Help me build a basketball court in Perú

I’m still living in the northern sierra of Perú in the Andes Mountains. My life has changed for the better since the day I arrived here. I have become a more effective global citizen. My Peace Corps Service is winding down and the exciting part is that one of my last projects will make the dreams of hundreds in this community come true. I often get told it is inspiring what I do - so - I was hoping you would like to take a small part in it too and inspire the lives of many!

I can’t imagine life without sports and can attest to the enrichment it provided for me not only in sportsmanship but also in the overall foundation of my persona. However, the kids in this community play in rocky fields and are genuinely happy about it. I sprained my ankle recently playing with them and that’s when I realized the pressing need for a sports court. This community is still improving their quality of life – the basic needs are not all there yet. They have limited running water and electricity and use latrines.

I have partnered with a U.S. based NGO called “Courts for Kids.” They assist in building courts in developing countries, focusing in very rural communities where children have nowhere safe to play. The community and I are aware of the high budget costs in these hard economic times but are willing to put all our efforts forward to find funding, raise money and make their dream a reality by building a court for them to play on.

The cost for the court is $8,894. Courts for Kids will fund $5,000, the local municipality will fund $2,000, and the community is working hard to fund the remaining balance of $1,894. We sincerely hope you share our views in the great value that such an investment would bring to the community of La Conga. Any donation will help. With $7 we can buy one sack of cement and it is what we need most of. We will be so grateful for any donation we get. It is tax-deductable and you can make a contribution online by clicking on this link: http://www.courtsforkids.org/donate.htm. There will be a place for you to specify where you want the donation to go and you can just write my name in the space. If you would rather write a check you can make it out to Courts for Kids with my name in the memo line and mail it to:
Courts for Kids
PO Box 873786
Vancouver, WA 98687

Just a FYI- via credit card there is a 3% transaction fee charged by the credit card company that is subtracted from the donation. But anyone giving by check the whole amount goes towards the court.

I promise it will be a well worth investment when you see the pictures.

My best wishes to you for 2012 and may all your endeavors be a success!