Sudan library project accepting donations online

By Patrick Springer pspringer@forumcomm.com
Metro/State - 12/10/2008 Supporters of an effort to build a library in a remote area of southern Sudan that lacks electricity are turning to cyberspace to raise money for the project. The project, spearheaded by former “Lost Boys” in Fargo-Moorhead and their far-flung supporters, has scheduled a one-day online fundraiser Sunday to try to complete a $100,000 fund drive goal. To raise awareness for the campaign, supporters have been using social network sites – such as Facebook – YouTube pitches and mass email invitations, which they hope will be forwarded to a mushrooming network of contacts.

“They’re going all over the place,” Justin Machien Luoi of Fargo, a former Lost Boy, said Tuesday. “We’re just trying everything. We appreciate every dollar we get.” To get the word out, he sent e-mail requests to his 400-person contact list, and untold others have done the same. A special Web site, www.libraryproject.org, has been set up to provide information and take donations, by credit card or PayPal. “We’re taking advantage of technology, much the same as

the recent campaign, to raise funds,” said Joan Kopperud, an active member of Pacodes, a local not-for-profit organization that is working to build the library. “It’s the holiday time of the year when some people are looking for extra places to give,” she said. “If everybody does a dollar or two and this e-mail goes to 100,000 people, we’re right there.” So far, Pacodes – shorthand for Panyijiar Community Development Services – has raised $33,000 for the library project. More than 50,000 books were donated, and a carton of books soon will be packed for shipment to southern Sudan.

Luoi plans to return to Sudan – which he fled on foot as a boy in the midst of a civil war – in March to begin preparations for construction. A Chicago architect expects to have preliminary blueprints ready later this month. Readers can reach Forum reporter Patrick Springer at (701) 241-5522