Two weeks ago was the official launch of our #zeroLRA campaign and our supporters efforts are in full swing. We are encouraging everyone to get creative with their fundraising and they are taking that message to heart – Laura Shkouratoff being no exception. This 15-year-old from Santa Clara, California has a lot of dreams…to become a pediatric surgeon, to travel to developing countries, and to put a permanent end to the LRA.
The concept of social justice was on this go-getter’s radar at a very young age – eight to be exact. Laura says, “I realized how many injustices this world really held. I promised myself I’d help push the world to an age in which everyone was happy.”
Laura first heard of Invisible Children while at a summer camp five years ago. Her counselor talked to her about LRA atrocities and while horrified, Laura was also inspired. Admittingly, she says that it took a couple of years for her to decide that the issue was more important than she had been treating it.
So how exactly has she contributed to #zeroLRA? On her way home from our 2013 Fourth Estate Summit, she heard an advertisement on the radio about a website that assists in holding clothes drives, and they then pay per pound for clothes donated. So, a clothing drive it was. Both her and her friend handed out fliers around the neighborhood, set up a donation bin at church and even made an announcement in front of the congregation. Every cent went to #zeroLRA.
Laura showing the clothes donations some love
Clothes donations, bagged and ready to go
Laura says, “I think my favorite thing about this fundraising effort is that it gives people a chance to donate something other than money. Sure, a lot of people might not have extra cash to spare, but I think most of us own a few pairs of clothing we don’t wear anymore. I am so excited to see how much more we can collect and how much we can raise to finally get to #zeroLRA.”
Laura hasn’t stopped there. She also babysits for donations, and is now selling our reed bracelets from Uganda. She explains, “The best parts are spreading the word and letting people know how much this really means to me. My short-term goal is to reach $1,000 by my birthday, November 1.”
Laura poses with her friends at our 2013 Fourth Estate Leadership Summit
Laura concludes, ”If there’s something you want to change, do it, because you’re the only one standing in your way. I know that if I live my life with compassion and hope, I can really make a difference in this world.”
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