Convoy of Hope: A Beacon of Hope for the Needy
Convoy of Hope is an American faith-based non-profit humanitarian and disaster relief organisation that provides food, supplies, and humanitarian services to impoverished or otherwise needy populations throughout the world. The organisation also engages in disaster relief work. As a humanitarian, faith-based organization, Convoy of Hope’s goal is to serve people who are impoverished, hungry, and hurting. The company keeps the values of Love, Dignity, Service, Excellence, Integrity, Unity, Support, Partnership, Hope, and advocacy as its
Founding of Convoy of Hope
It was founded in 1994 by Hal, Steve, and Dave Donaldson in Sacramento, California; later, it moved its headquarters to its current place in Springfield, Missouri. It is associated with the Assemblies of God and its Chi Alpha campus ministries and fellowships. The Donaldsons were spurred to start the charity because of the kindness shown to their family after their father was killed and their mother was seriously injured in a 1969 car accident caused by a drunk driver. Hal also had an interaction with Mother Teresa in India in the late 1980s, which further persuaded him to start the organisation.
Initially, Hal Donaldson handed out food to the needy. In 1995, Convoy of Hope held its first large food distribution event. Over the year, they gave 700,000 pounds of food to 70,000 people. In 1996, Hal Donaldson was offered a job in Springfield, Missouri, and moved Convoy of Hope’s headquarters there as well.
Convoy of Hope also operates a Women’s Empowerment program that is designed to educate women and girls in vulnerable communities. It also provides entrepreneurial training and seed capital for women to start their businesses. Around 2,800 women in nine different countries participated in these programs in 2017.
Convoy of Hope also has a children’s feeding program that provides meals to children every school day in developing countries throughout the world. In 2019, the program was feeding 200,000 children per day in 14 countries. The program was originally started in 2006 in collaboration with USAID.
Achievements in Recent years
As of 2019, the organisation has provided a total of $1 billion in food and aid, helping over 115 million people in the process. In October 2019, Convoy of Hope was given a 4-star rating for the 16th year in a row by Charity Navigator, a charity assessment organisation. Four stars is the highest rating given by Charity Navigator.
They have responded to countless hurricanes in the United States and other countries, providing immediate relief and support for rebuilding efforts. From Haiti to Nepal, Convoy of Hope has been instrumental in providing aid and rebuilding communities devastated by earthquakes.
Convoy of Hope has fed millions of people in need in the United States and around the world through children’s nutrition initiatives, citywide outreaches, disaster response, and partner resourcing.
As of 2024, the organisation has distributed $2.5 billion in food, water, and supplies and was the 35th-largest charity in the U.S., according to Forbes.
In 29 years, Convoy of Hope has helped over 230 million people in more than 130 countries. In that time we have also given away over $2 billion worth of food and supplies to people in need.
READ: Empowering The Poor: Unbound’s Journey From 1981 To Today
Convoy of Hope is a faith-based organisation with a driving passion to feed the world through children’s feeding initiatives, community outreach, and disaster partnerships with local churches, businesses, civic organisations, and government agencies.
Convoy of Hope has significantly improved the lives of millions of people worldwide with their unceasing efforts. In the face of hardship, they have played a crucial role in mending lives and offering hope.
Content Credit| Igbakuma Rita Doom
Picture Credit | https://www.arcchurches.com/resource-partners/convoy-of-hope/
https://convoyofhope.org/disaster-services/partnerships-create-solutions-to-drought-in-africa/
