Giving
David and Koala Michie
I donate about half the money I raise from Substack to Zimbabwe-based charities. Through a partnership with Global Development Group (GDG), my wife, Koala, and I set up the Michie Foundation as a simple and tax-efficient way to do this.
If you wish to make a direct contribution to the causes we support, you can do so via GDG’s website. Residents of USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands receive tax deductible receipts. GDG is working to expand the number of countries where tax deductibility applies. GDG takes a fee of 7.5% to cover compliance, staff and bank transfer charges, the other 92.5% is placed in the relevant charity’s bank account.
To donate directly, and receive a tax-deductible receipt where relevant, please use the appropriate links below.
May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness.
May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.
May all beings never be parted from the happiness that is beyond suffering.
May all beings abide in peace and equanimity, their minds free from attachment, aversion and free from ignorance.
In alphabetic order:
ROKPA Support Network
With Trish Kernohan, Director, ROKPA Support Network
ROKPA Support Network is part of ROKPA International, a humanitarian organisation founded in 1980 by Akong Tulku Rinpoche, Lea Wyler and Dr. V. Wyler. In Zimbabwe, ROKPA helps some of the poorest and most disadvantaged people through its activities in the high-density town of Chitungwiza, which has a population of 400,000 people. Many Chitungwiza residents face severe socio-economic challenges made worse by the country’s economic crisis.
Among ROKPA’s activities are support for bright teenagers who can’t otherwise afford to go to university, as well as vocational training for those who are less academically able. ROKPA also provides micro-loans and mentoring to help single mums and struggling families keep afloat, and supports those facing health crises.
In donating to ROKPA, you will be making a truly life-changing difference and offering hope to people living in the most adverse circumstances.
The Twala Trust Animal Sanctuary
With Sarah Carter, Founder, The Twala Trust Animal Sanctuary
Twala Trust is a non-profit organisation, 25km east of Harare, run by Sarah Carter and Resident Veterinarian Dr Vinay Ramlaul, together with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Twala provides a safe and loving haven for all animals and birds in need.
Twala is home to 52 species of indigenous and exotic animals that were victims of human-wildlife conflict, injured, orphaned or abandoned.
Twala’s Doggy Tuesday outreach program, in the rural Goromonzi district helps take care of dogs who live in some of the world’s most impoverished communities, with vaccinations, veterinary care and food.
In supporting Twala you will be helping the dogs whose owners often struggle to feed them, and the communities who rely on them for protection and companionship. You will also be helping Twala care for the myriad indigenous and exotic animals at its sanctuary.
Wild is Life/Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery
With Roxy Danckwerts, Founder, Wild is Life/Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery
Wild is Life is a wildlife conservation operation that rescues, rehabilitates and rewilds orphaned and injured elephants and other animals in Zimbabwe. Founded by Roxy Danckwerts in 1998, from humble beginnings of a few rescued wild animals in the backyard, Wild is Life/Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery has grown into the most important elephant rescue and rewilding centre in the country.
In 2015, Wild is Life partnered with the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe to establish a rewilding facility at Panda Masuie, near Victoria Falls, where rehabilitated elephants have a safe, natural place to call home.
In supporting Wild is Life, you will be playing a vital part in the rewilding process, enabling once-orphaned elephants to roam free from fear of poachers, and to come into contact with wild herds. The community education activity we support helps protect animals from human predation, enabling a sanctuary where the eco-system can remain in balance.
If you wish to leave money to any of these charities in your Will as a bequest, please email us for further information: safari@davidmichie.com