Something very special is happening in Ubud, something that can be used to set a positive example in the current state of our planet, that should remind everyone that even the little things count, and that everyone can play an important role in improving the world we live in. This something is happening at 44b Jalan Hanoman, at the Bali Cares shop. At Bali Cares, people are not only helping people, but they are helping people to help other people. This is not only fantastically unique; it is refreshing and inspiring for the many people out there who really want to make a difference.
The Bali Cares shop is a unique non-profit cooperative store that retails items and crafts from local, community based projects on Bali. Every item that is purchased at the shop contributes and supports these projects in their efforts to carry out their mission and in providing important services to local communities.
There are many small organizations in Bali struggling to support individuals and communities in need with services such as basic education, environmental education, public health and nutrition, woman’s health, conservation, micro-financing programs, waste management education and services, sustainable development, and more. These small organizations are working with limited funds and, at times, in small isolated pockets of Bali. These projects are truly ‘grassroots’, reaching directly to those in need and their continuity is crucial. Bali Cares’ aim is to create a means of sustainability for these organizations by offering an outlet to showcase what their beneficiaries produce. The money raised from sales allows the important work of these projects to continue.
If we consider the current economic state of Bali, it is in an economic low. The post-bomb state of Bali has left many families and communities unable to meet their basic needs. There is a crucial need for the organizations supported by Bali Cares to be operating on the ground, and they need the economic means to maintain, develop, and increase their services.
The Bali Cares shop’s purpose exceeds beyond the assistance it offers in helping local organizations support and maintain their work. The Bali Cares store is also raising awareness. The store provides information to foreigners and Indonesians about local organizations and charitable activity on the island. It highlights the current issues and problems Bali faces during this time and the individuals and groups who are working with these issues. Bali Cares is also opening the eyes of other NGO (non-government organizations) and aid workers towards the work of other organizations. This creates helpful links, partnerships, and positive networks where they didn’t exist before. An unfortunate consequence of grassroots and community based projects is they, at times, work in struggle, isolation, and even in competition. The Bali Cares shop is uniting local organizations to work together, to support each other, and to share resources. This is truly valuable.
Who is supported by the Bali Cares shop?
Currently the following organizations are being supported;
- Bali Jani (Balinese woman’s rights)
- Yayasan Bumi Sehat (woman’s health care)
- Crisis Care Foundation (free medical clinic in North Bali)
- Eco-trainers (environmental education programs)
- IDEP Foundation (Indonesian Development of Education & Permaculture)
- MACK Foundation (education and environmental programs)
- Pondok Pekak Library & Learning Center (educational and cultural programs for children and adults)
- Yayasan Senang Hati (Balinese living with disabilities)
- SOS Children’s Village (orphanage and youth centers)
- Sumatran Orangutan Society (Sumatran orangutan conservation)
- VIBE (Volunteers and Interns for Balinese Education)
To find out more information on these organizations and their activities, please come to the Bali Cares shop in Ubud. It is located at 44b Jl. Hanoman next to the Tegun Gallery. Bali Care’s full time staff is available to provide information and connect people with many NGOs in Bali. They provide information about and opportunities to support these programs.
Aceh Aid at IDEP (AAAI)
Bali Cares is also currently serving as an information center for AAAI (Aceh Aid at IDEP) since the tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia. This team of individuals and NGOs in Bali and Sumatra have been working night and day to provide information about the disaster, mobilize relief and aid to families in need in Aceh, accept donations, fundraise and more. You can also visit the Bali Cares shop to learn more about how you can help with the disaster or visit their web link at http://www.idepfoundation.org/aceh_aid.html
How you can help!
If you have ever asked yourself the questions “how can I make a difference?” or “what can I do to help?” then a visit to Bali Cares should provide you with the answers. The smallest to the largest contributions can be made and are important, from buying a post card to becoming a volunteer, you can make a difference. For more information about Bali cares, also visit the IDEP website at www.idepfoundation.org
