We are a group of professional photographers inspired to give back by digging deep and really getting involved with helping others. Photographers Travis Gugelman and Lori Nordstrom started Dando Amor for a way to allow other photographers to be personally involved in helping children live better, fuller lives.
Dando Amor = Giving Love.
We have chosen the orphanages in Ecuador as our first place to reach out. The children in Ecuador will both fill and break your hearts! Most of the kids there will never be adopted…they have to be orphaned for 3-4 years before they are adoptable, which means that most will live their lives in the orphanage. One of our friends has described what we’re doing : “There is an age-old question about the tree falling in the forest when no one is there… does it still make a sound as it falls? It’s the same in regards to these children: If a child is lovable, has a heart that is aching for attention – is he not lovable because there is no one there to love him?” We’ve considered this and said YES. That child is lovable and should be shown love.
Our hope is to give these children a better life there as well as to equip them with the tools needed to become confident and capable adults. We’ve been told that speaking English and having computer skills will increase their chances of survival once they leave the orphanages, so we began with that in mind in the fall of 2010. Our team was able to fix a roof in the computer room in one of the all-girls homes as well as hiring an English tutor for a full year.
There is so much more that I encourage you to click on their link, http://www.dandoamor.org to read more. I dare you to read their stories and stories from other photographers without it bringing a tear to your eye. Children sleeping on the cold floor because they have no beds or even pajamas.
My goal is to attend their next trip in March 2012. Each photographer/ volunteer is required to give a $2500 donation. Will you please help me reach my goal? Please send me a private email and I will give you directions on how to donate. (karyn@ksfphotography..com) It is completely tax deductible.
I've been wanting to explore a trip like this for over 15 years... What am I waiting for? Now is the time. I would also love for my children to come with me to help others. Hubby too. Stay tuned for my progress. Thanks for any support you may give me. I appreciate it more than you know.
