By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The Costa Rica Christmas Gift Drive 2019 project, organized by Brendan Michael Ryan an expat originally from Huntersville, North Carolina, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of sponsoring the Christmas parties at some rural elementary schools.

"We collect donations, buy the gifts and have a professional Santa and Mrs. Claus who assist with our Christmas parties," said Ryan in a statement. "Its a lot of fun, and we get to make Christmas happen for many children who otherwise they might not receive anything for Christmas."

According to Ryan, the donations go 100% towards buying the gifts. He and his helpers are going to send to all donors photos and updates of the buying and wrapping and children at Christmas parties.

This year, the goal is $3,000 to pay for children's expenses and party toys.

According to Ryan, he and his team have already raised $ 2,570. There are still $ 430 left to achieve the goal and to finance the parties that take place on Tuesday.

"We are sponsoring 200 children this year from the rural schools of La Palma, Jicote, and Guapinol, and we have a professional Santa, an elf, and a Grinch-type character coming from Theater Lujan in San José to put on a Christmas show for the kids, " said Ryan.

Donations are being received from $5 and up, through the GoFundMe site.

A video of last year's party can be found at Ryan's YouTube channel.

More information can be obtained from Ryan via the email address bmryan76@yahoo.com or to a U.S. toll-free phone 1 866 833-4005 or in Costa Rica at 506 8718-9891


Another campaign that is being carried out to raise funds is organized by Waves and Smiles CR Surf Therapy.

This organization is focused on helping low-income children and adolescents living in the community of Cieneguita in Limón.

"The neighborhood has a population of 9,000 people, characterized nationwide as an insecure, violent neighborhood, stained with unfortunate news, many deaths, unemployment, student drop-outs and where their young people have an average life span of 20 years," said Waves and Smiles CR Surf Therapy in its statement.

According to the foundation, young people having no jobs, no studies and are the targets of drug gangs who use them in many ways, put them at risky to end in jail or death.

For that reason, the foundation seeks young people who wish to practice the sport of surfing, and through that activity, give them motivational talks and personalized therapy attention to achieve a change of mindset about the future.

According to the foundation, through therapies and surfing, which is free for young people, it helps them "improve their minds by finding a sense of belonging, a safe space and values, in addition to having their healthier body by physical activity, having a positive impact on the community. "

Wave and Smiles says it focuses on surf therapy for young people from social risk communities, promoting sports, education, caring for the environment, beach cleaning and reforestation campaigns, among other projects.

The foundation is not asking for donations directly. They are competing to win a $10,0000 donation funded by the My Giving Story site.

Launched in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, MyGivingStory is an annual social media contest that fosters a public conversation about generosity and encourages more people to give.

Wave and Smiles needs votes to win the donation contest. The site to vote for the foundation is MyGivingStory.org.


More information about Waves and Smiles CR Surf Therapy can be reached at email waveandsmilessurftherapy@gmail.com or on this Facebook page.


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Do you know any other foundation or charity group that is looking for funds to celebrate Christmas for children in your community?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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