August 11: Andrew MacDonald, Opportunity International

This morning, QSR heard from Stirling resident Andrew MacDonald about Opportunity International (www.opportunityinternational.ca), a micro-finance initiative supported by District 7070.

Andrew started his presentation with some astounding facts: one in three people on the planet live in poverty, and 70% of them are women. Most have no access to banking, thus they are unable to start their own businesses. In response, organizations such as Opportunity International have formed to provide small loans to those in the third world; these loans cover a wide range of needs, from feeding and clothing families to educating children, to starting businesses. In addition, these borrowers learn about financial planning, business plans, and insurance needs, resulting in a vastly improved economic and social status, higher confidence, hope, and empowerment to these new business owners.

Supported by the Gates Foundation, Opportunity International now has over four million clients, and clubs within D7070 are helping the Honduras Economic and Community Development Program to implement this initiative. $750,000 has been raised to far to assist 1,000 people in Honduras alone.

QSR has been a long-time supporter of micro-finance through Kiva, and now through Andrew's organization. It's a very small act that has a massive impact on the lives of borrowers.

Thanks Andrew!

Photo is of Maria from Nicaragua, a borrower with

Opportunity International