Community Leader: Alizé

Meet Alizé Aversano, Chuffed.org's Community Leader from Geneva. Alizé has travelled, and has worked in South America supporting social businesses. Read how crowdfunding helped her make a huge impact on the communities she's worked with - and see how her amazing journey began!

Why did you decide to become a Chuffed.org community leader?

I have myself hesitated way too long before starting my own campaign and joining the Chuffed.org community made me realize that you don't need to be a fancy entrepreneur with 10 years of experience to generate impact around you and do something about a cause that matters to you. In fact, the more people act, the more social impact can be generated and the bigger the move towards a better and more sustainable world. I'd love to be part of that change by sharing my experience and motivating people to join the incredible Chuffed.org community!

How did your crowdfunding journey begin? 

My crowdfunding journey began while I was going on a routine work trip to Peru and met with banana producers and coffee growers that appeared to be heavily affected by floods which was devastating the region and destroying their economic activity for a few months. Later, when I heard that the same people that were just fine a few months ago had lost everything, I knew I had to do something and this is how I started my first crowdfunding campaign. Being in contact with a local organization was really helpful in having a direct impact on the community and we managed to provide basic food supplies for 377 families on the ground with more than CHF 4,000 raised. It was also incredible to see how many people were supportive of the campaign, even people I had never met donated and I received so many supportive messages from everyone! I'd definitely do it again!

What social cause are passionate about and why?

"Give him a fish and you will feed him for a day; teach him how to fish and you will feed him for a lifetime". I am a strong advocate that if we want to help, we need to build sustainable solutions and I am really passionate about the concept of social businesses, those that are financially sustainable and provide goods and services that change lives. This concept can be applied to any sector, from health to education or energy!

What relevant fundraising or other experience do you have that you can share with participants in the workshop?

In April 2017 I launched my first ever campaign with Chuffed.org to support the people affected by heavy floods in Peru. In 20 days we raised more than CHF 4,000 - more than the initial objective of CHF 3,000 and have provided 377 families with food supplies.

What social cause project or campaign on Chuffed will the funds raised through the workshop support? 

I'd probably donate it to one project that inspires me within the workshop participants!