Building an Orphanage Brick by Brick

by Michelle Lentz

This is your feel-good post of the day. WeCanBuildAnOrphanage.com is asking for your help, and they’ve found a fun and creative way to do it.

The site uses an innovative Flash interface, where donors can browse through the hundreds of items needed to build the orphanage ranging from a square foot of land, to bricks and baby bottles or a carpenter’s wages for a day. Donors choose which “part of the puzzle” they want to purchase by simply dragging the item into a virtual shipping box. It’s all about harnessing the power of the Internet to build something in the real world.  They also know that money is tight for everyone, so you can buy a children’s meal for as little as 48 cents. Small donations or big ones, they’ll take them all.

Prices for popular items on the site include:
AIDS Medication – $2.68
Syringe Needle – 14¢
1 Square Foot of Land – 49¢
Concrete Block – 98¢
Nanny, 1 Day’s Salary – $10.68
Solar Power Panel – $144.34
School Desk & Chair – $43.70
Toddler Training Pants – $2.60

“The idea is pretty simple. A lot of people, giving just a little, adds up to a big difference. Like a puzzle, every big project is made up of small parts. Whether it’s a donation of 48¢ for a jar of baby food or $48.00 worth of concrete blocks for the clinic wall, everyone can be a piece of the puzzle. WeCanBuildanOrphanage.com is unique because it lets people choose where they want to make an impact.  We’re putting the donor in the driver’s seat,” said Executive Director Luke Montgomery.

In beta testing, the site has raised over $40,000, and has an ultimate fundraising goal of just under two million dollars. The site officially launches next Wednesday, but you can visit the site and donate now.

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