The Volunteers Make the Difference

After every Mitrata-Nepal Foundation for Children event, you’ll see or hear a sentence along the lines of, “Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers.” But what is it that makes the Mitrata volunteers so wonderful?

Operationally, the US-based Mitrata staff size is very small. Comprised of only four individuals, there are many aspects of event planning, preparation, and hosting they could never do on their own. But even outside of Mitrata events, there are areas in which extra assistance can make a world of difference. The Mitrata Board and Committee members often step in to take on these roles, and provide the needed assistance. These individuals assist in all areas of Fundraising, Finance, Sponsorship, Board Development, and Strategic Planning for Mitrata’s future.

But despite the dedication and willingness to serve of the Board and Committee members, there are still times, when the combination of Mitrata staff, Board, and Committee members are unable to do it all… what does Mitrata do then?

That is where our trusty volunteers come in. Our volunteers are simply individuals in the Mitrata family who have asked, “Is there something else I can do to further Mitrata’s mission?” They quickly learned, the answer to that question is always an enthusiastic YES!

Mitrata engages in several fundraising events each year, and each of these rely on the energy and creativity of many individuals to plan, execute and learn from these events so they can be improved in coming years. The three main fundraisers are Trivia Night, Miles for Mitrata Kids, and the Holiday Bazaar. Each of these is a labor-intensive event, and each requires many hands and minds to be a success. Of course, participating in these events by purchasing a table at Trivia Night, registering to participate in Miles for Mitrata Kids, or shopping the Holiday Bazaar are also fantastic ways to support Mitrata!

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We need YOU! If you’re interested in volunteering at our May 4, 2024 Trivia Night:

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Similarly, the Sponsorship Committee has several outreach activities such as the Sponsor Appreciation Ice Cream Social and a Sponsorship Table at fundraising events, both of which rely on volunteers. 

Each year in the spring and fall, our Child Sponsors and Sponsored Children send letters to one another. To assist sponsors with the letter-writing process, each sponsor is mailed a packet of information. Often, you will find individuals like Barbara or Becky assisting Mitrata’s Administrative Coordinator, Jackie, with stuffing the envelopes and preparing the mailing. There are also times when sponsors are unable to write their letter, or we have unsponsored children. Because we want to ensure every child receives a letter, and no one feels left out, a few volunteers like Toni and Margaret are enlisted to write letters to the remaining children without a letter.

Upon a student’s graduation from the program, they are gifted with a photo book that reminisces on their journey as a member of the Mitrata program. A duplicate photo book is also gifted to that student’s sponsor. Samrita and Karen are two volunteers who regularly assist Board Member and longtime sponsor, Pam, with the creation of these photo books.

Of course, the easiest way to volunteer is simply to share Mitrata with your friends and family. The only way for Mitrata to grow and make a difference in increasingly more lives is through sharing our mission with many more individuals.

To our current Board and Committee members, sponsors, volunteers, and the rest of the Mitrata Family, thank you. It would be impossible to accomplish everything we are able to accomplish without you. It is because of you that we can make a difference in the lives of children in Nepal, one child at a time.

If you are interested in learning more about the available volunteer opportunities, or being added to the list of Mitrata volunteers, please contact us through the form below: