A Starfish Interview with

Addy & Gonzalo, OSF Donors 

Addy & Gonzalo are London-based supporters of the Orphaned Starfish Foundation since 2020 after learning about OSF through a feature on CNN for Freedom Project. Since joining the OSF family, they have traveled to Africa and South America to visit OSF tech centers in Peru, Ethiopia, and Kenya. In 2022, Addy & Gonzalo were recognized as Honorees for our Annual Gala in NYC for their outstanding support and contributions. They have a heart and passion for the work OSF does and we could not be more grateful to have them in our corner. Below are some insights from Addy & Gonzalo on OSF.

Q: What is your name and how did you first become involved in OSF?

A: Name: Gonzalo and Addy. We first learnt about OSF through the CNN piece that was running during lockdown March 2020.

Q: Have you been to any OSF sites and what do you really remember?

A: We’ve been to a few: Kenya, Ethiopia and 2 in Peru.

Q: What is your favorite story about OSF?

A: Every one of the centres we visit are magical. The children touch your heart regardless of the country or background. We have had a very broad exposure in different cultures, African and Latin American. But children are children. And regardless of why they are at these centres, they emit joy and happiness.

Q: What is your hope for the kids of OSF?

A: To fully embrace the technology they are being offered and taught. Whether they end up as secretaries or coders, it simply doesn’t matter. This gives them a real opportunity at changing their lives and futures.

Q: What is it that you really look for when you decide to support a charity?

A: A combination of the person/people running it, along of course with the cause as well as the cents of the dollar that actually reach the cause (in this case the children).

Q: What made OSF a charity that you wanted to get involved with?

A: The same three points mentioned above

Q: What do you wish people knew about OSF that they don't already know?

A: If more people knew the true impact it has, with a very small budget on around 18,000 children, I think more people would give. It’s an incredibly well run organisation and the results it provides are tremendously tangible. Incredible success stories from children dating back around 20 yrs.

Q: What is your dream for what OSF can become?

A: Bigger and with more delegation of responsibilities. Andy is a unique human being but he will need help to broaden this incredible project of his.

Q: Anything else you want the OSF community to know?

A: It’s truly real. 93 cents of every dollar you give will change a child’s life. Very few charities can claim the same.