Success Stories
In May of 2007 a group of leaders traveled to Nairobi, Kenya on the first HopeWalk. The trip included two businessmen, Scot Cockroft of VR Business Brokers Mergers & Acquisitions and Mike Kern of Stout Risius Ross, Inc. The experience changed their lives and as a result they were challenged to invest in a HopeWalk experience for corporate leaders. They feel strongly that their colleagues would benefit from the experience, as well as make an impact on some of the world's most impoverished people. Mike stated, “We see it on TV, we read about it in books, we hear others talk about it, but until we’ve experienced first-hand the desperate poverty of our fellow man, our hearts will not engage.” Join these business leaders as they engage to meet the world's greatest needs.
HopeWalk Corporate Sponsors
Convoy of Hope is grateful to the following corporations for helping to cover operational expenses for HopeWalk Africa 2008.
VR Merger & Acquisitions
Scot Cockroft, President
8111 LBJ Freeway, Suite 985
Dallas Texas 75251
Phone: 972-792-0100
http://www.VRbigd.com
Stout Risius Ross, Inc.
Michael L. Kern, III, CFA, Managing Director
32255 Northwester Highway, Suite 201
Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334
Phone: 248-432-1239
http://www.srr.com
The Best of the Best
I sat in Reverend Nuthu’s office with USAID delegates before venturing into the Mathare Valley. The Reverend shared of his love and compassion for the street children of the slums just behind the Mathare Child Development Center (MCDC), which he and his wife Jane, or Mama, lead. The children call him Papa of the Best. The MCDC provides the children with a place to wash their clothes, take a shower, and fill their hungry bellies, while also giving them an education. They also learn how they are the best of the best, and are shown in tangible ways how they have value.
Later as we walked through the valley viewing the incomprehensible living conditions, the children ran after us because they were intrigued by the mzungu (white man in Swahili). They ran to Papa of the Best hugging, smiling, and greeting the man that has given them help and hope. With what little they have to offer, Mama and Papa are making a difference and giving these children a chance in life. What a privilege it is for me to see such love in action and to bring other leaders to this place to be a part of making a lasting difference.
Renee Hipp, HopeWalk Project Manager