Quite a few eyes around the world are focused on Rio more and more these days. We watch in anticipation for the Rio Olympics to begin and for a glimpse of paradise. Many of us have either visited the vacation destination ourselves or have known someone close to us who has. We hear all of the good things, the beautiful things. We see the tropical beaches, cute markets and festive restaurants the area has to offer. But seldom do we hear about the problems that lay within the community. The issues that plague so many people that call Rio home.
Malnutrition is a problem throughout the world, it is one that we seldom hear about but its existence effects so many. Rio is a place that malnutrition is part of so many lives.
Malnutrition- lack of proper nutrition, caused by not having enough to eat, not eating enough of the right things, or being unable to use the food that one does eat.
As Canadians we try to help the rest of the world however we can. We empathize with the rest of the world and try to support them if and when possible.
Introducing RESULTS Canada
RESULTS Canada is a global movement of passionate citizens, committed to raising our voices for a world without extreme poverty. We combine the voices of our grassroots advocates with strategic advocacy efforts to raise millions of dollars for programs and improved policies that give the world’s poorest people the health, education, and opportunity they need to thrive.
This summer, RESULTS Canada is calling on Canadians across the country to use their voices to help motivate world leaders to pledge their political and financial support for ending global malnutrition. To generate momentum for this fight, world leaders will kick-start a series of opportunities for countries like Canada to show their leadership. This will take place on August 4th—the eve of the 2016 Olympics.
What is Road to Rio?
Road to Rio is a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign that will help RESULTS Canada raise $50,000 to fund its advocacy work. This challenge will demonstrate Canadians’ support for ending malnutrition worldwide and help ensure that every child has a healthy start in life.
Those taking the challenge will walk, run, and roll a collective 9,000 kilometres (the distance between Ottawa and Rio de Janeiro) by August 4th, while asking friends and family to donate to RESULTS Canada along the way.
Road to Rio is a global fundraising and advocacy effort that includes RESULTS Canada, RESULTS USA, and RESULTS UK.
We have some close friends going to the Rio Olympics this year. I think it is important for Canadians and the rest of the world to know about the people in these areas and to give back however they can.
In a recent interview with RESULTS volunteer Kaiser Esquillo, MPH was asked Q-What advice would you give to Canadians who are looking to make a positive difference in the world?
I personally appreciate kindness and compassion at all times. I was raised by a family who has always emphasized that the real value of education lies in one’s ability and willingness to serve others. I believe that everyone of us, by nature, has the ability to serve others even in the smallest way possible but it’s mostly a test of willingness. My advice is to always start within yourself, small positive actions can make a huge difference.
• Be mindful and aware of your environment, read current news or participate in sensible conversations. This helps open our eyes and build our own perspectives.
• Try not to shut yourself off from the world and be part of a community. There are so many ways you can get involved in your community of choice, volunteering for a good cause is one good way to spend your spare time.
• Be a responsible consumer. Don’t waste food, save water/electricity, recycle, support local products. These are sustainable efforts we can practice daily while caring for our planet’s resources.
• Take a stand, if you see injustice speak up and if you’re brave enough, do something about it or find ways to prevent it further in the future. Exhibit your own core values regardless of which group or organization you belong to, these will stay with you longer and wherever you go.
• Respect others, our differences make us humans but our peace creates humanity.
Kaiser became involved after a 6-month internship under CIDA’s IYIP (now DFATD) and was sent to work in a hospital in Africa. The interest in learning about the complexity of global malnutrition, from micronutrient deficiencies to public health repercussions especially on children and the economy blossomed.
Here are general statistics about malnutrition and undernutrition:
• On average, global nutrition-specific programming accounts for only 1% of official development assistance, while malnutrition plays a role in the deaths of 45% of all children under the age of five worldwide
• Undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies cost up to USD$2.1 trillion per year to the global economy
• 870 million people face chronic hunger • 793 million people are undernourished globally (macro- and micro-nutrient deficiencies)
• 159 million children are affected by stunting (low height-for-age), which leads to weaker immune systems and diminished cognitive capacities
• 50 million children are affected by wasting (low weight-for-height). Children with severe wasting are 11 times more likely to die than their healthy counterparts
Register now to take the challenge or donate what you can to help out. Even sharing this post will help others see and learn more.
It amazes me just how compassionate and empathetic us Canadians are. It hurts me to see babies and little ones starving when we have so much. Thanks for sharing this.
My heart breaks for those that don’t have the basics that we tend to take for granted – such as food and water. I love when people come together to help others!
What a great cause. It is a disgrace what we allow to happen to these poor children.
Thanks fore sharing this, I just followed them on twitter so I can stay up to date.. Looks like an interesting organization with a great mission.
This is a great cause and thankful we have a chance to read about it and do more. I think highlighting this while the world is focused on RIO for the Olympics is a smart move too. Canadians have ability and means to help change the world for the better so this is important IMO.
A good cause and such important work. We need to pay attention to how Rio can use our help – this is a great way.
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful cause. I feel sick when I see children suffer when we all have so much.
This is such an amazing cause. When it comes to children and other vulnerable groups, I’ve always got a soft spot in my heart for and feel the need to take action and help any way I can.
RESULTS is a wonderful program. I love what they’re doing to help combat malnutrition. It can’t even begin to think of how awful it would be to be without proper nutrition.
What an amazing cause! I am so glad to see more attention being brought to such a cause! It really makes me so sad to know children are suffering, and I am more than happy to do my part to help – everyone deserves proper nutrition!
This is a great idea. It’s important to advocate for people who are suffering. When lots of people come together they can make a big difference.
It is so sad how much food is wasted every day. I will have to tell my friends about RESULTS Canada.
Such an awesome cause. It’s frightening how people hungry children there are. We all need to help anyway we can.
I’ve never been to Rio, and I certainly never knew that this was a big issue there. It make sad that there are people, especially kids, who don’t have enough to eat. It is so amazing that there are organizations like RESULTS Canada that are helping people in need out in the world.
This is such a great cause. It’s always wonderful hearing about all these causes and peole raising money. I help out any way I can!
This is such a good cause. I love groups like this that helps us all help out a little more!
This is actually an area where most everyone has helped in some way or another, that i know. It’s easy to help and it makes an instant. Now let’s hope for the long-term solutions, like this seems to be more geared towards.
This is such a great cause. It’s unfortunate that so many children suffer from malnutrition in the’s current times.
This is fantastic! $50,000?! What a difference that could make!
I hadn’t heard of RESULTS Canada prior to reading this post. It’s crazy how malnutrition is even an issue in this day and age.
Kaiser has a good point here “Try not to shut yourself off from the world and be part of a community.” I will be honest I do shelter my children with most of what happens in the world. Do they know about malnutrition, yes. But do I tell them that someone was murdered for loving the same sex, no. Finding the balance is tough.
Road to Rio is a fantastic campaign that I have shared with my children. If we all could open up our heart and use an ounce of our voice for the good, we’d all be raising our children in a happier world.
I love that RESULTS Canada is using a global platform such as the Olympics to effect measurable change.