organizations, hoping that the money actually reaches people in real need. I can't tell you how many times I saw brand new, shiney cars driven by "Nonprofit Organizations ." Corrupt governments eat much of the money that is sent with good intentions. Not only that, but often money is put into handing things to people, instead of investing in helping them to sustain themselves.
A simple example is Goodwill. It's a great concept. Millions of used clothes are sent to developing nations every year. These clothes aren't "given" to people though. They are resold in markets everywhere, which prevents countries from building their own economy through making or strengthening their own clothing manufactuing companies.
Here's a brilliant breakdown of the REAL issues, and why money you send to Africa doesn't necessarily help...
http://www.siliconafrica.com/africa-top-10-problems-not-the-ones-you-were-thinking-about/
I wish I had read this when I was in Malawi, it would have explained so many of my questions!!
Long story not so long, Reecky and I have many productive plans for our family. Unfortunately, it is exremely hard and unsettling to tell our Malawi family that we are also considered within the poverty line of our own country. I'm sure that sounds so silly to people who have never been to the U.S.-"the country of amazing opportunities." I know Reecky would never say it, but I can only imagine how much it sickens him to tell his family he can barely pay his own bills.
This is a very humbling experience to say the least. The last thing that I personally want to do is talk about finances, or worse, ask for financial help.
The good news, is that a little money would go a LONG way in Malawi. For example, a semester of High School or College is approximately $60.
We will put the focus of our funding on education, and small business developement. We will also draft out a monthly budget that will significantly impact our family's financial planning. This budget will keep them from losing their house, allow them to be prepared for unsuccessful harvests due to droughts, and remove a great strain of stress and health issues.
If you would rather, another way you can help is by sending small but extrenely helpful, simple items.
Batteries, matches, small scented candles, flashlights(lots of black outs), toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, lotion, razors, tampons/pads, small cleaning supplies, small books, pocket bibles, small childrens books, art/school supplies, earbuds, pens, makeup, scarves(thin), socks, flipflops, non perishable foods items like spices/seasonings, salt, power bars, tea, sugar, an so on!!! Basically anything you can get at the dollar store!
Please send items to 13499 Lake Valley Drive, Auburn, Ca 95603 at any time. We will set up a shipping plan with our budget as well and spread out the dates so our family doesn't get a "one time package".
I thank you gratefully for your consideration, time, and generousity. Know that your money can make a REAL difference in so many ways.
With love,
Katie Gaven
Organizer
Katie Gaven
Organizer
Auburn, CA