COFIA Founder Carolyn Othieno enjoyed the privilege of personally thanking Russell Associates today and sharing stories and photos from her recent trip to Uganda. Thanks to Russell Associates and their 2014 Community aWEARness Day, COFIA was able to provide St. Jude students with 6,000 school meals and 50 new uniforms. Russell Associates also played a key role in supporting the COFIA “Ship to Learn” campaign, making it possible for COFIA to ship more than 40,000 lbs. of donated academic supplies and resources from Seattle/Tacoma to Rubongi, Uganda.

Russell Associates once again held a “Jeans Day” or “Community aWEARness” day to benefit COFIA. Associates showed their generosity in “Jeans Day” donations and spirit. Russell Associate Rosa Allen, also a COFIA Board member, organized the event. Rosa is a tireless advocate for the children in Rubongi, and not only a great project and event manager, but an excellent leader.  She activated her colleagues, and made Russell’s Community aWEARness day a huge success.

Children who live in rural poverty face many obstacles to education; hunger and malnutrition, poor health, caring for siblings, no money for school supplies and tuition, and in some cases, children are orphaned.  In light of the many barriers these children face, Rubongi students still aspire to learn, and with the help of supporters like the Russell Associates, these students are given an opportunity to LEARN, DREAM & BELIEVE.