Warren Parkes Memorial Fund

MORE DUCKS FOR YONG

2010-03-19T02:50:00.000-07:00

Yong Oeng of Cambodia has just repaid our loan, and now has more ducks for his poultry business.

From his application:
Yong Oeng, 40, is married and lives with her three children in Phnom Penh. She is a chef in a restaurant, making around US$6 each day. Her husband (pictured above) has a business of raising ducks for eggs, and normally he sells the eggs to the market and can generate about US$4 of income each day. Yong Oeng applied for a loan to purchase more ducks for her husband to breed. She feels that this will be a sustainable investment that will keep profits high and generate more income for her family.

MUCHO SUCCESS!

2010-02-19T02:46:00.000-08:00

We've been paid back by a group of women from El Alto region of La Paz, Bolivia.

Group members do a range of entrepreneurial activities. They weave by machine; make furniture; and sell food, drinks, potatoes, and clothing. They need this loan to buy supplies such as wool, wood, and merchandise that will let them have more variety to sell to their customers.

HELP FOR HAITIANS

2010-01-16T17:20:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the desperately poor country of Haiti, killing an estimated 200,000 people and leaving the entire country destitute.

The Warren Parkes Memorial Fund has just donated $500 to support Haitian relief efforts being carried out by Food for the Poor. The money will go to wherever it is needed the most.

THREE WOMEN SUCCEED IN PAKISTAN THANKS TO YOUR HELP!

2009-12-31T23:27:00.001-08:00

Three small businesses in Pakistan are now stronger thanks to support from donors to this fund and other Kiva supporters.

LOAN DETAILS:
Names: Rani Muhammad, Irshad Yousaf, Nazia Farid
Location: Pakistan
Business: food production/sales
Loan For: to expand their individual businesses

FROM THE LOAN APP: This is a group loan. Funds will be distributed among group members and each will invest in her own business. The members mutually guarantee one another's loans and if one member does not repay, the others are responsible. Nazia plans to use the loan money to make improvements at her family's grocery enterprise. Irshad plans to use the loan money to expand her vegetable business, and Rani will use the funds to expand her milk business.

A NEW MOTORBIKE FOR RIT

2009-12-31T23:19:00.001-08:00

Rit can now drive her own motorbike through the countryside of Cambodia to bring her chickens to market. Congratulations Rit!

LOAN DETAILS:
Name: Rit Soba
Location: Cambodia
Business: food production/sales
Loan For: purchase a second-hand motorcycle to use for her chicken sales

FROM THE LOAN APP: Mrs. Rit Soba, 21, sells chickens that she buys from families in her village and resells for a profit. She has been selling chickens since 2005 and makes around $5 per day. Her husband, Mr. Tin Ten, 21, is a farmer who earns around $4 per day. They live with their one child in Kampong Thom Province. Because of the difficulty to transport chickens for sale, Soba is requesting a loan of US$ 500 to purchase a second-hand motorcycle to use for her chicken business. The loan will allow her to improve her business and increase the family’s income.

MORE FOOD PRODUCTION IN TOGO

2009-11-29T19:02:00.000-08:00

We have just been repaid in full by Yawovi Adzaklo of Togo, who was able to buy more corn and tomatoes to grow his business and support his family. Here's his story:

LOAN DETAILS:
Name: Yawovi Adzaklo
Location: Togo, Africa
Business: cereals & tomatoes
Loan For: purchase of 15 boxes of tomatoes

FROM THE LOAN APP:
Mr. Yawovi Adzaklo was born on December 8, 1983 in Tové-Agbéssia in the Kloto prefecture. He is married and has two children. He is an electrician by trade, but since 2003 he has been involved in the buying and selling of cereals and canned tomatoes. This has provided him with a good source of income because some of his clients are restaurant owners who always buy from him and pay him three days after he purchases his goods. Now his client base is expanding and he wants to keep up with demand, so he has requested this loan to buy 15 boxes of tomatoes and two sacks of corn.

TOGO IS NOW MORE BEAUTIFUL

2009-10-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

Adzo is off beautifying Togo. Here's the scoop:

LOAN DETAILS:
Name: Adzo Logozo
Location: Togo, Africa
Business: beauty salon
Loan For: to buy coloring caps and weaves

FROM THE LOAN APP:
Mrs. Adzo Logozo was born June 2, 1985 in Lomé. She is married to Mr. Simone Yibo who is an auto electrician and who therefore has sporadic income. Mrs. Logozo has two children and contributes to her household’s expenses. She is a hairdresser and has opened a hair salon called “Coiffure Confidence” in the Lomé suburb of Adidogomé. This is her first loan and she is requesting it so she can buy 5 boxes of hair coloring caps, 8 hair weaves, and some hair relaxer.

