Garrett Godwin: Tell us why it is so important for people to believe in a “Beautiful World” – especially in Canada?
Sara Dunkley: Canadians have education opportunities that so many other children dream about. As Canadians, we need to believe that we have something special and sacred and help the world by inspiring a younger generation of margined children living across the ocean. I believe education is the only way to break the cycle of poverty and create leaders that will make a big difference in their communities and countries. These leaders will improve the world’s poorest countries and make the world a safer and more beautiful place.
GG: Do you truly believe that one individual – man, woman, or child – can make a difference?
SD: Yes, I truly believe this and see examples of this every day at Beautiful World. When I think of heroes that I work with, like Johanna Kistner (South Africa), Twesigye Jackson Kaguri (Uganda) and Edmund Kenneth Mugayehwenkyi (Uganda), I am inspired by how much they have accomplished and how deeply they help so many. I believe that when one dedicates their life to helping others, as these three have done, the results make a big difference in our world and those they help will help others.
GG: How does this foundation will help children from all walks of life show that this is indeed a “Beautiful World,” though the world has been filled with war, violence, and tragedy?
SD: We help children that have faced great challenges in their lives by fully supporting them in their academic studies at high school and then onto an university or a college. These children dream about a wonderful career just like any Canadian child. Their version of a “Beautiful World” is a career doing something they love that helps others and being able to afford a nice safe home, food and health care for themselves and their family. We fully support all their needs so they can stay in school and focus on their studies.
GG: What will be the goal for your foundation in the year 2013?
SD: Our goal is to increase the number of kids we support in high school and universities [that goes up] to 250 students. We wish to work with additional partners in Africa and work with existing partners to ensure our students are increasing their grades and staying in school.
GG: Tell us what A Beautiful World Canada does
SD: We partner with local organizations that access each child’s potential and commitment to success. We fund tuition, accommodation, food, clothing, school supplies, transportation, counseling, mentorship and shoes. Our funding is for high school and universities. We have selected local organizations with long track records (majority have been in operation for longer than 10 years) and have long term relationships with donors (many have received from funding from Canada and US international aid groups and philanthropists). Our due diligence includes site visits, audits, interviews and reference checks.
GG: Tell us about your event on next Thursday
SD: We are having our inaugural dinner event to support our mission of helping ten million passionate and dedicated students excel in their high school and University educations. We are expecting over 425 guests at the Liberty Grand downtown Toronto. Our special guests are Twesigye Jackson Kaguri (CNN’s 2012 Hero) and Legendary South African Jazz singer Lorraine Klassen (2013 Juno nominee).
GG: How can people get involved with Beautiful World Canada?
SD: We are a new organization seeking donors, volunteers and committee members. People can email us at info@beautifulworldcanada.org for more information. Those interested in our work can also check our news and events section on our website for further events coming in 2013.
GG: Where can people find Beautiful World Canada?
SD: Website: www.beautifulworldcanada.orgLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/beautiful-world-canada
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BeautifulWorldCanadaTwitter: twitter.com/BWCorg
