For years, Felicia Young who started Earth Celebrations has been working to promote awareness to climate change, toxic waste, recycling, and the preservation of nature, parks, gardens, and a healthy urban environment. I have photographed many events for her in the past. This year she organized the amazing Hudson River Pageant. The costumes and rituals were amazing. see more photos on Facebook
Ecuador Part 1
My trip to Ecuador is hard to put in words and harder to put in images. Neither seem to capture the total experience. I went there with a group of 14 photographers and 3 non-photographers as part of an initiative to provide funds, images and support to the children we met.
“What kind of support did the kids need most and how could we provide it?”, was what I wondered upon entering each of 8 locations. Getting to know the directors and witnessing their systems and their struggles laid the foundation for where we as group would put our funds and also the limited time we had to share of ourselves.
In some places there were lack of beds…we are having bunk beds built. In another place the mattresses were old, smelly and falling apart. We bought 28 new mattresses and sheets. Other needs we discovered were that the kids would eat in shifts because there were not enough cups or plates for each kid so we bought those. Larger ticket items are a new refridegerator, dryer and stove for which we are looking at what we can do. One place needed a new sewage system built. Another place wanted to send one of their girls to a beauty school so she can have a career. Support staff are crucial so we are trying to extend the stay of one of the volunteers. At one place we bought food for the next few months yet discussions are being had about helping them start a garden as well as raise animals for not only milk, eggs, and meat but the sheer experience of being part of one’s own sustenance. The needs they had were short-term and long-term and we looked at what we could do on both fronts. As you can see some of these endeavors are on-going. Holding babies and playing games with the kids were other ways we were able to give of ourselves. and more so receive so much joy from them.
It was an incredible gift be part of this project and to be around such an amazing group of compassionate, creative and giving people from my group, from the orphanages and from OSSO (Orphanage Support Services Organization)
Thanks to all of you that donated before my trip and thanks to all of you that will donate to my next trip planned for this year. A new link to where to donate will be posted soon.
For many more photos…go to my facebook page.
First Stop..a School in Quito
Today was my first day in Quito. I am staying with a friend who helps sponsor schools in poor neighborhoods here. This has nothing to do with the trip to the orphanages. I had donated money a year ago to support one of these schools. I was curious to visit. Before going we went to the supermarket to buy meat and cheese and other various goodies for the kids. She spent about 100.00 and this will feed about 30 kids lunch for a month. When we arrived the kids were happy to play with me. Like most kids..they like to run, jump, play on a slide and lucky for me…allow me to take some photos. But not without showing them the back of my camera.
Getting them to jump was fun for all of us
A partial group shot…
This one was shy when I first arrived. Then she walks up to me and tells me she likes my ring. It always amazes me what kids notice. Then I looked down and see she has on a big pink plastic flower ring..
There was bit of chaos on the slide…This girl had fun but the boy she flew into wasn’t so happy
What is she thinking…I wonder…
My trip to 9 Orphanages in Ecuador
I am very excited about an opportunity that just came up. On March 10th I will go to Ecuador and join 10 other photographers to take pictures and volunteer in 9 orphanages in 2 different cities. I’m so excited to be part of this initiative. After the trip I look forward to sharing our experiences, our photos and letting you know the impact we were able to have on these children. I expect our images to be a memoir for them as well as raise awareness of their great needs.
Our group has set a goal to raise $20,000 ($2,000 each photographer) to provide the children with services and support. We will collectively decide where and how the money will be spent.
As little as $25.00 can go along way. Will you support by March 4th or soon after? I have raised $655.00 so far. $1345.00 to go.
That is 54 more people at 25.00 each…WIll you be one of them?
GO to: https://secure.eznettools.net/orphanagesupport/donationformPB.html and mention my name in the comments section
For more info on the the Orphanage Support Services Organization go to: http://www.orphanagesupport.org