FASHION A LA TAJIKISTAN

2009-10-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

Malohat of Tajikistan has just repaid her loan. Here is her story:

LOAN DETAILS:
Name: Malohat Mulodjanova
Location: Tajikistan
Business: clothing
Loan For: increase inventory

FROM THE LOAN APPLICATION:
For the past seven years, Malohat Mulodjanova has operated a clothing store in the central market of Shahrituz town. Determined, hard working and enterprising, Malohat has successfully grown her business to provide a stable and consistent income. Currently, she earns over US$ 180 per month in profit. She is divorced and her business is a valuable source of income for her and her two children.

OUR FIRST SUCCESS STORY FROM SAMOA

2009-09-20T20:09:00.000-07:00

Fua Filipo has just repaid her loan in full. Here is her story:

LOAN DETAILS:
Name: Fua Filipo
Location: Samoa
Business: Farming
Loan For: to purchase farming and home improvement materials

FROM THE LOAN APPLICATION:
Fua Filipo, 34, is married with 5 children. She has 3 years of experience in selling bananas and taro. She sells to the public and villagers 2 days per week. She has one previous loan with SPBD. She expects her weekly net cash flow to be 350 Tala ($145.00).

This microloan is Fua’s only access to capital because she was never able to qualify for a loan with the traditional banks. She will also use the loan to buy cement and timber for home repairs.

MORE LAND FOR A CAMBODIAN FARMER

2009-09-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

Men Tha has just repaid his loan in full. Here is his success story:

LOAN DETAILS:
Name: Men Tha
Location: Cambodia
Business: Farming
Loan For: to purchase of a plot of land for farming

FROM THE LOAN APPLICATION:
Mr. Men Tha is a farmer who lives in the Tramses Village, Pursat Province. He lives together with his wife and his four children. Tha's wife makes and sells Cambodian cakes in the village, earning around US$3 per day, while Tha earns around US$2 per day. The couple's combined income cannot sufficiently support the family with its increasing expenses; therefore, their daughter has to work in a garment factory in Phnom Penh. Tha would like to expand his rice farming business to earn adequate income for his family. He is therefore requesting a loan of US$600 to be able to purchase an additional plot of land.

SPIFFED UP APARTMENTS IN PARAGUAY

2009-09-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

Eligio has just repaid his loan in full. Here is his success story:

LOAN DETAILS:
Name: Eligio Meza
Location: Paraguay
Business: Housing Rental
Loan For: to purchase construction materials like bricks and cement to improve his rentals

FROM THE LOAN APPLICATION:
Eligio is 64 years old, is married to Iluminada, and has children who no longer depend on them economically. Eligio is a very hard-working man who has set up a small grocery store and also earns money from basic wooden rooms he has built on the patio of his house, which he rents for low prices. He is asking for a loan to improve these structures; to refurbish the rooms and to make them more comfortable. The walls are made of wood and with a new investment they will be made of brick. Then the people who rent them will have more security and therefore the cost could be increased and in that way more income earned.

BACK TO SCHOOL GIFT

2009-08-24T17:50:00.000-07:00

It's back to school time, so this month we are donating the money needed by Save the Children to educate a girl for a year--including essentials like books, teacher training and educational materials.

According to the Save the Children website, 41 million girls are out of school worldwide. Educated girls delay premature marriage, childbirth and provide better nutrition and education for their children

MRS. CARLOTA DEL CARMEN LOPEZ

2009-08-10T16:29:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Carlota del Carmen Lopez (love that name!!) just repaid her loan in full. Here's her success story.

LOAN DETAILS:
Name: Mrs. Carlota del Carmen Lopez
Location: Nicaragua
Business: soft drinks
Loan For: working capital for additional merchandise

FROM THE LOAN APPLICATION:
Mrs. Carlota del Carmen Lopez is a 50-year-old single woman with three children. The two eldest help her in the business, the other is 21 years old and studying to finish his course in Systems Engineering. The father of her children is a builder who helps her when he can. Her business is the sale of carbonated drinks and natural fruit drinks, and she also sells pork with prepared manioc. At Christmas time she sells fruits such as apples and grapes in order to survive since there is no other steady income in the house.

Her loan proposal is to inject a little capital into her business so she can offer her products every day. Her greatest desire is to open a cafe-style drinks stand and increase her business. Her dream is to have her own premises for her business since in wintertime she gets so wet she even loses her merchandise or has to stop selling other products. If she had her own premises she could stop paying rent.

MORE FLOWERS FOR ABBAS

2009-08-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

Abbas has just repaid his loan in full. Here is his success story:

LOAN DETAILS:
Name: Abbas
Location: Lebanon
Business: Home Decor Sales
Loan For: to purchase artificial flowers

FROM THE KIVA APPLICATION:
Abbas is 45 years old, married, and has three children. He lives in a small village in the south of Lebanon. Abbas owns a shop where he sells artificial flowers and decorative items for the home. He is an energetic and active man who has always found new ways to grow and advertise his business. Most recently, Abbas requested a loan of $1,000 to help purchase a diverse array of new decorative items and flowers.

