Meet Leigh Harvey, longtime friend of African Road, Women’s Bakery Champion, and all-around rock star fundraiser.
Leigh has been a supporter of African Road since the early days. In 2010, she gathered some friends* to travel to Rwanda with Kelly Bean and went back again in 2014. This summer, Leigh joined Kelly to visit African Road partners in Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Leigh with Providance, African Road Changemaker, outside of the newly opened Corner Store!
The reason Leigh supports African Road is simple: “They build relationships. I can see so much change from when I first went to Rwanda in 2010 to when I returned this year. In the beginning, you see how many huge needs there are, but you don’t know how best to help. African Road’s strategy is to build relationships with local leaders so that everyone can achieve their highest potential”.
In Rwanda this summer, Leigh spent time with the women and girls of the Togetherness Orphan Cooperative and learned about their hopes to open a bakery by working with African Road and The Women’s Bakery.
African Road Executive Director Kelly Bean with Women’s Bakery Co-Founder Julie Greene and Training Manager Aime Nshizirungu
“I love the Women’s Bakery model. I can see in their strategy that they are equipping people with skills for life and that they are mindful of inequities that affect women. They really have their stuff together!”
So far, Leigh has raised a whopping $2,840 towards the Women’s Bakery!
So what is Leigh’s advice for fundraising?
“I think the main thing is… Don’t be afraid to ask! With the first donor I talked to, I was going after $500 and he ended up giving $1,000. You can have a lot of nos before you have a yes. You just move on and go to the next!”
Leigh also explained that her own belief in the Women’s Bakery is what inspires people to join her in giving. “Remember that people will trust you as a person. If you are the one asking, they’re going to trust you, so you have to trust you! Have confidence in yourself.”
Learn more about the Women’s Bakery and how you can be a part of this unique project today!
*including Susan DeCarlo, who became one of African Road’s first board members.