A Christmas Story Credo Lazarus Charities Core Selection Criteria
All God’s Children Vision Africa American Refugee Committee Priests of the Sacred Heart West Papua Mission House of Hope Orphanage Uganda savefourlives Dignitas International Canadian Magen David Adom A Special Lazarus Friend
People With AIDS Foundation Multiple Sclerosis Society Delisle Youth Services Cystic Fibrosis Association CAMH Canadian Friends of Haifa University Salvation Army Corps 614 Yonge Street Mission

Nominated by Jordan Novak, Panel Manager, Brendan Wood Institute

Tangible Deliverables: Vision Africa operates 13 projects in the slum areas of Kenya. A project in particular need this year is the Riandu Children’s House, as the funding currently only supports a third of the 100 orphans in the home and weather has destroyed crops and storage facilities. The Riandu Children’s Home first opened its doors in 2004. The original group of 30 orphans has grown to 100 and the home is currently in grave need for a food storage area. A $7000 donation will pay for the food storage room ($2000) and feed, house and educate the 100 orphans for 3 months.

Competitiveness & Efficiency of the Delivery System: Vision Africa and an Italian charity built the home in 2004, so there are no rent expenses. A local welfare group helps run the home at minimal costs. Locals are also helping with funding in a limited way. Home schooling saves on school fees. By all measures, the home is run with incredible financial efficiency. ($32/child/month)

Financial Efficiency: Because 100% of Vision Africa’s team consists of volunteers they are able to keep overhead costs to approximately 1% of total income, meaning that 99% of the funds are donated where they are most needed - to help the children in Kenya. One dollar gives a child a main meal every day they are at school.

Jordan Novak
Jordan Novak

Accountability to Clients & Investors: Vision Africa is a registered charity in the UK and Kenya. All UK staff are volunteers. Financials are transparent and available upon request.

Commitment and Plans to Achieve Sustainable Results: The home has been in operation for three years and grown by 300%. The combination of local support and foreign aid has helped with sustainability, though the future is difficult to think about with the day-to-day needs being unmet. The food shortage room will help with sustainability.

Volunteerism/Recruitment: 100% volunteers claim no expenses for their work. Currently, Vision Africa has more than 100 volunteers in various children’s housing and education centers across Kenya. They work hard to help children in need and ask for nothing in return.

Amanda Knott