Making a Difference: Find The Change's Global Philanthropy Efforts

A post by Jesse Stringer

Find The Change is a humanitarian foundation that is dedicated to supporting organizations that are making a difference in communities around the world. Established in October 2022, this charitable organization is committed to offering financial assistance to various groups and showcasing their success stories on its platform.

Sister Flor de Lis explaining the work done at an orphanage for girls with special needs. Location: Peru

Thoughts from our first journey to deliver money: Returning to Arequipa after six years was a surreal experience. Alan and I found ourselves traveling within a tight 48-hour window during the pandemic, a time when Peruvians were asked to wear two masks at once—a stark contrast to our experiences in Alaska. The most striking change was the growth of the orphanage. Six years ago, when I visited with my wife Libby, the orphanage was still under construction, with steel bars protruding from the concrete walls. This time, some of the construction was complete, and the atmosphere of Arequipa remained festive as ever. Unbeknownst to us, we had arrived during the Festival Por La Señor De Los Milagros, one of the largest religious festivals on the planet. The streets were alive with music, confetti, and fireworks, creating a vibrant backdrop for our mission.

Our first challenge was finding motorbikes to rent, but the pandemic had shuttered many businesses in Arequipa. Peru had one of the highest death rates during the pandemic, and many shops were no longer in operation. Despite the obstacles, Alan and I kept positive attitudes and relied on hand gestures to communicate. Eventually, we decided to rent mountain bikes instead. This decision brought a sense of relief and excitement, as it allowed us to explore in a new way. Riding through the congested streets just outside Arequipa's historical district was thrilling. We dodged and weaved through traffic, moving faster than most as we coasted down the volcanic mountain into the countryside. The backdrop of the volcano and bustling city added to the magic of the experience, making it an exhilarating ride.

Arriving at the orphanage, our impressions were somber yet peaceful. The nuns, or sisters, maintained a serene environment. Sister Flor de Lis guided us through the hallways to the critical care room, where children needing 24-hour care, referred to as "angelitos," were kept. This sobering moment reminded us of the harsh realities these children faced, having been abandoned in the streets. Then we met Arequellie, a boisterous and outspoken girl with a great sense of humor and strong religious convictions. She made us feel welcome by praying for us and encouraging us to say our prayers. Her inclusiveness and desire to connect with others left a lasting impression on us.

Handing the money to Sister Flor de Lis was both a privilege and a relief. We had never carried that much cash through foreign countries where we didn't speak the language. It felt great to know that the money would be used for good, even if we didn't know exactly how. When we visited again a year later, we saw that the facilities had expanded and were in better shape, a testament to the positive impact of our contribution. This experience taught me that providing unexpected funding can offer hope and encouragement to those doing good in their community. It also showed me how incredibly rich 48 hours can be, filled with wonderful moments that inspire future adventures. Alan and I were so moved by our experience that we later embarked on a similar trip to Bolivia. - Jesse