10 years ago at a personal motivation seminar focused on the power of giving, I had a dream to help Central American children in need.
On our maiden voyage to Nicaragua, I traveled with my long-time friend and surf buddy, Jason Buck. We were able to deliver a large amount (200 pounds) of kids clothing, toys, school supplies, shoes, socks, soccer balls, soccer jerseys, water filtration systems (aquaclara.org.), etc., to Project Woo, a Nicaraguan charity that assists in medical education, supports local children, and promotes healthy living. Project Woo (projectwoo.org, facebook.com/project.woo), deeply rooted in the surf community is currently building a medical center in Playa Gigante with the help of the local village (see photos below).
Despite its natural beauty and surf tourism, Nicaragua is the third poorest country in the Americas. Poverty affects 2.3 million people, a third of whom live in extreme poverty. Safe water and sanitation coverage is low, particularly in rural areas, and one of every three Nicaraguan children suffers from some degree of malnutrition. Faced with the challenge of getting even basic needs such as food and water met, many have no resources left over for items such as clothing, shoes, toiletries, etc.
Jason and I are extremely pleased with the outcome of our first
Project Footprints (projectfootprints.org) charity drive and trip.
We’d like to thank our fellow Remax agents for their support and generosity. It was a huge success!
Darren Pujalet
