Eight global humanitarian aid organizations partnered with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to provide aid to women and children around the world.
These organizations include: CARE, Catholic Relief Services, Helen Keller Intl, iDE, Map International, Save the Children, The Hunger Project and Vitamin Angels.
These organizations are able to leverage one another's strengths, allowing them to have a greater global impact.
“Instead of thinking, how would we have to compete to receive funding we can step back and think collaboratively about how our impact might be bigger if we work together," said Sarah Bouchie, president and CEO of Helen Keller Intl.
One of the main focuses has been on uplifting mothers in the community so they can in turn lift those around them.
“Women are the cornerstone of society. We know that when you train a woman you train a nation because she is a multiplier," said Abena Amedormey, the Ghana country director for Catholic Relief Services.
The Church originally donated $55.8 million to the initiative. Their goal was to reach 2.7 million women and more than 12 million children in 12 countries.
Among the impacts within the first year: 21.2 million children and mothers received vitamins, 1.6 million mothers were trained in best practices for nutrition, 159 newborns were resuscitated at birth and more.
While not everyone has the opportunity to participate in global humanitarianism, everyone can make a difference where they stand.
“You have an opportunity to participate and contribute by looking around you for the immediate needs of your family members and community members,” said Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society president.