Newfoundland duo given once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through The Obakki Foundation’s ‘Live With a Purpose’ campaign
Bonavista, NL (September 18, 2017) After months of hard work and fundraising by 10 dedicated teams across the globe, Obakki Foundation is thrilled to announce the winners of its annual Live With a Purpose campaign. Newfoundland’s Karen and Chris Ricketts have earned a life-changing, philanthropic mission to Cameroon, Africa with their ‘Caring Hearts’ creative initative, raising more than $10,000 towards saving and changing lives.
In just its third year, Live With a Purpose has raised more than $100,000 to better the lives of many well-deserving families in African communities through creative and self-directed fundraising. As contest winners, the Ricketts’ receive an all-expenses paid trip to Cameroon, Africa this November with Obakki Foundation founder, Treana Peake. There, they will work alongside Peake, her team and members of Cameroon communities to build sustainable development projects, aiding in the long term fulfillment and success for the area.
“This couple embodies exactly what the Live With a Purpose campaign is all about with their strength and passion to help others,” explains Peake, whose Obakki Foundation has helped drill and rehabilitate nearly 1,000 wells and brought water to over 1.5 million people since 2009. “100 per cent of their fundraised donation goes towards helping people in Cameroon. I’m so honoured to have them accompany us on our next mission.”
The couple have been longtime supporters of Obakki Foundation since Ricketts’ sister, Cheryl Shatford won the first ‘Live With a Purpose’ campaign in 2015. After being inspired by Shatford’s own experience, the pair decided to take part themselves with ‘Caring Hearts’, donating part proceeds from their gift shop and fine art gallery at Round Da Bay Inn in Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland.
“To give back is an incredible feeling,” said Ricketts. “We are so excited to visit Cameroon this November and to be meeting and helping people on the ground, first hand. We cannot wait to share our experience, hoping to inspire others and we thank everyone for their support.”
The Ricketts will get a true behind-the-scenes view of what the Obakki Foundation does, the effects of the programs, and immerse themselves in Cameroonian culture.
Combined with the other teams, Live With a Purpose 2017 has raised more than $21,000 for the Cameroon area. To learn more about Live With a Purpose and to see the journey with last year’s winners, please visit www.ObakkiFoundation.org.