The Leamington Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) Chapter exists with the sole purpose of supporting the work of the overall international organization known as MEDA. We do that by financially supporting MEDA and by educating our constituency about the work of MEDA.
MEDA attracts opportunities from all over the globe. MEDA develops programs that provide the best fit between the skill set and the resources available in the organization. MEDA uses the model of the four-legged stool:
- Need – MEDA works among those of the poor who are “economically active” – micro-entrepreneurs, small farmers, poor families who are actively engaged in production or trade – and who will benefit from increased access to capital, markets and technical assistance.
- Products that MEDA can deliver – MEDA offers economic development that can be provided on a business basis – market access, capital access and training.
- Partner – MEDA looks for strong local partners.
- Funding – The selected projects must have donor interest. Contributions by MEDA supporters serve as a jump-start, and are then multiplied in impact through other funding sources.
Our Chapter choose to financially support MEDA with one major fundraiser per year. For several years we held a BBQ with MEDA staff as guest speakers. In 2013 and 2014 we decided to change to a different format, deciding to have a September event at the Leamington Marina Pavilion on the shores of beautiful Lake Erie. At both events we invited the famous Deacons of Jazz to provide music for easy listening.
MEDA Staff present this year were:
Allan Sauder, President
Marion Good, Regional Director of Resource Development
Marlin Hershey, Director of Resource Development
Ethan Eshbach, Coordinator of Engagement Initiatives
Hilda Pries, Database Administrator
Both Allan and Marion gave a short presentation on the work of MEDA. President Allan had just returned from Tanzania where he participated in climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. The fundraising climb raised a total of $279,000 for the work of MEDA.
Our event on the lake raised a total of $12,000 for the Ukrainian Project. The 197 guests enjoyed the beautiful fall weather, a delicious meal provided by Car Barn of Wheatley, home baked deserts by local MEDA Chapter members, and relaxing jazz from the Deacons of Jazz under an almost full moon.