AFRICAN CLOTHMAKER FINDS SUCCESS

2009-07-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

African clothmaker Sogoba Rokia has just repaid her loan in full. Here's her success story:

LOAN INFORMATION:
Name: Sogoba Rokia
Location: Mali (Africa)
Business Type: Cloth & Dressmaking Supplies
Loan For: purchase and sale of cloth
Funded: May 29, 2008
Repaid: Jul 15, 2009

FROM THE KIVA APPLICATION:
Mrs. Sogoba Rokia is 29 and a married mother of three children. Like most women of her generation, Mrs. Sogoba decided to earn her living through an income-generating business. She thus decided to sell cloth, which is an item in high demand among women in Mali. Her customers come to buy her cloth and then sew it to wear at important social events (marriages or baptisms). The quality of her products draws more customers than her competitors. With this loan, she would like to purchase 90 units of traditional African “Wax” cloth. She uses her profits to help feed her family, to pay off the interest on her loan, for savings and to help pay her husband’s family’s expenses.

BOUBOU AND HIS 200 CHICKS

2009-07-23T20:51:00.000-07:00

We've been repaid in full by Boubou Diawara of Mali. Here's the scoop on this success story:

LOAN INFORMATION:
Name: Boubou Diawara
Location: Mali (Africa)
Business Type: Poultry
Loan For: 200 chicks, plus troughs, vaccines, vitamins, and feed
Funded: Jul 31, 2008
Repaid: Jul 15, 2009

FROM THE KIVA APPLICATION:
Mr. Boubou Diawara is 43 years old and lives with his wife and 3 children in Mali. After his military retirement, Boubou Diawara is returning to one of his money-making businesses, poultry-farming, which he learned from a friend for over two years. With the intention of growing his business, he joined a microfinance institution and was granted his first loan. He plans to buy 200 chicks, 8 feeding troughs, 8 drinking troughs, 2 boxes of vaccines, 20 bags of vitamins, and 1400 kilograms of feed. With this loan, he plans to be able to earn 80,000 CFA francs per month, which he will use to invest in his business, pay interest on the loan, and provide for his family.

MICRONUTRIENTS AND MEDICINE FOR 25 CHILDREN

2009-06-24T17:43:00.000-07:00

This month we donated micronutrients and medicine for 25 children.

According to Save the Children (the organization we donated through), the organization's website, "countless children around the world are weakened by easily-treatable or preventable conditions like anemia, blindness from lack of vitamin A and parasites."

TAILOR IN TOGO GETS NEW SEWING MACHINES

2009-05-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

we have also been repaid in full by Koffi Sowonou, a tailor in Togo who used the money to buy three more sewing machines and some cloth. Here are the details:

LOAN INFORMATION:
Name: Koffi Sowonou
Location: Togo (Africa)
Business Type: Clothing Sales
Loan For: to purchase three sewing machines and some cloth
Funded: Apr 6, 2008
Repaid: May 15, 2009

FROM THE KIVA APPLICATION:
"Koffi Sowonou is the man sitting on the far left. The others in the photo are his apprentices who are learning the trade of tailoring. Mr. Sowonou is 45 years old and the father of 6 children. His tailor shop is located in Avenonou, a small village located about 120 kilometers from Lomé, the Togolese capital. With this loan, he would like to buy 3 sewing machines as well as fabrics suitable for men, to make clothes to sell to his clients. He hopes that with this loan he will be able to expand his business and with the profits he will gain from making and selling more clothes, he will be better able to cater for the needs of his family."

A NEW MOTOR-TAXI HITS THE STREETS OF CAMBODIA

2009-05-23T09:40:00.001-07:00

We've just received our last loan payment from Heab Kong of Cambodia, who used the loan money to buy a new motor-taxi. Here are the details:

LOAN INFORMATION:
Business Type: tailoring
Loan For: to purchase a motor-taxi
Funded: Mar 22, 2008
Repaid: May 15, 2009

FROM THE KIVA APPLICATION:
"Mrs. Heab Kong, 29, is a mother of three children that stays at home looking after the children and cooking food for her family members. After the house work, she works as a tailor and normally earns around $4 a day. Her husband supports the family as a motor-taxi driver, making around $3.50 a day of profit. To increase their standard of living they request to loan from Kiva to purchase another motor-taxi for their son to run as a business."

(I almost don't want to post their picture because they look so scared to have their picture taken! Maybe they were told they HAD to have it taken in order to get the loan. Ick. Hope not!)

