Volunteer Spotlight: Monica Morin
Monica Morin found out about Culmore Clinic from WAMU. We were recently spotlighted for our COVID-19 work in the Hispanic community of Northern Virginia. She was inspired to help support us and so launched an “incentivized fundraiser” by offering a free custom cross-stitch when someone donates a minimum donation to Culmore Clinic. So far, she has raised $400 for Culmore Clinic! Read more about her project and what inspired her the most in the interview below.
Why did you decide to do this for Culmore Clinic?
I saw the article in WAMU about uninsured people and the coronavirus. I strongly believe that as a society we are only as healthy/wealthy as the least-healthy/wealthy in society. I personally grew up without health insurance. My first time having health coverage was when I moved to France at age 22 in 2008 to teach English. I was able to get an Albuterol inhaler replaced over the counter for eight euros while I was there! I personally benefited from similar clinics in the Harrisonburg Area as a college student and after I moved home from France in 2010, still uninsured in the United States. I didn't have good health care coverage until 2012.
What moved you to take action?
When I heard Culmore Clinic mentioned on WAMU, I knew I wanted to help! I looked into becoming a monthly donor and realized that I don't actually earn that much more than your income threshold for clients. That's when I knew I should use my free time to raise money instead of emptying my own meager savings.
I love cross stitching so started creating “incentived fundraisers” for other organizations that I support. I stitch while listening to current affairs podcasts to reduce my screentime! I put out a call on Twitter (I have a lot of local followers) who I was sure could be motivated to direct their donations in your direction with custom craft work. I also happened to have a small stockpile of stitching supplies already.
I recently saw on the Culmore Clinic website that you have raised about 27k since that article came out, so I know I'm a small part of the big picture at your clinic.
