@Steezdiaz I am definitely gonna order one or two of these based off the initial feedback of testers, and I think it's a great idea. Do you have the next country picked out? Disclaimer: I'm about to go on a bit of a freemarket rant here, and none of it is a judgement on this initiative, which I think is honorable. The Buy One Give One model was, as far as I know, pioneered by Blake Mycoskie of TOMS shoes. That initial Toms company was running out of an apartment in Playa vista near where I went to school in Los Angeles. Several LMU students were involved in the nascent stages. After all, it's a pretty honorable idea, right? Especially for good, charitable, catholics. Well, not exactly... When well-intentioned westerners step in to help the poor in developing nations, they unknowingly create a system of dependence that makes it more difficult for the working class in third world countries to rise above their circumstances. Take a moment and imagine you are a chicken farmer in Haiti. You also have a small parcel of land that allows you to grow rice. By offering the surplus eggs and rice from your farm, you are able to provide for your family. It's difficult, but it's the best (and only) job you have at the moment. Now imagine that a well-intentioned church got word of the poverty and hunger in the area and wanted to help the situation. They send thousands of eggs and a few hundred bags of rice, for free, to your village. How are you going to sell your eggs? Nobody can compete with "free". This problem was tackled in a fascinating documentary called Poverty, Inc. which I recommend anyone who cares about charity check out. Here's a review from a notable left-leaning hollywood publication that praises the film: http://variety.com/2015/film/reviews/poverty-inc-film-review-1201649597/ Now, with #giveadama, this is a toy. Hopefully a toy that brings joy to kids that need it. I don't think anyone is working as a kendama manufacturer in any of the countries you would send to, so this is a totally different scenario. In fact, if a couple kendama's made it to the village I bet some entrepreneurial spirit might begin shaping his own kendamas out of local wood by hand and selling them. Either way I think it's great. Got my eyes peeled for that may 13th drop.
Two questions for you! 1) I heard the basecups were drilled too? Just wanted confirmation? 2) Any idea on what the retail price will be?
I am a local Firefighter and Dad of two dama slayers This is the type of story and things I fully stand behind ! Anything I can do to help out and I'm in guys ! DM me an address and I'll send a few new kendamas I have here that the boys haven't touched to you . I'll get them others later when they need them lol . Nice job to all on this project . Friend , Chris
@Cheech_Sander yesss dude. Totally hear ya. I read a book on the toms dude and then also watched that documentary. Definitely two sides of the fence. I totally agree with you with not enabling poverty. I'm totally against that. It's that whole "don't give a man a fish, teach him to fish" type of idea for sure. From what I've heard from our friends who are really involved in Uganda where we're taking these, the communities in Uganda are super handy, I would not be surprised if they start making their own kendamas or similar toys to sell! Who knows, could provide jobs for some people in the long run. Really at this point this project is a dream and we have no idea where it could go. But it's an adventure and I'm stoked to be on it!
What your doing is awesome @Steezdiaz, next year I'm going on a mission trip to Africa not sure what part yet though. I'm most likely going to bring a few damas to give the kids and teach them how to play.
Can't wait for mine! Also it will be great for a kid in not such a great situation to get his/hers! I hope it brings them joy! It's a great project and a great idea for a kendama! Nice work lunatac.
I'm very excited to receive mine! It's on its way and apparently arriving at the end of the week! I can't wait to hear about how the project does for this run! It's really such a great idea @Steezdiaz.