Support vulnerable children

Dear Friends and Family,

I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones safe and well during this challenging year.

Across the globe in N’Zérékoré, Guinea, Joan Gono has for more than a decade kept vulnerable children in her community safe by opening her heart and home to them—thanks in part to generous donors like you. This year is no exception. Since our last annual fund drive, Joan has welcomed four new children into her care.

While the world grapples with staggering COVID-19 numbers, the reported cases and deaths in Guinea have been relatively low. The country has, however, contended with violence during its elections. To keep the children safe, Joan takes them out of the city to a nearby village before each election. Because of a decrease in travelers due to the pandemic, Joan’s meager income from the small guesthouse she runs has been hit hard. Joan does not receive government funding for the orphanage and with the drop in her income, this year, more than ever, your contribution will mean so much to Joan and her children.

In N’Zérékoré, people have been killed during the political unrest, and among them was the father of 3-year-old Angeline and 7-year-old Tresore. After his death, their mother sought refuge for the sisters at the orphanage. Joan welcomed baby Delphine, whose mother died after childbirth, and baby Emmanuel, who was born prematurely, and whose mother also died shortly after childbirth. These four children—like all of the children who find their way to the orphanage—have found a safe haven in Joan, who is currently supporting 28 children, ranging in age from 2 months to 15 years.

Caring donors like you have paid for school supplies, medicine, food, shelter, clothing, and education—all key to ensuring the children’s continued well-being. Last year, in addition to the usual items, you helped cover a new generator, rent, and transportation costs. This year, Joan plans to put your contributions toward these same necessities, along with more solar panels for electricity, bunk beds and mattresses, and items like hand sanitizer, soap, and thermometers.

Please join me again this year in supporting Joan’s orphanage, helping to make a better life possible. Your contribution—of any amount—will make a critical difference for these children. 100% of the money raised will go to helping the children and the orphanage they call home. If you would prefer to contribute through Venmo, my Venmo is @Alisha-Horowitz and the last four numbers of my cellphone are 4311. Please leave a note that your contribution is for Joan’s orphanage.

Joan will follow along online to watch the fundraiser, so feel free to leave a message for her. And, if you are so inspired, please share this appeal with your friends and family www.plumfund.com/charity-fundraising/support-vulnerable-children. In this time of uncertainty, it brings me comfort to think about Joan’s enduring devotion to children.

Joan and I extend our deepest thanks to you. We hope you enjoy the photos of the children your generosity has helped support.

With gratitude,

Alisha Horowitz

Background: For those who are new, here is some background. Since 2008, Joan has ensured a better life and brighter future for more than 60 children whose lives were forever changed by the death of one or both parents or their inability to care for them. And since 2012, the year I met Joan and visited her orphanage, we have helped keep the orphanage safe and open.

Please note that this is not a U.S.-registered nonprofit, which means that you will probably not be able to deduct any contribution as a charitable deduction on your taxes. Please check with your tax advisor for specifics.