A world we dare to imagine part 3

Team 229 is an existing non-Government Organization. Our primary mission is to bring joy to orphans by giving them special moments when other kids have family around. Most orphans in Benin have a very difficult life and abandoned by everybody. We chose Christmas a special moment for kids when they receive affection, love and gifts. I felt heart broken when I saw a documentary realized by a Canadian organization about orphans in Central Africa. I saw innocent ones very sad on a Christmas day. This scene was happening in a neighborhood where other kids were enjoying their gifts while orphans were sad. Loosing parents is generally a fatality in Africa, and children suffer for that because no one cares about them.  

I was looking for a way to give back to my community and I chose to help children in need to have at least once a year, a moment where they will have to enjoy their childhood. I co-founded Team 229 to give back this chance I had when I was a kid – spoiled by toys. The first event was called Christmas toy drive and we expanded this event to Easter which brings the frequency to two events in a year.

In my country giving back to the community is mostly for electoral purposes. I have no ambition in politics. Put a smile on vulnerable faces gives me a satisfaction that no wealth could bring.  I was lucky to have a bike for a year and the year after another toy. I trashed clothes in my life because I found them old. Growing around poverty made me realize that some people will be more than happy to have what I get rid of. I had this idea to collect anything valuable for these kids in need. I expose this idea while working in a Bank to my colleagues who brought me a lot of things: books, clothes, toys, even mattresses. My goal was to ask people’s help without them giving me money. This is what make my organization unique.

When I moved to the US, I realized how big this country is as a consumption society. I realized how people dispose the unwanted items. I will like to collect any valuables and put a smile on mores innocent faces. I solicit Anima Mundi Development Partner’s support to help us with the logistics to collect, store, and ship them to my country to be kid’s treasure.