MORE TREES IN AZERBAIJAN

2009-04-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

We've been repaid in full by the Gurbanov family of Azerbaijan. Here's the scoop:

LOAN INFORMATION:
Business Type: farming
Loan For: to buy seedlings and fertilizer
Funded: 01/17/08
Repaid: 04/15/09

FROM THE KIVA APPLICATION: “The Gurbanov family lives in the village of Gusarchay in the Khachmaz region of Azerbaijan. He is married, has 2 children. This man was born in 1957. Gurban has 6 years of experience in the farming business. Now he needs a loan of $1200 to buy seedlings and fertilizer. He plans to plant apple, cherry and other seedlings so he can improve his business and get more income."

SUCCESS FOR AMALIA, ROSA & FORTUNATA

2009-03-01T23:40:00.001-08:00

Look how adorable they are:
I know that’s patronizing, but they really are just so adorable. :) That’s one of our borrower criteria here at the WPMF…adorableness. Just kidding.

So, we’ve been paid back in full by these fine women from Peru who, through their microloans, were able to grow their small retail businesses. Yea for them, yea for us!

LOAN INFORMATION:
Business Type: retail activities
Loan For: buy clothing, oil, rice, sugar, chicken, and farm supplies
Loan Requested: $800.00 / WPMF portion: $125.00
Date Funded: July, 2008 / Repaid in Full: Feb 15, 2009

FROM THE APPLICATION: “Amalia, Rosa and Fortunata belong to the Chiara Village Bank. Chiara is the town where they live, located an hour away from Ayacucho. All three of the women earn income farming cereals and tubers.

Amalia is 22 years old, married, and has two children. She owns a store where she sells groceries, vegetables, fruit, and clothes. The store is housed in a rented stand next to the district park. In addition to running the store, Amalia also raises animals, such as pigs and Guinea pigs that she sells at district fairs. Rosa is 31, married, and has three children. She sells “salchipollo” (a dish consisting of chicken and french fries) from a cart in front of her house. Additionally, Rosa, like Amalia, raises animals. Fortunata is 52, married, and has six children. She raises animals, such as bovines and goats, that she sells at district fairs.

They all dream about improving their families’ standard of living and being able to afford good education for their children."

NEW WHEELS FOR CAMBODIAN BRICKLAYER

2009-02-17T09:43:00.000-08:00

Together, in Warren's memory, we helped Nghip Tlong of Cambodia to purchase a motorcycle to get to work so he won’t have to pay for public transportation. Nghip is pictured at right on his job as a construction foreman.

LOAN INFORMATION:
Business Type: bricklayer
Loan For: a motorcycle
Loan Requested: $500.00
WPMF portion: $50.00
Date Funded: June 30, 2007
Repaid in Full: Feb 15, 2009

From the application: “Nghip Tlong is self-employed as a construction foreman and moderately makes around $3 per day in revenue. In order to increase their family savings, Nghip Tlong is currently requesting a loan in the amount of $500 to purchase a motorcycle to transport himself to work so that he will no longer need to pay for public transportation."

CALVES FOR SEFTER OF AZERBAIJAN

2009-02-17T09:39:00.000-08:00

In Warren's memory, we helped Sefter Sefterov of Azerbaijan to buy three calves to expand his meat production business from just sheep to cattle too. Mr. Sefterov is pictured below with his herd of sheep.

LOAN INFORMATION:
Business Type: animal breeding
Loan Use: purchase 3 calves for meat production
Loan Requested: $1,200.00 / WPMF portion: $125.00
Date Funded: July 2, 2007 / Repaid in Full: Feb 15, 2009

Congratulations Sefter and good luck!

FOOD FOR A CHILD FOR ONE YEAR

2009-02-10T14:25:00.000-08:00

I've just gotten word of another donation in Warren's memory. We have just donated enough to provide food for one year for a child, through Food For The Poor.

Thanks for your support of the WPMF and your generosity in Warren's memory.

KNIT 16, SAVE 16

2009-01-16T11:42:00.000-08:00

This latest project is a bit different! Rather than donate money, this time we are donating time and talents in Warren's memory. Save the Children is running a campaign to provide newborn babies around the world with warm new caps, and we've headed the call and knitted 16 fuzzy new caps.

The campaign is called Knit One, Save One. Each participant knits a cap for a new baby, then mails it to Save the Children to be distributed to pregnant women and new moms through the world. Along with the cap, participants are also asked to send a letter to President Obama, asking him to do something to help babies around the world "Survive to Five!"

But what could America do? According to the Save the Children's website: "Research shows that 60 percent of the 4 million newborn deaths that occur each year could be prevented if mothers and children in poor countries had access to a few simple health measures like: antibiotics to fight infections, immunizations against tetanus, training for skilled birth attendants, education on breastfeeding, and basic care such as keeping a baby warm — even those born in hot climates — with a knit cap. America's leaders could save millions of newborn lives by increasing international assistance for programs that offer these inexpensive life-saving tools."

