Impact Report: First Donation Event

Event Overview

On July 5, 2024, Growth Link successfully conducted its first donation event near Cavite, Philippines, in collaboration with a local missionary. This partnership was instrumental in ensuring the event was deeply connected to the needs of the community and executed seamlessly. With a total of $2,500 raised through fund-raising initiatives, this event brought joy, resources, and hope to children and families in need.

The event featured a vibrant “Under the Sea” theme, engaging activities, and the distribution of essential educational resources, showcasing the power of collaboration between Growth Link members and local community leaders.

Financial Overview

Total Donations Raised: $2,500
Expenditure Breakdown:

• Educational Supplies (Backpacks, notebooks, pens, and art materials): $1,200
• Event Logistics (venue setup, materials, and decorations): $800
• Community Engagement Activities: $300
• Miscellaneous Expenses (transportation, refreshments): $200

Event Highlights

1. Collaboration with Local Missionary
   • The event was organized in partnership with a local missionary, whose insights and connections with the community were crucial to its success. This collaboration ensured that the event addressed the unique needs of the local population, fostering trust and engagement.
2. Creative Activities and Learning Sessions
   • The “Under the Sea” theme created an engaging environment where children participated in arts and crafts, storytelling, and interactive learning.
   • More than 100 children attended and actively participated, enjoying the colorful decorations and interactive programs.
3. Donations of Educational Resources
   • Growth Link distributed backpacks, notebooks, pens, and other school supplies to all attending children, ensuring they have the tools to pursue their education confidently.
4. Building Connections
   • Growth Link members spent quality time engaging with children and their families through games, storytelling, and shared moments of joy.
   • Families expressed gratitude for the tangible support and the sense of connection built during the event.

Impact Metrics

• Children Impacted: 100+
• Families Engaged: 50+
• School Supplies Donated: 120+ sets
• Volunteers Participated: 15 Growth Link members
• Community Feedback: 95% of attendees expressed satisfaction and appreciation for the event.

Outcomes and Achievements

• Empowering Education: Every child left with essential educational supplies, enabling them to return to school prepared and confident.
• Strengthening Partnerships: The collaboration with the local missionary set a foundation for future community-focused events and ensured cultural sensitivity.
• Uplifting Morale: The event created a joyful and inspiring atmosphere, fostering positivity and hope among participants.

Key Learnings

1. Collaborative Power: Partnering with the local missionary greatly enhanced the event’s outreach and impact.
2. Efficient Planning: Proper allocation of the $2,500 donation allowed us to maximize impact and ensure all children received necessary support.
3. Youth Leadership in Action: Growth Link members demonstrated excellent teamwork, leadership, and commitment in organizing and executing this event.

Next Steps

Growth Link is dedicated to sustaining and expanding its impact in Southeast Asia. Our upcoming initiatives include:

• Future Donation Events: Planning similar events in Vietnam and other regions in Southeast Asia.
• Financial Literacy Workshops: Introducing workshops for families and children to foster long-term financial independence.
• Scaling Fund-Raising Efforts: Organizing more creative fund-raising activities to support larger-scale events.

Acknowledgments

We express our heartfelt gratitude to:

• The Local Missionary: For their invaluable partnership, insights, and support in organizing this impactful event.
• Growth Link Members: For their unwavering commitment to fund-raising, planning, and executing this event.
• Local Community in Cavite: For welcoming us and allowing us to share this meaningful experience.
• Donors and Supporters: For their generous contributions, without which this event would not have been possible.

Closing Remarks

Growth Link’s first donation event in Cavite demonstrated that “Small Steps, Big Impact” is more than a slogan—it’s a guiding principle that inspires action and change. This event was a reminder that even modest efforts, driven by passion and teamwork, can transform lives and empower communities.

We look forward to continuing this journey and invite you to join us in making a difference. Together, we can build a brighter future for those in need.