Over the past seven day a new Kiva has grown wings, stretched and stood towering over us all. A week ago we were an organization fighting for the opportunity of enterprise for people in the developing world. Today we look behind us and see that we are surrounded by thousands wanting to join our fight.
Since the Frontline/World piece aired on 10/31 and the resulting traffic promptly crashed our server, we have seen a phenomenon of support rallying around us. Thousands of emails sent encouragement, thousands of people sent donations, and loan funds of over $180,000 were received. Kiva.org's Field Partners have been watching our site and are amazed at what they see taking place; one of our African Partners wrote us "All in Need businesses are now like hot cake in the site. I praise God for that... LONG LIVE KIVA". At this moment our Field Partners are working hard to post more businesses to the site for funding.
Kiva Lenders have now funded a total of 1,226 loans - over $680,000 - for micro-entrepreneurs in the developing world. You have so much to be proud of.
To our Early Adopters: Thank you for being with us from the beginning, seeing our vision and believing in us. Without you we would not be where we are today.
To our New Members: Welcome. We are so pleased that you have joined our community of people who want to help someone else, and people who want to help themselves. Together we can all make a difference in this world.
This week is a new beginning for the Kiva.org team. Not only do we know and feel the support of the thousands who have contacted us since the Frontline/World program, but we also know that Kiva.org is so much bigger than us. You have made Kiva.org a movement.
With heartfelt gratitude,
The Kiva.org Team
