There’s no shortage of Canadian charities doing important work. Most of us, however, want to ensure that the time and money we’re donating are making a maximum impact and that our charity-of-choice is transparent, accountable and focused on results.
For the Love of Africa (FTLOA), a Victoria-based humanitarian non-profit society that establishes partnerships and engages in hands-on personal involvement, Tanzania, Africa, ticks off all these boxes. The society specifically focuses on two key areas – education and health – issues critical to the long-term development and stability of the country.
FTLOA was founded in 2004 by Ruth and Erich Schulz, a Victoria couple who decided, after they had raised their family, that they wanted to give back to others less fortunate. On one of their volunteer missions when they were involved in a fundraising campaign to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa, they met the Secretariat of the Council of Churches of Tanzania, who asked them for help to build a school in Dodoma, Tanzania.
The couple agreed and organized a volunteer team under the auspices of the Cordova Bay United Church Congregation. Funds were raised and a 14-member team dispatched to Tanzania to help complete the four-room school. Upon the team’s return, they decided to form FTLOA, their own non-profit society.
“Our introduction to working together with the Tanzanian community to build that first school had a profound impact on us,” says Erich. “Sometimes problems that face the people of Tanzania can seem overwhelming and it may seem hopeless. But that hopelessness can be replaced by opportunities through education and health standards. Fortunately, FTLOA has made a positive difference to not just one or two people, but a whole community.”
“It takes a lot of time and effort to gain the trust of the African people with whom our society works,” Erich continues. “Of special importance is the connection we have with the office of the Council of Churches of Tanzania – they provide guidance and advice whenever we anticipate doing projects with various organizations. We ask if the organization is reputable, accountable and trustworthy and if the project is actually needed as outlined in the proposal.
“These connections help us feel confident that the project work will be successful, that the funds our donors provide are spent expeditiously and will provide results that make a significant difference for the Tanzanian people. One of the main successes of the work that the society does in Tanzania is reflected in the fact that we revisit every project we have supported to ensure it still operates as outlined in the project proposal.”
Member Karen Schrey joined the society in 2017 because FTLOA’s organizational values aligned with her own.
“I strongly believe we cannot go to Africa and tell people what they need and how to go about getting it,” says Karen. “Projects need to be community-driven and this is how FTLOA operates. It’s also important to me that FTLOA is 100 per cent volunteer run and 100 per cent of donations go to the projects. People who travel to Tanzania on a team do so at their own expense.”
After that first school was built, FTLOA supported the establishment of a medical clinic that, since 2008, has served well over 180,000 patients.
The society has also diversified its project work to children’s and orphans’ centres, water/irrigation projects and a technical/trade school.
“It should be stated,” emphasizes Ruth Schulz, “that, except for the start-up of the Dodoma Tech Institute, each project is sustainable, and the society does not provide additional funding to the completed projects.”
The society has now expanded to a membership of more than 60, with members from across BC, Canada and abroad. There are no paid staff and the $100-a-year-fee is used for the society’s management and operating costs.
“A member’s desire to share their talents, resources, and their love for humanity is key,” says Ruth. “Not everyone has an opportunity to join a team to go to Tanzania, however, if they support the vision of the society by contributing financially, by being involved in fundraising, or promoting awareness to others, they are contributing in a meaningful way.”
For Karen, the opportunity to learn new things, have new experiences and to be involved in a project from conception to completion have been sources of gratification.
“It’s very rewarding,” she says. “And I like that members can help a little or a lot – it doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment, unless you want it to be.”
FTLOA is an all-ages organization and age should not be a deterrent for anyone wanting to join the society, as 88-year-old Barb Waldner can attest. An avid volunteer for several Victoria organizations, she was one of the members that went on the first mission to Tanzania with the Schulzes.
Barb oversees membership and says new members are welcomed into the group – they bring new ideas and energy with them. She also serves on the Events Committee and has always been involved in fundraising events.
“I’m proud of the fact that we have been able to send a mission group to Tanzania nearly every year since our inception,” says Barb. “And I’m glad we are able to contribute towards the education and health of the people we have met there – they are such happy, gracious and appreciative folks.”
For Ruth and Erich, the rewards of membership are tangible: “Those children who attended the first school that we built have now graduated from various levels of schooling and are leaders in their community. That is the reward we bring back to our donors and that is the satisfaction we get for helping those in need so that they can help themselves.”
“One of my most memorable incidents was when I asked a little boy after he had received some school supplies what his favourite gift was,” confides Ruth. “He replied, ‘I got a whole pencil for myself.’”
Want to get involved with FTLOA?
Monthly meetings happen on the first Wednesday of each month at Cordova Bay 55 Plus Association room, in the Cordova Bay Elementary School at 7pm sharp.
If you’d like to donate, all contributions over $20 are issued a charitable donation receipt.
For more info, email volunteers@fortheloveofafrica.ca
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