Every quarter, we continue to learn about charities we never knew existed before our members brought them to our attention. Aside from the funding we provide to charities, we’re also spreading awareness and educating the public on the needs these organizations have in our community. This quarter, we chose to support nonprofits who serve US military Veterans who have been injured; rescued, injured and abandoned wildlife; and children and young adults experiencing sex trafficking and other dangerous and abusive environments. Thanks to our members’ giving hearts, we donated $28,865 this quarter and people’s lives are being impacted on a daily basis. To date, our chapter has donated $442,725 to local charities.
Ahwatukee donated $10,400 to the Arizona Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America. The Arizona Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America champions and honors Veterans of the United States of America by taking action to improve the lives of US Military Veterans and all who have experienced Spinal Cord Injury, Disease/Dysfunction and Disability. They do this through advocacy for proper health, improving public accessibility, communication, education, and the promotion of activities and sports.
Our donations will be used to buy supplies, such as batteries for power chairs and shower benches. Most insurance companies no longer cover shower benches making them a much needed commodity.
Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center (SWCC) was the recipient of $11,050 in donations from our Scottsdale group. SWCC was founded in the early 1990s and has become one of the leading wildlife sanctuaries and rehab facilities in the southwestern United States. When wild animals are found hurt, orphaned or have lost their homes to development, SWCC knows just what to do. They are there to help our native wildlife by giving them a safe place to recover and grow; a place where their wildness is nurtured and encouraged.
SWCC rescues and rehabilitates wildlife that has been injured, displaced, and orphaned. Once rehabilitated, they are returned to the wild. Sanctuary is provided to animals that cannot be released back to the wild. Thousands of sick, injured, orphaned or displaced wild animals have been rehabilitated. More than 70 percent have been successfully released back into the wild.
Our donations will be used for the care and feeding of the animals, including medical care, along with support of their operational budget.
Our East Valley group selected the Starbright Foundation and donated $6,400. The Starbright Foundation provides advocacy, counseling and a “House of Hope” for youth that have been exposed to domestic violence, sex trafficking, abuse, pornography or neglect. The Starbright House of Hope is a place of tranquility, peace and healing for the most vulnerable. Many children use the House of Hope as a hub for Starbright outreach. Starbright also partners with many other community organizations to provide their unique services to those in need and have the opportunity to express themselves through art, dance, drama, music, sports and puppet theater.
Our donations will ensure they have immediate use of funds to fulfill their commitment and impact in our community.
Please visit our Facebook page for more photos from our donation meetings. Our next quarterly giving circles are October 30 in Scottsdale, November 5 in Ahwatukee and November 7 in the East Valley. We are celebrating our FIVE-YEAR anniversary and would love for EVERYONE to join us. Please register here.