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Thank you for your purchases from Owl Brand Discovery Kits. We're grateful for
your part as customer in the exciting science labs that we create and promote,
but we're also ever mindful of important your role in our ability to do
outreach. That's what Beyond OBDK is all about. Something outside of ourselves
that attempts to demonstrate that we recognize where our blessings come from and
the importance of demonstrating this ethic.
Your purchases have allowed OBDK to represent you in these areas:
Barn Owl Habitat Promotion
Our nesting program includes more than 400 sites throughout the western
United States and we are gearing up to form a non-profit venture to dedicate
funds specifically to the protection of this important species. In addition,
OBDK is exploring certain properties that are suitable for viewing the owls in
their natural and adopted habitats. You'll read more about this in late spring.
Friends of Pimpollo
OBDK was one of the key players in the formation of a Salem, Oregon based
non-profit group that provides services read more...
and a financial grant to the Pimpollo Home for Children in Juchitan, Oaxaca,
Mexico.
Since it's inception, FOP has now expanded into promoting leadership in
the community through the Center for Sharing in Walla Walla, Washington, and
continues to grow our outreach to the Pimpollo community. What is most exciting
is that these young people are now participating in becoming leaders to their
own community. In February of 2006, nine US Citizens will travel to Oaxaca,
Oaxaca, Mexico to participate with a 12 member delegation from Pimpollo to build
latrines in the most poverty stricken areas of Oaxaca. How's that for full
circle?
Blood:Water Mission
Well water is the key for life in some of the drought stricken areas of Africa.
This important work was developed by Jars of Clay members and continues to grow
and expand their work. We're proud to have played a small part in their success.
NW Medical Teams, International
Portland based humanitarian organization sends doctors, nurses, and volunteers
throughout the world to bring healing to the needy and hurting.
The Salvation Army
Your purchases have allowed OBDK to donate funds toward the needs of Portland's
West Women's Shelter, Harbor Light, Moore Street Youth Outreach, and White
Shield Home for Girls.
North Portland Little League
For three years, OBDK has sponsored Little League in North Portland. The 2006
season will require two sponsorships of two teams and expansion into Vancouver,
Washington to maintain the Owls Franchise! We'll keep you updated on that.
Marshall Christensen Foundation
Our year ended with owner, Chris Anderson joining the Marshall Chrisensen
Foundation in Ust-Komenogorsk, Kazakhstan. What an experience for someone who
remembers this part of the world as "enemy" to our way of life. It couldn't have
been further from the reality of this warm and caring people who welcomed
westerners into their country and into their schools. During the visit, Chris
Anderson had the opportunity to participate at the Kazakh American Free
University's various classroom activities. In addition, enough material was
brought back to begin the "I AM Kazakhstan" video for the foundation.
What does the future bring for Beyond OBDK?
All of the above! And so much more. This year, OBDK has committed to assisting
the Marshall Christensen Foundation in developing its programs in under and
un-developed countries. The purpose of this work is to make higher education
more available to these students through student exchanges, scholarships, and
teacher exchanges. In addition, MCF will play a key role in identifying and
developing the leadership skills of students who show promise (and interest!) in
their country's future.
MCF will be working with some of the above mentioned groups in forming
collaborative efforts in these areas:
Small to Medium Business Promotion and Mentoring
Cross-Cultural Student Leadership Projects
Student Exchanges and Homestays in the United States
Program expansion into Haiti, China, Mexico, and Russia.
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