Since many of our IWAK members are expats, we all know what a priviledged lifestyle we enjoy here in Krakow. We are in a good position to use our time, talents and resources to help others. The Charity Committee was formed for just this purpose.
WHAT do we do?
Members visit possible recipients to talk about their needs, to establish a relationship with the people in charge, and to find out as much information as they can about possible funding and IWAK sponsorship of a specific project.
The committee then identifies the recipient(s) that will receive the monies raised at our two annual fund-raising events, the Christmas Ball and the Garden Party.
Members help to acquire company sponsorships for fund-raising events.
Members volunteer their time to help at fund-raising events.
The Charity Committee continues to visit and work with the people we are helping and follows up on the projects being funded.
The committee also collects clothing and furniture from members to donate to those in need.
IWAK Fund-Raising Events
There are two primary fund-raisers each year – the Christmas Ball in December and the Garden Party in June. These events are also supported by donations from corporate sponsors.
Pro-Familia is a non-profit organization whose members and sympathizers are foster and adoptive families, their children, pedagogues, sociologists, psychologists, lawyers, and physicians. Their goal is to realize the idea that each child should be brought up in a family.
Each year IWAK has donated Christmas gifts or a holiday outing to the children. Year round used furniture and clothing are donated by members.
Funds raised during the 2008 IWAK Christmas Charity Ball made badly needed renovation of a building, that is used by Pro-Familia to provide counseling services, a reality.
The airm of the Fundacja Im. Brata Alberta (The Brother Albert Foundation) is providing aid for the developmentally challenged, by organizing and managing institutions where they can find permanent help, hospitality, rehabilitation and a boarding house. The Foundation was created in Krakow in 1987. The children have a theatrical group and participate in Special Olympics.
Monies raised through the 2008 IWAK Christmas Charity Ball will enable 10 children to compete in the 2009 Special Olympics held in Krakow.
This organizations utilizes volunteers from the community to befriend mentally and physically disabled individuals. These are ongoing relationships that can last for years. The Dun Bear (volunteer) assists and works with the Dun Bear Cub providing support, love, and friendship as they tend to be isolated from normal society.
This year IWAK raised enough money to purchase a paddle boat, life jackets, some food and beverages, and a parachute for sensory educational games. The therapeutic items were initiated at their summer camp retreat, but can be utilized year round. Here is a link to some photos from the camp: Dun Bear Cub Camp
This facility is a home for children up to six years of age, whose parents can’t care for them. Additionally, it is a home for handicapped children up to three years old, and provides shelter for very young (under age eighteen), unwed mothers and their children.
Nine specialized beds with adjustable railing were purchased by IWAK, and an infant exersaucer. An IWAK member has been volunteering her time to teach English to interested mothers, as well.
Past Recipients
Roma Community
The Roma people (or gypsies) tend not to be well liked or trusted. They are often discriminated against, and are unemployed. Many have become Christians and are trying to find honest means of supporting their families. Through missionary contacts aiding them locally, IWAK gave start-up monies for a small business to manufacture folding stools/tables.
Specjalny Osrodek Szkolno-Wychowaczy #4
This is a unique school that helps mentally disabled and autistic children. Although many of the children will not be able to hold a job, the school helps them become more self-sufficient, and to develop to the best of their capabilities.
IWAK aided the school by providing funds toward the renovation of a former coal room, to turn it into a laundry where students could learn to do washing and ironing.
Dom Dziecka, Sieborowice
This orphanage is housed in a former estate, and is located a few kilometers outside the city limits of Krakow. Because of their location, this facility receives less governmental assistance than others within the city proper. It is home to approximately 46 children, who have been removed from neglective or abusive domiciles. Conversion of a car maintained by the facility from a 4-6 passenger vehicle was made possible by IWAK funding, in order to aid with their transport needs.
Schronisko Dla Bezdomnych Zwierzat
This is one of the few animal shelters in Krakow. Monies were donated by IWAK for the construction of two badly needed outside dog runs.
WHO receives the clothing and furniture items donated by IWAK members?
IWAK donates the clothing to several organizations who can best utilize these items. These include the Roma community and Pro-Familia.
WHERE and WHEN can you donate clothing and things for charity?
Jerry Goss, missionary to the Roma, will make a regular pick-up of items IWAK members no longer want. These might include clothing, toys - even electrical devices that are not functioning (the Roma salvage copper from these items). The location will be the Dom Kultury parking lot on Krolowej Jadwigi on the following Mondays at 2:00 pm:
October 19th
November 16th
December 14th
Interested in helping to make a difference?
All IWAK members are welcome to join. For further information, please contact Gina Chrisitie.
Membership is available to all nationalities interested in participating in the activities of the Association...
