A wise Ethiopian proverb quotes, “A single stick may smoke, but it will not burn.” This is the mind set that Ethiopian model Meron Abebe is following throughout the establishment of her latest project, Thankful Soul. The idea came from a trip that Meron took to Ethopia last year. She was disheartened to see so many homeless people living on the streets, specifically young children. She made it a personal goal to dedicate a portion of her life to helping these people, whether it was by donating her money, sending over school supplies for the children, or even creating full uniforms for an entire Ethiopian school. After the tragic death of Noel Cunningham, who was famous for his spirited charity work here in the United States and in Ethiopia and whom Meron considered a ‘father figure’ in her life, she made the decision to expand her own acts of charity into a large-scale project, which she named “Thankful Soul.” Her goal is to feed as many Ethiopian homeless and orphans during their Christmas season this year as she possibly can.
During a season that is typically filled with love, joy, appreciation and coming together, Meron wants these people to know that there is someone in the world that loves them. Ultimately, she hopes to feed at least two thousand people this year. However with a goal this high, Meron is searching for as much help as she can get. Like the proverb states, her brilliant idea will becoming increasingly successful with the help of others. She is seeking the help of all people, from teenagers to adults, who are willing to donate not only their money but their patience, their time, and their ideas. She is even using her connections to celebrities to raise awareness for her cause. The collaboration of so many passionate people is what will launch this project to fame, and help Meron reach her goal. “Something in my heart tells me it is going to be a very successful project and we will be helping so many people sleep happy,” she states. With your help, her vision could become a reality.
