Local is Global: Students Fundraise for African Grassroots

A student fundraiser to benefit Firelight

When we talk about Africa, we often talk about hunger, poverty, and HIV, and it can be easy to feel like there is nothing we can do to help. What we fail to see is the overwhelming resilience, creativity, and innovation within African communities – and the role we can play in supporting this.

We believe that “local is global” and that people in a town like Santa Cruz can make a difference in the lives of people in a Tanzanian village. This May, we're launching a fundraiser called Local is Global, a student fundraiser for Africa's grassroots. We're encouraging students and families in the Santa Cruz area to realize the role they can play and take action to support African communities.

Local is Global will raise money for Firelight to continue its work strengthening African community organizations that support the health, resilience, and education of vulnerable children. We believe that if the local community joins together, we can create a global impact.

UCSC students signing up to volunteer for the Local is Global fund

So who are we?

We're two UC Santa Cruz students, Karen Cortez and Kathryn Kemper, and we're leading this fundraiser, partnering with more than 30 UCSC students. We're also linking up with Scotts Valley High School students in their 10 Days for Change campaign (it's their third year - go SVHS!), and the greater Santa Cruz community to work together to support African communities creating change.

Kathryn Kemper and Karen Cortez with their advisor, Professor Tony Hoffman

How can you join?

There are lots of ways!

May 8th: We're on campus! Stop by our table at the Quarry in UCSC. We have games, mother's day cards, and so much more.

May 9th & 10th: Stop by our table in downtown Santa Cruz, 11 am to 5 pm! UCSC and Scotts Valley High School students will be there with games and mother's day cards for the last minute givers. Make a donation and we'll thank you in person! -->May 9th: Our table will be at Memorial plaza by Jamba Juice -->May 10th: Our table will be in front of O'Neills Surf shop

May 19th: Don't cook dinner, order a pizza! Join us at Woodstock’s on Front Street or order a pizza to go. Just remember to mention "Firelight" when you order and a portion of your pizza purchase goes to Firelight and its support for African communities.

Donate online: Make a donation online and join us in supporting Firelight and their work with African communities creating lasting change for children.

Hurry! Local is Global ends May 25.