Read some of our Change Champion's stories
From Donor to Difference-Maker: Phani's Journey
"0.1% of my grandparents' generosity may be in my DNA. Probably that is why I am motivated to help others." Phani, one of our active Team Everest NGO volunteers, said.
In her early days with Team Everest, she only donated and volunteered. For the past 4 years, she is also fundraising. She liked bringing in more funds through her friends and family to support education.
One of her friends, with whom she is not in touch for almost 6 to 7 years, saw her fundraising post and pinged her. Her friend had said to her, "I completed my graduation with the help of a scholarship. I see your post as an opportunity to give back." Right after saying it, her friend donated around Rs 25,000.
In the last 4 last years, she has fundraised for 22 students' college education. These are parentless, single parented, and financially poor children who would have quit education if not for individuals like Phani.
Phani said, "Fundraising allowed me to reconnect with many of my old friends. Overall, It was an unbelievable experience. I thought I could not raise much. But, even during the Pandemic, people turned up to help."
"Little drops make the mighty ocean" - Phani believes Fundraising is a perfect example of this quote. She insists that people and their friends can make a difference in many students' lives.
You can also be a change champion like Phani.
Transforming Lives Together: A Family's Mission
This is a story of how an entire family came together to make a difference.
Neeraj is very passionate about education, and he loves mentoring students. During his vacation, he and his sons volunteered together with Team Everest. He voice recorded motivational stories for visually challenged kids. His sons created a document of English words to help needy children learn English.
It was December 2020, the giving season. Neeraj wished to make a difference in the life of at least one student by fundraising and gifting education.
Starting his fundraising campaign, his initial target was $500.
He has reached out to 400+ friends, and his wife reached out to her friends as well. Over a single night, Neeraj raised the fee amount for 1 student's complete college education.
He ended up raising USD 7000+, which covers the graduation cost of 5 parentless and single-parented students.
You can also be a change champion like Neeraj & his family.