The Samaritan Foundation
The Samaritan Foundation was founded by Elio Madonia, a retired Toronto businessman. While on vacation in the Dominican Republic, the squalid living conditions he witnessed moved him so deeply that he vowed to make a radical difference in the lives of the poor and impoverished.
“I was strolling,” he remembers, “along the streets of a small town called Sosua, near Puerto Plata, when I was struck by the extreme poverty of the houses in the area. Those weren't even houses, they were little more than shelters, roughly built, with no water, no lighting, with earthen floors.”
His observations and subsequent decision to make a difference, led to a legacy. For over 20 years The Samaritan Foundation has assisted the poorest of the poor in the Dominican Republic by providing modest housing in villages. To date they have built nine villages representing over 1000 homes, 10 churches, 6 schools, 5 medical centres and sports facilities which have changed lives of countless women, men, and children as well as the face of the country itself.
In this particular initiative, our goal is to raise money for a new school building to house Fundación Nidito de Amor (The Nest of Love). The Nest of Love School enables 260 under-privileged children in Villa Emmanuel, Dominican Republic, to get an education thereby empowering them to break the cycle of poverty. From a makeshift school in a garage in 2006, to overflowing an entire house, the Nest of Love is in desperate need of a new building, supplies, and funds.
We Appreciate Your Support!
The entire Toronto team is honoured to have David Bierd travel from the Dominican Republic to join them in the Scotiabank Waterfront Half Marathon. Raised in Puerto Plata, he now lives in Villa Emmanuel with his wife, Sobe, and two young sons, Adriel David (6) and Daniel (2). His connection to the Samaritan Foundation is deeply personal: he lives in a home built by the SF, his oldest son attends the Nest of Love School, and he works as a part time interpreter for teams that build houses with the SF. An evangelist since he was 16 year old, his easygoing nature and broad grin welcome people from all around the world. Over the past several years, he has developed into a passionate and hard working young preacher. His entire community is very excited for the new school building to house “Nest of Love” which will be able to provide an education for those children who wouldn't be able to afford schooling otherwise.
Please consider donating to David's Half Marathon which will bring hope to so many children in his hometown! Funds raised will go through the Samaritan Foundation directly to Nest of Love School and are completely tax deductible. This is an amazing and exciting opportunity to make a difference in an entire community!
Feel free to cheer David and the team on during race day!
What about you and your friends partnering with us on the STWM fundraising drive? The more runners and donors we recruit, the more children are empowered to rise above hardships and reach their full potential. Our goal is to raise $10,000, which will go directly to Nest of Love and give hope to hundreds of children who wouldn't otherwise have a chance.
100% of funds raised through this exciting event will go directly to The Samaritan Foundation's work for The Nest of Love. You will receive your tax-receipts at year end from The Samaritan Foundation as well.
For more information, or to register as a participant on the Samaritan Foundation Team, contact Evelyn Roberts, Team Leader. C. 416-884-1442 or email emroberts@sympatico.ca.
