International Fundraiser Wins Award for Her Efforts!

Congratulations to Katherine Leonard from New Jersey, USA for winning the GivenGain Foundation "Most Creative" fundraiser award! We are honoured to be on the receiving end of your skill, compassion and commitment - a true force for change altogether!

Kate was one of five students from Fordham University in New Jersey, USA who landed on South African soil early this year for a 6-month community engagement project with Lesedi la Batho. They were just mapping out their project ideas, when their experience was cut short as they were hurried back to their home country just before the international lockdowns at the end of March.

Kate was determined to still do something for the community of Mabopane from back home, and has been completing an internship with us throughout her "summer break" from university. She has been enthusiastically working alongside our fundraising efforts to expand our impact, developing training manuals, and researching new fundraising opportunities and campaigns. Kate compiled a fun video called "Fundraising with Archie" to show our supporters that "fundraising for Lesedi la Batho is so simple even a puppy could do it", featuring her new puppy, Archie. Kate entered her video to a fundraiser competition by the GivenGain Foundation, and won! The prize funds of $250 will be directed towards Kate's fundraising project, supporting Lesedi la Batho's relief efforts during the coronavirus crisis.

GivenGain wrote, "Kate showed the world how one woman and her cute puppy can put the fun into fundraising from home! The money raised will go to the South African charity Lesedi la Batho, whose mission is to empower and equip unemployed youth and vulnerable women to become purposeful, motivated and independent of handouts."

A message from kate...

​What inspired you to get connected with Lesedi la Batho and support our mission?

"Lesedi la Batho stood out to me because of the organization's devotion to its mission, which was evident in the vast services I saw that they provided. At first, I thought Lesedi la Batho was confined to its position as a community center, but I was so inspired when I saw how many programs the organization engaged with. From child day care, to school lessons on sexual health, to LGBTI support groups, I sensed that Lesedi was determined to not leave anyone in the community behind. This feeling of "togetherness" was solidified once I began getting involved with Lesedi la Batho. The community members radiated love, wisdom, and resilience - their positivity was infectious. I was sad to say goodbye to these people I met when I returned home, but I knew that I would continue to stay involved with the cause through fundraising efforts. Being involved in this way has made me feel close to a mission that was already so near to my heart."

​- Katherine Leonard, Summer Intern 2020