So...we've knitted and sent off 16 caps. It's a small thing to do, but perhaps it's one step closer to a bright future for a new little baby.

BOOKS FOR SOMALILAND

2008-12-25T22:26:00.000-08:00

When we lived in Phoenix, Warren and I had a friend named Mohammed Al Sharmani. Mohammed was from Somalia, and one evening over a dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, Mohammed shared with us his experiences as an Ambassador in Somalia and his hopes for the future of his homeland. Since then I have followed the news coming out of Somalia, eager to see some sign of hope.

In remembrance of that dinner years ago with Mohammed--and the impact that it had on both Warren and myself--I have made our most recent donation to the "Educational Opportunities for Somaliland" program run by Books for Africa.

Right now college students in Somalia spend hours in the library copying their textbooks by hand just so that they can study. A class of 60 students typically has access to only a handful of books!

To remedy this, Books for Africa hopes to raise $9,000 to send a container of 25,000 textbooks to university students at Somalian universities. Our donation will pay for over 550 of those books. It's only a small portion, but it's one step closer.

And maybe, with greater educational opportunites, Somalia will be one step closer to peace.

(Books for Africa's Charity Navigator rating: 4 stars, the highest rating)

LOADS OF CLOTHING FOR NEEDY CHILDREN!

2008-12-18T23:05:00.000-08:00

In Warren's memory, we've just helped $1,400 in clothing get to children in need across the world.

World Vision has received outerwear and footwear donations valuing more than $53 million from several generous clothing manufacturers, and now needs the funds to ship and distribute these items to the children who need them most.

Our gift of $100 will multiply 14 times, paying to ship $1,400 worth of new pants, sturdy shoes, protective jackets, and more to children in 20 countries around the world.

From the World Vision website:
Countless children are suffering from colds, influenza, and even pneumonia because they lack one simple thing: warm clothes. Many shiver in sub-zero temperatures. Without protection from the elements, they are susceptible to illness and infection. The poorest of the poor have only tattered rags, or even no clothes to wear at all. Please give now to protect these children with warm coats, sweaters, scarves, pants, shoes, socks, boots, and more.

Imagine facing these temperatures without adequate clothing:
•Mongolia, -58°
•Romania, -20°
•Albania, -2°
•Bosnia, 26°
•Chile, 7°

“If I am warm, I am happy and I have peace ... I am very grateful to World Vision for this jacket,” says Enkhtor, an appreciative 15-year-old boy in Mongolia. Without the jacket, he was unable to attend school, prepare firewood for the family, or collect water from the well. Can you help other children like Enkhtor?

Considering how FREEZING it is here in Utah, I feel very good about this latest donation we've made in Warren's honor.

TWO MORE DEFAULTS… IS THERE A PROBLEM?

2008-12-03T22:59:00.002-08:00

I got word a few weeks ago that two of our loans have defaulted. The partner organization that Kiva uses in Ecuador—called MIFEX—went belly-up about a month ago and two of our recipients were working with them. (Kiva sent me a long email explaining what happened, and it’s a long story so for the purposes of this blog…let’s just leave it at ‘they went belly up’.)

Both of the recipients were making monthly payments before MIFEX closed its doors. So, while it’s a bummer that we did not get all the funds back, let’s hope that the money that was loaned to these two individuals did help them accomplish their goals and make a better life for themselves.

You can read their individual stories below, but first a bit on the recent defaults.

Three defaults in a row. Do we have a problem?
Here are the stats: the WPMF has made 29 loans thus far. Of those loans, 6 have been paid back in full, 20 are in active repayment, and 3 have defaulted. Our default rate is much higher than the average lender using KIVA, but I think we will see much success with our 20 active recipients.

Micro-lending carries a risk. Essentially, it is lending to people who absolutely cannot get financial help from any traditional source. The people we lend to don't have collateral; they live on the margins and barely get by each month. With this philosophy, I consider the loans we make via KIVA to be donations. Ideally, we will get that money back and be able to reinvest it in other entrepreneurs, but if not…we did what we could to help someone in need.

So, no, I don’t believe there’s a problem. In fact, I love checking the WPMF’s portfolio on the Kiva site to track the progress of our other recipients. There’s a lot to be excited about. To see what I mean, be sure to check back soon to read some great success stories. :)

PERLA'S BEAUTY SALON

2008-12-03T22:59:00.001-08:00

Perla Moreira of Ecuador needed extra money to improve the appearance of her beauty salon and invest in new equipment. So, back in January, the WPMF and 35 other people loaned her money to do just that.

As mentioned above, Perla (or MIFEX) defaulted on the loan. But, she did get the funds and perhaps she was able to fix up her beauty salon exactly as she had hoped.

