A Friendly Public Service Announcement

I’d like to give a big shoutout to my big sister Meaghan Elizabeth “Megasaurus Rex” Joyce. For those of you either living under a rock or creeping on this fabulous blog, it’s important to know that she’s currently serving in the Peace Corps in Ukraine. So, in summary, she left me to struggle as an only child while she’s off doing cool stuff and living in a way I never could.

One of the cool things she’s doing is being a camp counselor at Camp HEAL this July!

If you want to know what Camp HEAL is, read this (if not, skip the next two paragraphs or just click on the link below):

Camp HEAL (Human Trafficking, Education, AIDS/HIV, and Leadership) will teach information regarding the biology of HIV, modes of transmission, stigma and discrimination and human trafficking to approximately 120 youth from all areas of Ukraine. While at camp, the campers will also have the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and hopefully improve their self-esteem. One of the most exciting parts of this camp is that the participants will attend project design and management sessions during the course of the week. Throughout these sessions, the participants will learn all of the steps necessary to design a successful project that can then be implemented in their own communities. The camp will also be conducted mainly in English, so that participants have the chance to improve their skills.

Unfortunately, Ukraine has the highest rate of HIV infection in Europe. In addition, there is an enormous stigma attached to being HIV+ in this country. Therefore, most people choose not to get tested; thus perpetuating the spread of HIV. These are just a few of the reasons why Camp HEAL and other programs that properly educate youth about HIV are so important in Ukraine.

DOESN’T THAT SOUND LIKE SUCH A WORTHWHILE AND FUN CAMP?!

But here’s the deal: Camp HEAL needs some serious donations for it to happen. Although both Ukrainians and Peace Corps Volunteers are donating a lot to this camp in order to make it a success, they still need to obtain more funding to help cover the cost of food and lodging for the camp participants.

So instead of buying a tall soy chai at Starbucks one day, give the $5 to Camp HEAL. Maybe you’re swamped with work this weekend and won’t be spending $20 on a bottle of Burnett’s lime. Why not give that money to Camp HEAL?  What’s that? You want to give $10 because you just found a Hamilton on the sidewalk? Whatever it is, it’ll help, and it adds up.

Maybe you’re hesitant to donate because you don’t know Meg, you can’t locate Ukraine on a map, or you’re still craving a soy chai. It doesn’t matter. Do it anyway. Do it because you think this camp sounds cool. Do it because you’re impressed Meg is living in a 1,200 person village and almost fluently speaks Ukrainian. Do it because you feel bad that I haven’t seen my sister in 20 months. Do it because AIDS is devastating. Do it because I will continue to harass you if you don’t throw them a few dolla dolla billz.

CLICK THIS LINK TO DONATE:

https://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=donate.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=343-215

But seriously. I’m a poor college student who is going to be even poorer come June, but even I managed to throw down quite a few rand.

Well, I hope I’ve guilt tripped you all enough! Thanks everyone!

Meg's so excited that you're donating!

Cheers!