Organization Asks St. Michael to Make a Difference, Too

Two years ago, Funwi Tita’s mission started when he was still with that Virginia-based non-profit. He was on a trip to Uganda, where he saw scores of children running around in bare feet.

That, he thought, was a certain way for people to get hookworm.

The hookworm, he recalled, spreads one of the most violent illnesses in Africa. The worm embeds into the feet, where it can enter a body.

“The kids, they are not looking where they’re going, you know?” he said. “They’re out on the street, begging. It’s a very hostile environment. The mortality rate is very high, one of the worst in the world back in 2009. But just a pair of shoes, I thought, would make a huge difference.”

That spawned, a chairty organization that has become a fixture, especially after those citywide garage sales.

Now, MADI volunteers have thousands of pairs of shoes and bundles of donated clothing and other donated items ready to be shipped to impoverished children in the poor African nation of Uganda.

And his next mission is to challenge the St. Michael community.

Tita and MADI volunteers are sponsoring a fundraising campaign called “100 X 100.” The organization seeks 100 individuals or business leaders to donate $100 each, so that the vital work of this charity can continue.

MADI volunteers are sponsoring a second fundraising campaign called “1,000 X 10.” The organization seeks 1,000 individuals or business leaders to donate $10 each, so that the vital work of this charity can continue.

Residents can consider donating in person, by mail or via this Web site. Donations may be tax deductible, as MADI has filed for its official 501(C)(3) status with the United States Internal Revenue service.

If owners who participate in the business challenge wish, Tita said, the business name or the name of employees donating can be published on the MADI website with each donation.

For information about how you can help, visit the MADI website. Or, call Funwi Tita at 612-578-9461.