Sylvia Maendl: Touch The World

I have known Sylvia for the last 28 or so years and she has done some remarkable things during that time: Traveled the world, lived in Germany, and started a successful business. During all these years she has always had a positive outlook on life. Her vivaciousness is so contagious that you can't be in a room with her without catching it. She just sparkles.

She has traveled to 7 continents and multiple countries doing what she calls "adventure travel" like backpacking up Machu Pichu, climbing glaciers in Antarctica, and riding camels in Egypt just to name a few.

But as time has gone on, and she continues to visit third world countries, her focus has changed from conquering the things on her "to-do" list to "what can I do to make a difference for these people I am encountering" especially the children. So after her trip to Mongolia last year where she brought some supplies to an orphanage, she decided to incorporate the two by visiting places that still stimulate her adventurous side while being able to reach out and touch those in need on a regular basis.

Her most recent adventure in fall of 2006 was to Cape Town in South Africa where she "brought Christmas" to two orphanages. Money was raised by donations and through an auction coordinated by a marin county journalist which enabled Sylvia to purchase all the toys that were on the children's wish list as well as all the items that were on the orphanage's "wish list" as well. Items for the auction and money were donated by local businesses as well as friends, family, and others who had heard about what Sylvia was trying to do. Over $2000 was raised and lives were changed in the process. One never knows the potential of a single idea until it is brought to fruition.

Sylvia herself personally shopped for and distributed the toys to the children and I can see by the look on her face as she relates her story that she has been touched as much as the children she intended to help through this experience. Her next trip with be to New Dehli, India later this year to purchase and distribute toys and other items as money allows to orphanages there. If you would like to make a donation for the children Sylvia will be reaching during her next trip, you can contact Sylvia at sylviamaendl@att.net