Part of living in the Rocky Mountains is accepting their unpredictability regardless of the season, from blizzards to wildfires and excess rain to droughts. In 2013, areas across and near the Peak to Peak region suffered greatly from flooding. Nine people died as a result of the event, and damages totaled over $4 billion.

Across the globe, countries are experiencing one extreme weather phenomenon after another. In 2023, Rusinga Island, situated in the eastern part of Lake Victoria, Kenya, experienced life-changing floods that destroyed homes and displaced families. Many now live in the streets or makeshift camps, even months after the flooding ended.

Joseph Marisa, his wife, mother, and four children have been fighting to rebuild their home and life since early 2023. But losing their home was just the beginning. Marisa and one child suffered from malaria and spent two weeks in the hospital, halting any hopes of providing for his family.

Aside from needing financial assistance to rebuild his family’s home, Marisa also needs money for ongoing medication. Thanks to Carol Koltz, a local artist and empath, there is hope for the Marisa family.

On January 27, 2024, Koltz hosted BabooZa’s Food & Art Saturday fundraiser, selling her original paintings and homemade salves. Other items sold included books and a variety of snacks. Quilts, which Koltz acquired during the 2013 Colorado floods, were also for sale.

According to a 2013 research by The Permaculture Research Institute, “Rusinga Island is one of the poorest areas in Kenya, with over 50% of the population in extreme poverty, many orphans, and grandmothers raising several generations and working the land.”

Poverty is everywhere, including in the Peak to Peak region. The difference, however, is that those willing to accept assistance in America can generally find a program to help during disasters.

Not everyone can say the same. Proceeds from Saturday’s fundraiser will go to help Marisa and his family. If you want to donate, you may do so via Western Union, providing the information below:

Marisa Joseph Ayara Okech

ID# 24251355

Telephone: 254 705 255 331

Country Code: 254

For more information, please reach out to Carol Koltz at koltzn@aol.com. To learn more about The Permaculture Research Institute, visit https://www.permaculturenews.org/2013/01/29/helping-small-farmers-help-themselves-onrusinga-island-lake-victoria-kenya/.