Since Convoy of Hope began its initiatives around the world nearly two decades ago, more than 49 million people have been served in countries around the world and here in the United States. In 2011 alone, Convoy of Hope procured more than $54 million gifts in kind; distributed more than 38 million lbs. of product worth more than $54 million; and served more than nine million people.
“This was really a monumental year for us,” says Hal Donaldson, president of Convoy of Hope. “We were able to serve more people in a year’s time than we’ve ever been able to do in the past. It’s because of our supporters and partners that we’ve been able to change so many lives.”
Of the nine million people served, more than 100,000 were starving children who are now enrolled in Convoy of Hope’s children’s feeding initiatives. “We’ve really focused on expanding our children’s feeding initiatives,” says Donaldson.
There were many people who found themselves in need unexpectedly in 2011 as natural disasters destroyed communities in the United States and abroad. Convoy of Hope initiated rapid and extended response efforts in the aftermath of tornado catastrophes in Joplin, Mo., and the southeast; and the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
“We conducted seven international and seven domestic disaster response operations,” says Kary Kingsland, senior vice-president–global initiatives for Convoy of Hope. “This year was particularly significant in terms of the scale of devastation caused by natural disasters and we’ve been able to play a significant role in relief efforts.”
In response to the Joplin tornado alone, Convoy of Hope distributed 2.6 million lbs. of supply to those affected by the storm.
While many Convoy of Hope personnel aided the suffering, other teams were carrying on business as usual. In 2011, 76 outreaches were held in the United States and around the world where families received healthcare, groceries, haircuts, family portraits and more. An initiative to hold outreaches in all 50 states will launch in May 2012.
“While we’ve been able to help so many people this last year, our goal is to help even more in 2012,” says Donaldson.
The video below is a thank you to all of our generous supporters for all they’ve helped us to accomplish in 2011.
To make a tax-deductible donation click here.
