NAPLES, Fla., — One Florida couple decided to ask for 1,000 goats instead of wedding gifts all to help raise money for developing villages in Africa.
“I think people were very moved that instead wedding presents we were asking for donations," said Katherine Dean, the now wife of Edwin Dean.
Edwin and Katherine tell WFTX after volunteering in Malawi, Africa, they became very passionate for aiding in the improvement of other's lives. They decided to become involved with Villages of Partnership.
According to the charity, VIP works with 25 villages impacting over 19,000 lives. A spokesperson told this to WFTX:
"One approach we take to combat lack of food and income is to provide families with goats as a source of income. One goat can help a farmer produce a fruitful harvest by using its byproducts as fertilizer. We also encourage families to breed their goats and sell offspring to local markets as an additional source of income."
The Deans say this is what inspired them to raise money for 1,000 goats that go for $50 each.
“Some people bought one, two, four, 10. We did have one group that gave 100 goats," Edwin said.
The newlyweds say helping others became apart of their love story.
"When I met Katherine, she’s my soulmate, we do everything together," explained Edwin. "There’s pictures of Katherine carrying the baby goat down the isle of just sort of representation.”
The Deans say they are currently at 670 goats and hope to reach 1,000. If you or someone you know would like to donate to their cause visit the couple's website at: https://villagesinpartnership.org/kathy-and-ed/