Here’s a bit more about Perla from her application: “Perla started her business with a little bit of capital she had saved, the fruits of her work as a schoolteacher. Perla runs her business all by herself and has gained the confidence of her customers. With a previous loan Perla was able to buy two new salon chairs, one for adults and the other for children. This combined with better hair products and hard work has resulted in some positive results for her salon. Perla’s problem is now that she has to work too much because of all the positive references her clients provide. She is considering bringing on a new employee but is glad to have the increased business. Perla wants this new loan so she may continue improving her equipment and the appearance of her salon."

MACARIO, VENDOR EXTRAORDINAIRE

2008-12-03T22:58:00.000-08:00

“Macario is in the business of selling clothes and other items. He travels around the community and also to the rural sector, specifically targeting friends, family, and acquaintances. Macario has been selling clothes for about six years. Although his business is somewhat profitable, it does not always provide enough for him and his family. Therefore, Macario also buys and sells rice. He travels in his truck to rural Ecuador where he buys directly from the rice farmers. He sells the rice to many small stores around Guayaquil.”

Back in January, Macario needed a loan to buy school supplies. He needed to supplement his clothing and rice business, and knew that the back-to-school time was a perfect time to sell school supplies. So, along with a bunch of other people, we loan him money to do just that. :)

He got the money, but like Perla (above), Macario defaulted on the loan. Actually, I’m guessing the default rests squarely with MIFEX. Our loan to Macario was his third with MIFEX, as he had already successfully repaid two loans in full. In fact, in his application, MIFEX said, “Macario has proven to be a very responsible client who is a savvy investor.”

Regardless, I like his story and really like the funny look on his face in his picture above, so let’s forgive him, eh? :)

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY WARREN

2008-12-02T23:35:00.000-08:00

Environmentalism and conservation were very important to Warren, and since this memorial project seeks to "commemorate the life he led by following his example," we gotta do more for the environment. :)

So...we have just donated funds to have 41 new trees planted--one for every year since Warren was born. The donation was made through the non-profit American Forests and their cleverly named 'Global ReLeaf Campaign.'

And, although we are a bit past Warren's birthday for this year, I think this will be a good birthday gift to Warren in years to come. From now on, we'll commemorate Warren's love for the environment by planting trees in a quantity equal to how old he would have been that year. Soon, we'll have a Warren memorial forest of sorts.

Sound like a plan?

(The picture at right was taken on the Big Island of Hawaii on a hike in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. What a monster fern! So fascinating.)

HELP FOR AMERICANS IN NEED

2008-11-13T21:59:00.000-08:00

In honor of Warren's inspirational compassion for others, we have just provided $350 worth of necessities to our fellow Americans in need. The donation was made through World Vision, one of the two new non-profits that the WPMF will now be using.

Here's a description of our gift:
"One in five children in America lives below the federal poverty line. Your gift will deliver critical supplies such as brand-new clothing, diapers, blankets, household and personal care items, and toys to strengthen families and help provide children with a sense of hope and self-esteem." (from World Vision's website)

WORLD FOOD DAY

2008-10-26T22:47:00.000-07:00

To mark World Food Day (Oct.16), we have just donated $100 in Warren's memory to help combat the mounting hunger crisis in Ethiopia. To learn more about this crisis, click HERE to view a USA Today video and article.

We've donated through Save the Children , which isn't one of the regular non-profits that the WPMF uses (see 'Projects' at left). But it's a good organization and the need is there, so we're going for it.

(And by the way, although their names are similar, Save the Children is not like Feed the Children--who run those long infomercials and spend most of your donation on advertising and administrative costs. Save the Children consistently gets high marks for its program verses administrative expenditures and is a great organization to donate through. For more, click HERE.)

IT'S KID'S DAY AT THE W.P.M.F.

2008-10-19T23:12:00.001-07:00

Our latest donation in Warren's memory is centered on children, and includes: (1) food for a year for one child, (2) a shirt, a pair of pants, and shoes for an orphan, and (3) one year of school supplies for a child.

Donations were made thru Food for the Poor. You can check out their high rating on Charity Navigator by clicking here.

NEXT GIFT....A PIG

2008-10-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

In honor of Warren's generous spirit, the Warren Parkes Memorial Fund has just donated a pig to a poor family across the world.

Why'd we give a pig? Here's a bunch of great reasons:
"To help hungry, undernourished families put protein back in their diets at little cost, Heifer teaches farmers how to raise healthy pigs in countries where waste products are the only available feed. In Honduras, pigs eat rejected bananas, and in the Dominican Republic, they thrive on damaged yams.

Using resources once considered worthless, impoverished families worldwide supply themselves with the protein and income they need to improve their lives. No wonder families smile over their Heifer pigs (from Heifer website)."

WHERE'S JOHNSTONE???

