In their sixth year participating, Amistad Worldwide continuously aims for each Giving Hearts Day to be bigger and better than the last. They accomplished that again this year, placing second in the Medium Budget fundraising category.

Amistad Worldwide demonstrates the love of Christ by developing the potential and dignity of the world’s poorest people living on $1 a day or less. They do so by partnering with those working in the Third World to empower orphans and widows, provide education and jobs, and place clean water wells in impoverished villages. They currently work in India, Nepal, and Uganda.

Their campaign achieved more visibility this year due in part to a local church choosing to lift up Amistad Worldwide for a fundraising project. Money raised will go toward people in these countries to provide clean water and jobs. For example, one particular initiative of theirs provides widows with sewing machines and training on how to use it, giving a job they would not have otherwise because of discrimination in their country. They currently employ more than 1,000 widows in 19 sewing centers, and they have a wait list of another 1,000 wishing to learn how to sew.

If there’s one thing the Amistad Worldwide team would like donors to know is how simple it is to turn a donation into a new life for these individuals. A $190 well serves a village of 1,000-3,000 people. A sewing machine as well as training to use it costs $136. Orphans can be sponsored for just $15 a month. 

All that to say, gifts made to Amistad Worldwide can be small, but they are priceless to the people they help. Check out how you can make a difference below!

GHD Awards are co-sponsored by Bush Foundation and Dakota Medical Foundation.