Join me on my journey by donating toward emergency relief for Yemen.

Dear LaunchGood community,

Hi, my name is Carson Caldwell. I live in Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania. I’ve been riding bikes ever since I was very young, and cycling is a very important part of my life. I enjoy seeing the world on my bike and just going fast, feeling the wind.

While riding my bike, there’s a lot of time to contemplate many different types of issues. Several months ago I sat down at my computer and I Googled "which countries are starving?”

This search led me to discover what’s happening in Yemen, where the worst humanitarian crisis in the world is occuring. Millions of people are starving, lacking proper shelter and proper medical care.

It really made an impact on me.

The conflict in Yemen today has left approximately

• 22 million people in urgent need of humanitarian aid
• 17.8 million Yemenis suffer from food insecurity
• 8 million Yemenis are on the verge of starvation
• 85,000 children have already starved to death
• 32% of all districts are at a heightened risk of falling into famine
• 50% of health facilities in high-risk districts are not fully functional 
• 1.2 million suspected cases of cholera since April 2018
• More than 2,500 cholera-related deaths since April 2018

I felt a sense of helplessness -- a sense that nothing could be done. I could sell my possessions; I could empty my bank account, and that contribution would certainly mean something. But would it really address the problem? I could tell everyone I know what was happening, but would that really do anything?

I came across a New York Times article entitled “Yemen’s Humanitarian Crisis: How to Help.” The New York Times provides links to organizations that are making a difference in Yemen today.

One of the organizations listed in the article is Baitulmaal, a highly rated nonprofit charity based in Dallas, Texas. They are making a significant impact in Yemen and other countries where there is great need.

I had been planning on doing a cross-country bike ride for some time before this, but I realized that I could use this bike ride as a vehicle to raise awareness and money for the people who are suffering in Yemen.

It became my mission to make a difference and to do my best to help the children and families of Yemen.

So, I contacted Baitulmaal with the intention of using my cross-country bike trip as a vehicle to raise awareness and money, and Baitulmaal has been extremely supportive and instrumental in coordinating the logistics of this campaign. And I’m very confident that together we’re going to make a very big difference.

I really feel a sense of obligation to try to do something to help. I believe if we all band together and unite, we can make a very meaningful difference for the children and families suffering in Yemen today.

So, now it’s your turn.

Join me on my journey by turning your compassion into hope for the people of Yemen with a generous donation today. 

Thank you for reading my letter. Together, I know we can make a meaningful impact.

Sincerely, 
Carson Caldwell

#bike4yemen 

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P.S. Special thanks to Baitulmaal and Adventure Cycling for their support. 

Follow my updates on the Facebook Group: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2563551230362610/

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