2008-09-30T04:28:00.001-07:00

On June 29, 2007, we loaned money to Johnstone Kuria Mgangira of Kenya to expand his stationery business. Johnstone made repayments faithfully each month until civil unrest broke out in Kenya earlier this year. Since then, the agency he works through in Kenya hasn't heard from him.

I hope he's okay. If he is still alive out there somewhere, I hope the money we loaned him is somehow helping him get by.

At this point, I'm considering this loan closed. We were repayed almost the full amount ($114.58 of $125.00) but the payments have stopped since the outbreak of unrest in Kenya. I don't care about the rest of the money.

Let's hope he's okay, and let's celebrate Johnstone, just as we do all the other entrepreneurs we assist.

LOAN INFORMATION:
Loan Use: To increase his stock of stationary
Loan Total: $300.00 / WPMF portion: $125.00
Date Funded: June 29, 2007

From the application: Johnstone is a 32-year-old father of one. He is a Kenyan who for the past 13 years has sold stationery supplies, including calculators, bibles, chalk, markers, and pens. He has been successful in growing his business to a wholesale level in which he sells directly to bookshops in Tororo and Nbale, eastern Uganda. Selling directly to businesses on order has been a much more profitable endeavor for his enterprise, and he hopes to grow his inventory to better serve his clients.

HELP FOR HAITI

2008-09-13T01:20:00.000-07:00

First Fay, then Gustav, then Hanna, now Ike! Since the beginning of August, Haiti has been bombarded by four hurricanes back to back. Hundreds have died and tens of thousands desperately need help. In Warren's memory, the fund has just donated $300 to hurricane relief efforts in Haiti.

The donation was made through Food for the Poor. You can read more about this particular mission by visiting the mission blog at: http://www.foodforthepoor.org/site/c.dnJGKNNsFmG/b.4474947/

A WATER PUMP FOR A THIRSTY VILLAGE

2008-08-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

Through Food for the Poor, a remote village will soon get a new water pump in Warren's memory.

"Many poor families in the Caribbean and Latin America don’t have access to clean, safe water. Contaminated water can cause disease among children, possibly leading to death. A water pump provides a lifesaving resource for hundreds of thirsty villagers." (FFTP website)

SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD, A FAMILY WILL SOON RECEIVE...A 'FLOCK OF HOPE'

2008-07-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

Through Heifer International , a family will soon receive a "flock of hope" in Warren's memory--including chicks, ducklings, and goslings. This flock will grow up to lay precious eggs that will help nourish a family and provide prosperity.

"Eggs add vital protein to malnourished families' diets, and droppings provide a wonderful natural fertilizer to improve crop yields. Over time as the flocks grow, families can sell the surplus eggs and produce at market and use the extra income to send children to school, build secure housing and more!" (HI website)

1,000 POUNDS OF RICE AND BEANS

2008-07-22T11:18:00.000-07:00

Via Food for the Poor, we have just donated 1,000 pounds of rice and beans in Warren's memory.

"Rice and beans are an important source of protein and carbohydrates for hungry families. Together they provide vital nutrients to children who might otherwise starve. What better gift than the gift of life — food. Help end the cries of hunger through a gift of rice and beans to feed malnourished families." (FFTP website)

A HAPPY SHOP OWNER IN MOZAMBIQUE

2008-07-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

We've helped Celine Mazivila to increase the inventory of her business and better support her four children. Celine is pictured at right in front of her small shop in Mozambique.

LOAN INFORMATION:
Activity: General Store
Loan Total: $850.00
WPMF portion: $100.00
Date Funded: Jun 30, 2007
Repaid in Full: Jul 15, 2008

From the application: "Celine Mazivila is 47 years old, a native of Bilene Macie, Province of Gaza. She grew up with her grandparents, and the family situation created few opportunities, and she studied until the 4th grade. She's now a single mother of 4 children. At 18, she took on the management of the business to support her family and has a commercial store in the Km 16 Market. In 2006, she requested a loan to apply to her business. Since then, her business has really changed."

THE HUONG FAMILY HAS TWO NEW COWS

2008-07-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

In Warren's memory, we helped Nguyen Thi Huong and her family increase their livestock. They previously had only one buffalo and some pigs, and used their loan money to buy two cows for breeding and some additional piglets. Mrs. Huong is pictured at right on her family plot where they grow lemon trees and eucalyptus.

LOAN INFORMATION:
Primary Activity: Agriculture
Loan Requested: $575.00
WPMF portion: $125.00
Date Funded: July 2, 2007
Disbursal Date: Jul 13, 2007
Repaid in Full: Jul 13, 2008

From the application: "Mrs. Huong is 57 years old. She lives in a Catholic village 10 miles from the next town in central Nghe An Province, one of the poorest regions of Vietnam. She has seven children from 37-21."

A FAMILY GETS THREE NEW RABBITS

2008-06-13T07:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a donation to the Warren Parkes Memorial Fund, an impoverished family will soon receive three new rabbits, increasing their protein intake and their income.

