A letter from the Founders of Shady Tree Foundation

Dear Friends,

A year has passed since we first met the people of Isipho, and started the Shady Tree Foundation. Time sure does fly! The past year has brought both joy and unfortunate sadness to Isipho.

In the past year we have been able to assist Isipho in acquiring the land they so desperately needed for the building of the new orphanage and community center. In addition, local volunteers at Isipho, community members in the local town of Paterson, and at the Amakhala Game Reserve, have assisted in raising additional donations and securing grants that will enable this project to break ground sometime in the spring of 2009! So much progress has been made, but so much more is left to accomplish!

Amongst such triumph is also the sadness that reminds us of the struggles our dear friends of Isipho face every day. In the past year, several children of Isipho have lost their lives to the ravages of AIDS and other related illnesses. In October, Isipho’s founders David and Sindiswa lost their only son, the charity’s namesake, to an asthma attack. He was three years old, and his death is a reminder of the basic medical needs that are not available to most of the rural population throughout Africa. We are so saddened by the loss of little Isipho and the other children that have died this past year.

Despite these tragic deaths, we are all continuing our work with enthusiasm in Paterson, and are planning a return visit soon. These losses are even more reason to keep working at meeting the needs that these children have so that we can provide them with the resources to live healthier, longer lives. Working with Isipho is a constant reminder of the simple things that we take for granted a million times a day. Clean water, food anytime we need or desire it, a safe place to sleep, a roof over our heads. The list is endless.

There are a million stories like the one we found in Paterson South Africa all over the world. In fact, one can become a bit overwhelmed with the sheer magnitude of need out there. We were too when we visited South Africa for a month earlier this year. Then someone shared a simple thought with us. You can’t fix every problem or help every person in need you encounter in this vast world. That thought will only overwhelm you and immobilize you. Instead, pick something that speaks to you, moves you, grabs your heart, and understand that EVERY little bit helps. It will have the ripple effect, and with good intent, and action, even more good will follow. That afternoon we happen to meet the people of the Isipho HIV/AIDS Project and the Shady Tree Foundation was born.

Changing the way a charity is run is our goal. We are teaching sustainability so that people can consistently and effectively fulfill their purpose. Helping people help themselves is our desire, and by building a network of resources we will continue to find projects like the one in Paterson to partner with. With on-going training in education and business management, health and human services, and project management, our foundation will work at the grass-roots level, face to face, with the people who need it most.

We know that times are difficult for everyone. However, please consider what a small commitment of only $30 a month can do. Change a child’s life, provide food, clothing, and shelter, and give a child a chance at survival. Continue this journey with us, and be a part of the change. Share your input because this is a collaboration, share your sweat, and visit our first project to experience the work we are doing. Meet the people and see results. 95% of all donations go directly to the projects we work with. The other 5% goes towards administrative costs. That is our promise!

Be a part of the change! Don’t be a spectator be a participator!

Thank you for your support,
Ryan, Laura & Aiden Rothschild

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