I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.

    — Edward Everett Hale

One of my goals is to be able to give more time to people who need it. My family-of-two stays really busy. As a result, we often end up giving the only way we can — via donations. Here are some of our favorites.

Cambodian Children’s Foundation

The story of how Scott Neeson came to found CCF is facinating and pretty damn inspiring. We found out about CCF after our first trip to Cambodia, and have been involved ever since. Visiting the CCF facilities and our sponsored child was a life-changing event for us. We’ve gotten back a whole lot more than we’ve given, that’s for sure.

The staff of CCF consists of mostly native Cambodians, and these folks plainly love the kids. The kids here take daily English clasess, but the staff also act as translators. As a result, we get to communicate with our sponsoree via email anytime! Here’s Julie with Srey Pheak (on the right) during dance party night.

 

CCF is a great way to get personal with your giving.

Remote Access Medical

We first heard of Remote Access Medical by way of a 60 Minutes story. For me, the story was a major reality-check. While I’m sitting here all comfy in my coffee shop, there are folks 2-3 hours away (and closer) who don’t have the resources to afford basic medical care.

I haven’t volunteered for RAM, but they’re doing good, and they’re doing it locally.

UNHCR – The UN Refugee Agency

Two words (names?) Angelina Jolie. Gotta admit it.  We became interested in the UNHCR around the time the press was making lots of noise about her involvment with this organization. If my skillset were right, this would be the sort of outfit I’d love to work for – on the ground, making a difference every day.

Medicins Sans Frontiers

Makes me wish I were a doctor, which I never thought would happen!  As odd as it sounds, I literally find myself becoming jealous that I can’t participate.  Just like UNHCR, I don’t have the technical chops to be useful to MSF. I wish I did, though.