Every December, I reflect on the year we’ve had and all the good I’m thankful for. It’s a common practice for many of us this time of the year alongside our celebrations with friends and family.

At the same time, I am reminded of everything that’s happened this year both personally and globally. As I reflect, I am aware of the hardships suffered by so many around the world in 2023. Put simply, it has not been an easy year. Problems like hunger, conflict, and climate change continue to affect millions around the world.

But of course, 2023 hasn’t been all bad! In the face of these daunting challenges, humanitarians meet them with compassion and action. With that in mind, we collected five inspiring stories from our charity partners this year. Think of it like a bit of goodness wrapped up for you as a year-end present. As you’re reflecting on your year, consider making a workplace donation to these charities to make 2024 even brighter.

Grameen Foundation

Location: Philippines
Content type: Video
Primary Thematic Area: Economic Development
Summary: In 2021, the Grameen Foundation piloted the Agent Liquidity Management Solution Research Project. This year, the women featured in this video share how they have benefited from the program. The digital solutions help address the overall cost, barriers, and liquidity management concerns of community agents, who offer digital financial services to the community such as bills payment and money remittance. All of those conveniences lead to more income for the women, their families, and ultimately their communities.
Why it’s inspirational: Even in the best circumstances, owning and running a business is a challenge. Grameen Foundation helps reduce those challenges. Josefa says it best herself in the video, “I always aspire to live a prosperous life so I can help uplift the lives of others. That’s my ultimate dream.”

HCP Cure Blindness

Location: Ghana
Content type: Blog
Primary Thematic Area: Global Health
Summary: In October, HCP Cure Blindness announced that over 200,000 patients have received a sight-saving corneal transplant since SightLife International-led efforts to address corneal blindness started in 2009. Cataracts and corneal blindless are easily preventable in high-income countries. But in places like Ghana, and so many low- and middle-income countries around the world, patients don’t have access to the vision renewing surgeries. Luckily, HCP has connected those patients with the right doctors for the life-changing surgeries they need.
“My success story will reassure those seeking treatment who cannot afford to travel outside Ghana.”
— Efru Dankwa, one of the patients who received a corneal transplant.
Why it’s inspirational: After passing this milestone, the number of improved lives will continue to grow. The CEO of HCP Cure Blindness, K-T Overbey, said, “This milestone is incredible. Prior to 2009, no systems or resources existed for corneal transplants in many low- and middle-income countries. Those living with corneal blindness had few if any options. Most never regained their sight and lived with limited capacities and increased challenges caused by their blindness.”

Water for People

Location: India
Content type: Video
Primary Thematic Area: Clean Water
Summary: In rural India, women walk nearly 10 miles per day to collect water. Meet the women who spend hours every day walking for water, avoiding going alone because it can be dangerous. Their experience isn’t unique – around the world, women are the ones responsible for collecting water in 7 out of 10 households. The time they spend collecting water could be spent instead on child care, education, and making an income.
Why its inspirational: The Runway for Water film was released alongside global fashion weeks to show the world the walk that so many women have to do daily. Through the film and this introduction to the women who modeled, Water for People showed why their work to create safe water access for all is so important.

World Bicycle Relief

Location: Kenya
Content type: Video
Primary Thematic Area: Education
Summary: There are regular bicycles, and then there is the Buffalo Bicycle. The Buffalo was engineered to be durable enough for the treacherous roads that many who own these bikes navigate in order to receive an education, make an income, and connect with their communities. Meet the extraordinary people who design, build, test, and improve the Buffalo Bicycle and those whose lives depend on them to build thriving futures.
Why its inspirational: The Buffalo Bicycle provided by World Bicycle Relief helps Red Cross community workers visit more people, saves travel time for entrepreneurs, and creates jobs for bicycle mechanics. Seeing the connection between the bike engineers in Chicago and the bike riders in rural Africa shows how collaboration can make such a significant difference.

World Renew

Content type: Video
Location: Worldwide
Primary Thematic Area: Hunger
Summary:  Bad news may seem like it’s everywhere. But World Renew is changing this story for good by partnering with hungry families around the world to plant, grow, and harvest food. Hear about some of the innovative solutions World Renew is supporting around the globe to end hunger.
Why its inspirational:  Tragic headlines can tell you that climate change and other crises have led to food insecurity worldwide – but they don’t convey the ingenuity of solutions that communities are pioneering worldwide. Around the world, farmers are receiving training in drought-resistant farming, parents are improving their families’ nutrition, and entrepreneurs are learning new skills for their careers. Food security provides families the freedom to educate their children, start new businesses, and save for the future.

Learn more about our charity partners and support their good work with your workplace donation.