Charitable giving. In the vast majority of situations, it isn’t a “hand-out.” It isn’t “enabling.” Charitable giving is what provides people with fewer advantages a chance to change their lives for the better. Sometimes, it helps them to simply survive. As we ring in the new year, we are honored to introduce you to a few of the organizations MedGyn made donations to in 2020.
UNICEF
“UNICEF works in the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents – and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere… we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.”
Stand-out story: “In Bulgaria, ‘one stop’ child advocacy centres do not stop for pandemics”
A refugee family living in Bulgaria struggles as COVID-19 hits. The husband loses his job, making the wife the sole provider for the family. Schools close and educational support is only provided to their son, not their daughter. Then, the Council of Refugee Women, an organization supported by UNICEF, calls to check in. It is immediately clear that the family needed help.
Read about Unicef’s many other projects here.
CARE
“Independent of political, commercial, military, ethnic, or religious objectives, CARE promotes the protection of humanitarian space. We provide assistance on the basis of need, regardless of race, creed or nationality addressing the rights of vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls.”
Stand-out story: “Jordan: Syrian advocate uses animation to raise awareness on early marriage and gender-based violence”
A refugee from the age of 6, Nabila never had to live in a camp. But a job with an NGO opens her eyes to the violence experienced by women, children, and men. “The moment I started discussing sexual and reproductive health issues in a group of women and men, I felt an incredible power and confidence,” she says, “Discussing those issues is considered a taboo in my society, especially when done by a young lady. It was liberating and people truly listened.” Understanding that lectures can be boring, Nabila turns to animation to reach a broader audience.
Read about Care’s 2020 initiatives here.
Feeding America
“Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger.”
Stand-out story: “How is the Pandemic Impacting Hunger in Indian Country?”
Native Americans, already among the most disenfranchised citizens of the United States, are being hit hard by the COVID pandemic. With elders to protect and many members with pre-existing conditions, lockdowns are strict on the boarders of reservations. With most reservations already existing in food-deserts, USDA programs such as The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), Mobile Food Pantry (MFP), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are more important than ever before.
Read about Feeding America’s latest activities here.
