2010 Year in review

By John Alex, President

I want to begin by saying thank you to our donors, volunteers, partners, Board Members, and staff.  All of you have carried the heavy burden that has made our dream of helping people in need, personally and directly, come true. 

The year 2010 proved to be transformational for UAF.  Our scope of operations increased almost tenfold from any previous year in terms of money raised/supplies donated, number of missions, volunteer involvement, and partnerships with other NGOs and corporations.  We revamped our Board of Directors and realigned the staff to create the most efficiency and accountability to pursue our mission. 

The big headline of 2010 was obviously Haiti.  Unfortunately, a year later, it still is.  UAF sponsored five missions to Haiti in 2010:  two medical and three humanitarian.  We delivered or facilitated delivery of over $800,000 worth of supplies including:  food, water, baby formula, tents, water tanks, medical supplies, generators, crutches, wheelchairs, solar lights and toys for the children.  We found ways to get supplies in country to the people that needed it while the large, international aid organizations were sitting at the airport.  Our doctors saw thousands of patients and performed hundreds of surgeries.  Our efforts in Haiti continue.  We have funded the building of the first three houses in Haiti and would like to build a factory so the Haitians can rebuild their own country.  Please inquire as to how you can help!

2010 was also our second year of fully supporting Deb’s House orphanage in Romania.  It is only by the herculean efforts by Elizabeth Alex, her supporters and orphanage staff that these children do not live in the street today.  This year we worked hard on streamlining staff and the budget for cost control, while focusing intensely on the children’s health and education.   Deb’s House was upgraded with a fixed roof, new stove and new washing machine & dryer, all generously donated.  When terrible flooding hit the town, UAF responded with medical supplies to the local hospital and sent 14 large boxes of clothing, shoes, bedding, and personal items for the community.  For Christmas, children in the United States again bought and shipped presents for the children at the orphanage. 

United Aid Foundation also funded school supplies and built a new classroom for Hope Grammar School in Pakistan.  The school serves the poorest children and is secular, as we know a rarity in that area.  Finally and also on the education front, UAF contributed monies to the building of a school in a village in Mali, Africa where our partner Medical Missions Foundation operates.   

As I reflect on the past year, I am extremely proud of what UAF has accomplished.  UAF was formed by volunteers with the desire to have a direct and personal impact in the world.  Surely, 2010 has been the most poignant yet.  On behalf of the United Aid Foundation, let me express my profound gratitude for all of your efforts and continued support.