Meet our favorite Uncle Jim
Friday, January 26, 2024
Have you met Uncle Jim? You will certainly remember it when you do! As a longtime supporter, donor, and friend, his positive energy is contagious, and he finds the silver lining in every situation. He is soft-hearted, loves our Kopila children, and is full of stories.
Jim comes from a large family. He was the baby of six children and grew up with a lot of cousins. However, as his brothers and sisters got married and had children, he became an uncle at age 12 and has 17 nieces and nephews. Today he has 31 great nieces and nephews.
When he met Beth and they married in 1985, he learned that she had this BIG heart and was always helping those in need. His job was to invest wisely, and together they were donating together to many worthy causes. As their wealth grew, Jim learned that with wealth comes responsibility. In 2010, Beth lost her battle with cancer and there was a big hole in Jim’s heart.
Jim and Beth had two sons; one lives in Denver and the other is married and lives a half hour away from him (with the newest addition, a grandson born in 2022).
A New Mission
If you’re wondering how Jim was introduced to BlinkNow, that’s a fun story.
“I was watching a Notre Dame Football game. At halftime of the soccer match, the audience was treated to a documentary showcasing Lindsey, a Notre Dame soccer player, and her expedition in Kopila Valley, expertly filmed by a news team. She captivated my curiosity. The compelling nature of her mission resonated with me, sparking a genuine interest in understanding more about Maggie and her impactful work.
“I emailed some people at Notre Dame to ask Lindsey to call me because I wanted to do my due diligence. She and I talked for hours on the phone about Maggie, kids under her care, her organizations, and about Lindsey's own transformative experiences.
I was doing my research online about BlinkNow. I pulled up BlinkNow’s contact information online and sent an email.
“I asked about their projects.
Their next mission.
What kind of support they needed.
How much they needed.
And my journey with them began and continues to this day.
“In 2012, I got a chance to meet Maggie personally in the States. She brought along one of her kids, A, who was shy and yet to come out of her shell. But her eyes were full of life and curiosity. She called me Jim Uncle and seldom said any words.
“I was still grieving my big loss at that point in my life. Talking to Maggie, and hearing her passion and her mission in life, uplifted my spirit. But there still was a fear, though.
“I worried that Maggie was too young, and she might not be able to do it all, but look at her now!”
Visits and a Valley of Love
Jim has been to Nepal to visit Kopila Valley in Surkhet five times! His last visit was recently in October 2023.
“The first time I visited Kopila Valley, I was drowned with overwhelming love from children. On a special night, Satsung they call it, they welcomed me, sang songs, danced, and asked me questions. They asked me about my favorite color, favorite animals, how many countries I have visited.
“I specifically remember M asking if I was Chinese. Ha! These children keep surprising me.
My vision goes beyond mere physical safety for children. I believe that true well-being encompasses emotional security and the warmth of a loving home. Kopila Valley champions the emotional and psychological welfare of children, recognizing that love, kindness, and support are fundamental to building resilient and compassionate individuals.
From where I stand, Maggie, Tope, and their whole team have built nothing short of a Valley of their own. There is a clinic for free health check-ups coupled with an ambulance, women’s center, beauty parlor, women’s cooperative, sustainability team, social work team, futures team.”
Dedication to Generosity
When asked why he keeps on supporting, Uncle Jim’s answer is short but very impactful.
"I support BlinkNow because I believe in the vision Maggie and Tope have and the organization they have built. Their journey began with the noble goal of sending a single child to school, and it has since blossomed into a transformative effort, providing education to over 500 students and nurturing the growth of more than 50 children. The ripple effect is evident in the success stories of 200-300 graduates who are now actively contributing to various fields such as engineering, journalism, business, hospitality, pursuing a medical degree, and so much more. I have witnessed the impact of my donation, and I will keep on supporting. It is truly gratifying to be a part of such a meaningful endeavor, and this, for me, is the most rewarding aspect of my ongoing support."
As a dedicated donor, Jim has always been at the forefront of our goals and mission. In essence, his continued support for Kopila Valley stems from the shared belief that every child deserves a chance at a better life.
“To be generous is to invest in the architects of these children’s future. The success stories and the transparent utilization of funds all contribute to a sense of pride and fulfillment in being a part of the positive change that Kopila Valley brings to the lives of these children,” Jim says. “My support is for Kopila's goals and mission: education, security, inspiration, motivation, home, and love.”
We are lucky to have Uncle Jim as part of the BlinkNow global family, and we hope his story inspires you to make a difference wherever you can too.
Thank you to team member and KVS graduate Anjali for this interview.