I just finished reading Little Bee, which is not based on a true story, but is about a couple from London who find themselves involved in the oil war in Nigeria when asked to save their own lives or those of two little girls. I won’t spoil the story for you, but it certainly makes you think about how lucky we are to live in countries where oil, famine, and disease don’t plague us. How lucky we are that we don’t have to choose between our lives and another human’s life. How lucky we are that food is plentiful. How lucky we are that we can sleep without worrying we might get sick.
About a year ago, I met people at Malaria No More because Mosquito Squad (client) was curious about partnering with them and I was doing a first-round of due diligence before making introductions. Before the first meeting, the partnership seemed likely – Mosquito Squad fights mosquitoes at home and Malaria No More fights the mosquito-borne disease, malaria, in Africa.
Then I sat and talked with their director of business development, who told me about the quest of Malaria No More to end malaria-related deaths in Africa by 2015. I remember, at the time, thinking that was a nearly impossible goal. As we talked more, I began to realize that the “death” (so to speak) of malaria-related deaths is pretty feasible. And then I realized the partnership was more than likely – it was imperative.
One net for one family protects them for an entire year. And one net costs $10. Ten dollars. To help one family protect themselves from the mosquitoes that carry malaria.
Malaria kills 2,200 children EVERY, SINGLE DAY in Africa. And you can spend $10 to protect them. Yes, this is our own Little Bee. I’m not asking you to choose your life or theirs. I am asking you to spend $10 to help save a child’s life from a disease that is so easy to prevent. Ten dollars.
Our quest is to raise $30,000 in 30 days, beginning today. Think we can do it? Think you can help?
Do one of two things:
1. Text “SWAT” to 85944 and $10 will be added to your cell phone bill. You will have to reply “yes” when it asks you if you’re sure.
2. Visit the $30,000 In 30 Days website to donate there.
If you’d like to join the crusade in helping us reach this goal, there is a twibbon you can add to your Facebook and/or Twitter profiles at $30,000 In 30 Days, we can send you talking points for your own blogs, we can send you tweets to develop interest, we can help with your Facebook messaging, and we can give you videos to use, as well. Just comment here or ping me separately and I’ll put you in touch with the team here that has all of the information (after all, I’m just the shallow figurehead).
I wouldn’t be asking this of you if I didn’t really believe we can help and believe strongly not only in the mission of Malaria No More, but of the work they’re doing in Africa to educate families on the importance of using the nets.
Together, I think we can be part of the larger ending malaria-related deaths by 2015 cause. Let’s raise $30,000 in 30 days! You in??