Andrea Soong was one of the initial Kickstarter funders for WORK+SHELTER. Recently she took a trip to New Delhi and got to visit WORK+SHELTER!

We asked her a few questions about her experience there and what it meant to help start WORK+SHELTER

 

1. What drew you to be a kickstarter funder for WORK+SHELTER?

Theresa is a good friend of mine from undergraduate days at Michigan. I must have seen something on Theresa’s (or the Lotus Odyssey’s?) facebook page, but I hadn’t heard of Kickstarter before then. It sounded like a really innovative way to support a great cause, especially because my school and work background has largely focused on women’s issues.

2. What made you want to visit the Shelter in New Delhi?

I was traveling to South India for a research project and contacted Theresa for some general travel tips and suggestions, and it just kind of worked itself out! I wanted to see Delhi for a few days, and Theresa needed to send some more materials to the ladies at WORK+SHELTER. So, I packed up 15 lbs of yarn from Theresa, and flew to Delhi where her (wonderful) mother-in-law hosted me and brought me to the shelter for an afternoon.

3.What was your experience like visiting the Shelter?

It was exciting to see the Shelter in person, and honestly, very fulfilling to see the funds in action. It is one thing to read about the organization and the womens’ bios on the website, but it is quite another to see it all in person. I was impressed with how the actual space was set up and organized. Everyone was working hard, yet the atmosphere was really cozy and friendly. The women were delightful–we didn’t speak each other’s language, but had a few laughs trying to do so!

4. Do you feel like WORK+SHELTER is making a positive impact on the lives of the women?

Yes! I believe it empowers women in a tangible and sustainable way.

 

Thank you to Andrea Soong for supporting WORK+SHELTER and telling us about her visit!

You too can help support WORK+SHELTER by purchasing any of the products on The Lotus Odyssey!