We kicked off our Local is Global campaign this month to involve our community in efforts to support African grassroots organizations supporting children and families living with HIV. This past weekend we tabled on the UCSC campus and downtown Santa Cruz to spread the word! Our student interns and campaign leaders, Kathryn Kemper and Karen Cortez, worked with a team of more than 30 UCSC student volunteers to create some great projects including a fact wheel about the effects of HIV, a station for making Mother’s Day Cards, and a painted thumbprint banner for everyone to show their solidarity with African communities supporting vulnerable children and families.

Why did we do this…?

Local is Global is not just a fundraiser – our campaign is about engaging students and the greater Santa Cruz community in Firelight’s work, and affecting change by spreading the word. We know that we can create change and support African grassroots despite our distance; with the community behind us, we can make an even bigger difference.

What was our impact…?

With the help of our hardworking volunteers, we reached hundreds of students and community members, got 2,600 views on our campus Snapchat, and received over $280 in donations (some came in online—thank you)! One local high school student was particularly affected – he decided to do his class project on Firelight and its partners. And a woman we met on Sunday plans to have her birthday celebration at Woodstock’s on the night of our fundraiser (May 19!) as her way of contributing.

We feel so grateful to be part of a community that is interested in creating positive change – this weekend was a reminder that Local truly is Global, and that our combined efforts can make a real impact for Africa’s grassroots.

Don’t forget! Our campaign ends May 25 – if you’d like to be a part of Local is Global:

Make a donation online
Share this blog on social media!
Bring your friends and join us at Woodstock’s May 19, 5-9 PM. Remember to mention Firelight or present the flyer below when ordering. This counts for to go orders too!

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Students are Making a Global Impact