Rabbits get results. They are easy to care for; they eat simple foods, such as carrot tops, sweet potato vines and grasses. Rabbit manure can be applied directly on gardens without composting. And because rabbits have so many offspring, the process of passing on the gift multiplies each gift quickly and helps many other impoverished families better their lives.

This donation was made through Heifer International.

HENG CAN NOW GET HER PRODUCE TO MARKET

2008-06-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

Together, in Warren's memory, we helped make a difference in the life of Heng Sam Oun of Cambodia. A cheese and cucumber producer, Heng needed a better way to get her stock to the local market, so the WPMF loaned her money to purchase a small motorbike with an attached trailer in which to carry her cheese and cucumbers. At right is a photograph of Heng with her cucumber harvest.

LOAN INFORMATION:
Primary Activity: cheese and cucumber production
Loan Requested: $500.00
Repayment Term: 12 months
Date Funded: July 2, 2007
Repaid in Full: May 26, 2008

About Heng: "Mrs. Heng Sam Oun produces and sells Prahok, a type of Cambodian cheese that includes fish. She also sells cucumbers and can earn about $4/day in profits from her business. Her husband is a soldier and earns $1/day from the government. The couple lives in Kampong Cham with their 4 children--2 of whom help their mother with her sales. Mrs. Heng Sam Oun plans to use this loan to purchase a motorbike with a trailer so that she can transport her goods to the market. In the future, she hopes to make her business bigger so that she can send her children to university."

OUR FIRST 33,000 CARBON OFFSETS

2008-06-11T07:42:00.000-07:00

A total of 33,000 pounds of CO2 have now been offset in Warren's name.

This represents one individual's car usage, resource usage in the home, and air travel footprint.

BLANCA NOW HAS MORE ITEMS TO SELL

2008-06-10T06:48:00.000-07:00

Together, in Warren's memory, we helped Blanca Norma of Dali, Honduras to grow her small grocery store business by purchasing sugar, rice, lard, toilet paper, milk products and flour. At right is a photograph of Blanca in her grocery store.

LOAN INFORMATION:
Loan Use: Increase the inventory
at her grocery store
Loan Requested: $200.00
Repayment Term: 8 months
Date Funded: June 29, 2007
Date Repaid in Full: Feb 29, 2008

From the application: "Hello, my name is Blanca Norma. My main activity is sales. I have had a small grocery store in my home for many years, which generates income to cover our family expenses. I need to provide a larger variety of products for my clients, considering that they like to buy everything in one same place. Thanks to God, I am able to generate this income and take care of my family."

HABIBA HAS TWO NEW SEWING MACHINES

2008-06-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

Together, in Warren's memory, we helped Habiba Abdul Salam of Kabul, Afghanistan to grow her embroidery business by buying new sewing machines. At right is a photo of Habiba at home with some of her embroidery work.

LOAN INFORMATION:
Primary Activity: Crafts
Loan Requested: $225.00
Repayment Term: 8 months
Date Funded: July 2, 2007
Repaid in Full: March 3, 2008

From the application: "Habiba lives in district 15 of Kabul, Afghanistan. She is married, and she wants to help support her husband. Skilled in embroidery, she has good experience in her job. She wants to take a group loan to buy 3 more machines for her students to attract more clients. She wants to make a good income for her family to send her children to better education centers to study. She is happy with this loan."

Congratulations Habiba! Thank you to Kiva for coordinating this loan, and thank you to all those that donated to the fund. Together we are helping keep Warren's generous spirit alive.

MORE USED CLOTHING FOR MARIA TO SELL

2008-06-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

Together, in Warren's memory, we helped Maria Guadalupe Ortiz Juárez of Nuevo Leon, Mexico to buy more merchandise to grow her used clothing business. At right is a photograph of Maria displaying some of her inventory.

LOAN INFORMATION
Primary Activity: Used Clothing
Loan Requested: $550.00
Repayment Term: 6 months
Date Funded: Jun 30, 2007
Date Repaid in Full: Jan 2, 2008

From the application: "Maria Guadalupe is married and mother of two small children. Her husband is a worker for a company in the town of Garcia, Nuevo León. However the salary he receives is very low to pay for all their family expenses. Recently they have had the opportunity to buy their own house, but this has considerably reduced the family's available money. In order to help her husband with the expenses, Maria decided to start selling used clothing. With this she is able to attain extra income while taking care of her children. Little by little she was able to grow her business, and now she also sells her products in local markets which has incremented demand. In order to give good service and increase her merchandise she is requesting a loan of $550 that she will repay in six months."

Congratulations Maria! Thank you to Kiva for coordiating this loan, and thank you to all those that donated to the fund. Together we are helping keep Warren's generous spirit alive.