We have been entranced by Bali and after our first visit our eyes were opened to how difficult life is for many Balinese. Sometimes the need we have seen seems overwhelming, but a bucket fills a drop at a time. We have been blessed with healthy children and a good life. People have been good to us, not wanting anything back for their kindnesses, so we choose to pay it forward instead...passing it on. I include the info below to explain some of the places we have discovered need help - for people who also like to 'pay it forward'.
Healthy Mother Earth Foundation - Yayasan Bumi Sehat in Ubud
http://www.gentlebirthsbali.org/
We read about this birthing clinic while surfing Bali sites and my eldest daughter particularly wanted to support the birthing clinic. We checked their wish list and took lots of baby stuff they wanted, plus some clothes, toys and a bag of bras for the women. We were impressed with the set-up there and thrilled to meet Ibu Robin, midwife and co-ordinator (and probably many other roles as well). I am sensitive to 'atmosphere' and as soon as we entered the compound, and sat for a while, I was aware of a lovely sense of peace there...something very special.
A chiropractic clinic was about to be held, and we were invited to stay and see it, but were on our way to book into our hotel. We will definitely be returning, though. They are given handcrafts sometimes by local families grateful for birthing support, and some of these things can be bought for reasonable prices at the clinic (for now) so that is another way to support the clinic yourself.
Robin explained that as well as assisting mothers/families with childbirth they also had a support group for widows and helped support their children as well. They want to set up a youth support group for the young people of Ubud too. They would like to help them gain computer skills.
I asked Robin what was 'tops' on her Wish List at the moment and she said Pitocin - and laptops (if anyone has upgraded to a new one perhaps you could donate the old one to their youth group initiative..very portable on a plane!). All the things on the website Wish List are valued. Money and sponsorship is always needed...bills have to be paid. Robin herself is a volunteer. Anything Robin does not need she can find a home for through her contact with other helpers in Bali, so take anything you think would be useful.
Ubud Rotary Club Support for Ubud Schools Scheme
If you would like to support schools in Ubud area, but not necessarily go to the schools yourself, the Rotary Club of Ubud has two drop-off points for donated goods and they undertake to distribute for you. They would be thrilled to get pencils, pens, books, chalks, erasers, sports gear, educational posters and educational aids.
We took a bag of assorted items to one of the drop-off points and I was pleased to be invited to write in a 'visitor's book' my contact details and a list of the goods I was donating...very reassuring when one reads of bags sometimes being plundered before getting where they are intended to go. The place I dropped to was Saraswati Bungalows in Jalan Raya, Ubud. It is across the road from the Casa Luna Restaurant and along a bit to the right. Another dropoff is Ibah Resorts and Spa, but I am sorry I don't know that address.
Kupu Kupu Foundation
http://www.yamp.com/KupuKupu/index.html
Kupu-Kupu Foundation is a non-profit organization and non-governmental organization (NGO) whose aim is to improve the lives of physically and mentally disabled children, adolescents and adults of Bali. I say this cautiously, lest I offend, but disabilities are not as 'accepted' in Bali as in our countries as their religion sees them as a consequence of bad karma, therefore aid that helps people be more mobile and learn skills to be productive members of a family is very important. We just popped in with some food supplies this visit but I am sure they would find any items useful, especially things like wheelchairs and disability aids. You may have skills they could use too. Another compound that has the most wonderful atmosphere, gracious staff, and lovely smiling faces. Check out the website. Address is on the contact page.