|
|
|
|
Maika Global’s Annual Guide to Give
The 2020 holiday season is in full swing, and in the spirit of giving, Maika Global employees have put together a short blog series in hopes of inspiring friends, family, and maybe a stranger or two to give this year.
Check out Digital Marketing and Events Manager, Haley's recommendations below!
The Little Optimist Foundation
This is a South African non-profit, whose main aim is to inspire kids to
SURVIVE and THRIVE:
• SURVIVE: Optimism is a potent health tonic and through our programs, talks, books and documentary we inspire kids to be optimistic despite their present situation.
• THRIVE: In partnership with our key sponsors, we fundraise and assist to renovate and refurbish pediatric health care, primary care and education facilities.
The main beneficiaries of the Little Optimist Foundation are vulnerable children, be they marginalized economically or have compromised health. In April 2016, Greg Bertish sailed an 8-foot Children’s Optimist dinghy around the Cape of Storms. He crossed False Bay, rounded Cape Point and headed for Langebaan Lagoon on the wild West Coast. His 200-kilometre journey matched the 200 days he had spent in hospital fighting life-threatening heart infections.
He raised R300 000 towards a new Intensive Care Unit at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. Greg hopes this journey of a REAL Little Optimist and his Children’s book about a little believer with a HUGE heart, will help teach kids that being small, sick, poor or different is OK. And prove that they too can survive and thrive. His story will inspire kids and the world to believe in themselves, get better, be better and follow their passions and dreams.
When this organization first started, our Digital Marketing and Events Manager, Haley, was part of the committee to help them expand. Unfortunately, this fell through and their focus turned solely towards South Africa for the time being, and with Covid ideas of going global was paused. It is Haley's hope to get back involved with the charity and help push Greg’s dreams along to help children all over the world.
Consider donating this year, our help goes a long way for this organization. Currently, the organization is raising funds for not only their 2020 project, but also providing 1000 teddies to 1000 kids in hospital on Christmas Day. R100 ($6.55 USD) gives a kid a large teddy, check out their Facebook page to learn more.
Hospitality and Small Businesses
The hospitality industry and small businesses have had a rough go at 2020. In September an estimated 60% of businesses that were forced to close during the pandemic will not re-open. With additional closures going into the holiday season, this number is set to only increase. Haley holds a notable passion for these industries, having grown up with parents who have owned three successful small restaurants.
The impact that the pandemic has had on these individuals is no small feat. If you are able to donate to organizations who are helping small businesses and those affected in the hospitality industry, please do! If a donation isn’t quite in the cards this year, that’s okay to. Instead get takeout from a local restaurant or buy a gift or two from your local retail store.
James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Investment Fund for Black and Indigenous Americans
|
