Huge thanks to the more than 50 people who have donated money or digital gear so far in support of my "Congo In Focus" project. In addition to used cameras from friends and families; I've received headphones, video cameras, laptops and harddrives from places as far reaching as Belgium and Norway.
Just yesterday, I received confirmation that Flip video in the U.S. will be donating several Flip Mino HD video cameras to the project, all thanks to the hard work and initiative of an incredible supporter in Australia.
Also, earlier this week in Seattle I met with social documentary photographer and co-founder of Bridges to Understanding Phil Borges about his experiences with teaching photojournalism/ multimedia workshops to students in remote areas of the world. He gave me a couple great contacts for my time in Congo, showed me some of his work from his "Women Empowered" portrait series and steered me toward a great book called Half the Sky about the struggles women face around the globe.
My Congo dates are officially set now-- departing on Feb. 5 and returning on May 3-- but I will gladly accept donations right up until my departure date. In particular, very few audio recorders have been donated thus far, so if you have one that you don't use, please consider donating it.
Thanks again to everyone.
