How to help
The organization launched a Web site, www.raceto20k.org, seeking funds at a corporate and private level. The campaign will end on Sunday, Nov. 23. All funds are directly given to the home in Kenya.
Published 23:00, November the 20th, 2008
Local group races to help Kenyan children
Hub writer works for change after trip to African country
After Thomas Keown spotted several children rummaging through trash piles searching for food as he was traveling in Kenya in 2007, he knew he wanted to do something to do provide them with a better future.
The visit prompted Keown, who is a Metro columnist, to found a local nonprofit organization last year to provide assistance to abandoned girls in Kenya. Since then, One Home Many Hopes has recruited the help of Noel Paul Stokey, of the folk group Peter, Paul & Mary, and professional fundraiser Kristy Hall to raise $20,000 in 30 days through $10 donations from 1,000 people and matched corporate sponsorship.
The organization works to provide a safe environment, home and education to those children. The 35 girls he encountered live as a family, grow food together, go to school together and will be guided to college with the support of the organization.
“We want to educate girls so they can impact and change the cycle of poverty and transform the way they live,” said Keown, who lives in Boston.
A Virginia production company is now filming a documentary exhibiting how organizations like One Home Many Hopes operate, in order to attract more donors.
“People want to help. We present people a way to become personally involved and have a global impact,” Keown said. “It doesn’t take much in Boston. Ten dollars goes a long way in Kenya, it can be the difference between life or death.”
