Patricia Velásquez is an award-winning actress, activist, and author. In 2002, she founded the Wayúu Tayá Foundation to uplift the lives of Latin-American Indigenous communities while honoring their culture and traditions. A longtime partner of GlobalGiving, Patricia shares her heartfelt holiday wishes for a brighter, better world—one inspired by the incredible projects GlobalGiving supports.

 
This holiday season, I am dreaming of…

🌟 A World Where Every Girl Can Shine

I dream of a world where every girl has the tools to reach her full potential. From Venezuela to Lebanon to Sierra Leone, I’m inspired by projects like this one that provide girls in Sierra Leone with quality education, school supplies, mentorship, and even STEM programs. Their efforts not only transform individual futures but also uplift entire communities.

🌼 Women Designing Their Own Futures

I wish for a world where women hold the reins of their destinies. I think of the incredible Wayuu women of La Guajira, who weave their traditions into beautiful Susu bags while attending workshops on health, nutrition, and entrepreneurship. Projects like this one offer these women education, fair wages, and cultural preservation opportunities, creating a brighter tomorrow for their families and communities.

✨ A Day When Peace Prevails

My heart aches for families torn apart by war. I dream of a future without conflict, inspired by projects like this one, which helps children battling cancer in Ukraine amidst the ongoing war. No child should have to face illness alone, let alone during a time of crisis. With your support, their healthy futures can become a reality.

💖 Menstrual Health for Every Woman, Everywhere

I hope for a world where women and girls can manage their periods with dignity and safety. In Lebanon, where many refugees face unimaginable challenges, projects like this one provide washable, sustainable menstrual kits and health education. These simple yet transformative tools restore dignity and offer hope for so many.

🥖 A Warm Meal for Families in Crisis

I dream of a world where no family goes hungry, even in the face of unimaginable hardship. In Gaza, families risk their lives just to find a piece of bread. Projects like this one provide fresh bread to over 1,000 families, ensuring that 2,400 people have a vital source of nourishment. This simple act of giving brings relief and comfort to families in desperate need.

🌳 Growing a Greener, Healthier Planet

I wish for a future where our planet thrives. Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest, a haven of biodiversity, is nearing its tipping point. Projects like this one are planting 80,000 trees to restore the forest, protect water sources, and stabilize the climate. These young forests offer hope—not just for the land, but for the people, animals, and ecosystems that depend on them. Together, we can nurture the earth that nurtures us all.

 
These are my heartfelt wishes for a better world. As we close out this year, I invite you to reflect on your own hopes and dreams for the world. Perhaps there’s a cause that touches your heart, a community you feel connected to, or an issue you’re passionate about. Whatever it is, I promise there is a project waiting for you—one that can turn your compassion into action and your dreams into reality.

Together, we can create a brighter, kinder, and more just world. Let’s make this season of giving one to remember. Find a project that inspires you, and let’s bring a little more light into the world before the year ends.

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