Barefruit’s Co-founder, Chief Juicer and self-confessed workaholic, Claire Harding, is also a bit of a fundraiser. She is heavily involved with the charity Rafiki Mwema, being a board member since the beginning in 2014 and besties with CEO and Co-founder, Sarah Rosborg.
The team at Barefruit witness first-hand the love and dedication Rafiki’s intrepid leader, Sarah Rosborg, puts into the charity as the HQ is located in our office. So, it was only fitting that Barefruit became a Bronze Sponsor of this amazing Charity. For years Claire has been supporting the charity in any way that she can and believes that corporate sponsorship not only fulfils a business’s corporate responsibility but is the perfect answer for any business looking to make a difference. The work that Rafiki Mwema does perfectly aligns with the values of our team, both personally and professionally. Being so closely involved with Rafiki, Barefruit staff are encouraged to dedicate a portion of their time to Rafiki. As a corporate sponsor and with Claire being a board member, means that we are often involved in the planning and marketing of Rafiki events and fundraisers.
So, what is Rafiki Mwema?
A not for profit organisation that works to change the lives of profoundly traumatised children who have experienced abuse in Kenya. Aiming to transform even the most deeply troubled children into loving, confident and joyful children through love and safety. Home to 70 boys and girls from the ages of 18 months to 18 years. A team of 45 staff support the children through their court cases, education, medical treatments, therapy and strive to provide the children with a warm, loving, playful and empathetic environment. To date, approximately 120 children have returned home to the care of a safe family member, with the Rafiki Mwema’s Outreach Team continuing to monitor the child and visit them in their community.
How can you get involved?
“It doesn’t have to be big – if we all just do something; we can make a difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in the world – and give them a voice and the childhood they deserve,” notes Claire on contributing to this cause. Rafiki offers several levels of sponsorship and will happily work with you to customise a package that suits your situation. Whatever you choose to contribute, every donation, no matter how small, makes a huge difference in the lives of the children at Rafiki Mwema. 50 AUD a month will provide meals for a child, and the equivalent to ‘a coffee for a month’ (5 AUD) will support the outreach team, making sure the children are safe when they return home.
There’s a variety of options when becoming a corporate sponsor. Depending on the level of sponsorship you choose you will have access to a range of great opportunities including co-naming a project, receiving support from the Rafiki team if you choose to hold your own fundraiser and the opportunity to get close to the charity and its projects.
As a mother, Claire witnesses first-hand how Rafiki is a great charity for children to get involved in as well. Her own son sends personalised cards, photos and letters to the children. And, what’s more? Anyone can do this, and it is encouraged as it makes such a difference in the lives of the children at Rafiki, being able to make a connection with other children, all over the world.
“You are so close to the Rafiki charity and you get to see where your money is going. You are able to have a first-hand connection with the child you are sponsoring,” a major point of difference that Claire points out.
At Rafiki Mwema they rely solely on the support of their sponsors to pay for the ongoing running costs to house the 70 children in their care, to continue to support the 120 children who have returned home and cover the unforeseen medical expenses that are unfortunately a part of rescuing and caring for severely abused young children. The fundraising will never end. 100% of the money donated or raised goes directly to the Rafiki Mwema house, with the profit from merchandise sales covering admin costs such as bank fees, printing etc.
“Choosing to help mend broken little bodies, minds and hearts is the greatest return on any
investment you’ll ever make”
Sarah Rosborg, Co-Founder and CEO of Rafiki Mwema
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