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Children at Bwindi Children Empowerment Charity, Uganda

Help us give these kids a fair start.

Fair Start Uganda · U.S. 501(c)(3) Nonprofit · EIN 41-3890649

Supporting orphaned and vulnerable children in Bwindi, Uganda – through the people who know them best.

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Our Mission

Fair Start Uganda exists to support the care, education, and overall well-being of orphaned and vulnerable children in Uganda. Our primary partner is Bwindi Children Empowerment Charity, based in the village of Buhoma at the edge of Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – supporting almost 100 orphaned and vulnerable children with food, care, and education. We're here to help make sure they get a Fair Start.

Our Story

Fair Start Uganda was born from a mother-son trip to Bwindi, Uganda – taken by our founder, Denise Blasevick, and her son Brennan McVey.

They visited several charities in the region, but captured their hearts: Bwindi Children Empowerment Charity – dedicated to orphaned and abandoned children with nowhere else to turn. Its founder, Akansasira Labour, was one of those children himself. A sponsor gave him the chance to get an education and build a future – and he came back to give that same chance to others.

When Akansasira opened the charity in 2021, he was helping 7 children. Today that number is nearly 100. After spending time with those children and working alongside Akansasira for a year, Denise launched Fair Start Uganda to give U.S. donors a direct, transparent way to support his work.

These kids deserve a fair start. That's what we're here to do.

Denise Blasevick with child in Uganda

Ways to Give

Every gift goes to work for vulnerable children in Bwindi, Uganda. Choose the way that fits you.

Ongoing

Sponsor a Child

For less than $3 a day, your $975 annual sponsorship provides one child with nutritious meals, medical care, and a full year of education, including tuition, uniforms, and school supplies.

You can also build a meaningful connection with your sponsored child through letters, photos, report cards, and WhatsApp video calls – so you can see firsthand how your generosity is making a difference. (And of course, you are invited to visit at any time!)

Beyond meeting basic needs, your sponsorship helps remove barriers that keep children from learning and thriving. Children gain valuable life skills, a supportive community, and the encouragement they need to build a brighter future.

Every sponsorship provides hope, opportunity, and a fair start for a child who deserves the chance to succeed.

Processed through Zeffy. Checks over $1,000 can be mailed to Fair Start Uganda, 716 Main Street, Boonton, NJ 07005.

Sponsor a Child – $975/yr
Active Campaign

Give a Crap for Bwindi

Help us build safe latrines for 80+ children. We need to raise $7,500 immediately to get it done this summer.

Any amount helps! Here are some reference points:

  • $100 covers about 400 bricks (we need 6,000)
  • $110 covers one of the two doors
  • $375 covers a truckload of sand (we need 8)
  • $2,500 is a transformational push to the finish line
  • Any amount shows you give a crap!

Once we break ground, construction takes 3–4 weeks. We'll share progress photos on BCEC's Facebook page – and when it's done, a thank-you video from the children. Thank you for giving a crap!

Processed through Zeffy. Checks over $1,000 can be mailed to Fair Start Uganda, 716 Main Street, Boonton, NJ 07005.

Give a Crap – Donate Now
Ongoing · Unrestricted

Where Needed Most

Want to make the biggest difference right now? A donation of any amount to our Where Needed Most Fund allows us to respond quickly to the most urgent needs facing vulnerable children in Bwindi, Uganda.

Your gift may help contribute to many areas of need, including:

  • nutritious meals,
  • educational opportunities,
  • medical care,
  • school supplies,
  • facility improvements,
  • and other critical support.

Every gift helps provide hope, opportunity, and a fair start for children who need it most. Thank you for helping us further strengthen the efforts on behalf of these truly vulnerable children.

Processed through Zeffy. Checks over $1,000 can be mailed to Fair Start Uganda, 716 Main Street, Boonton, NJ 07005.

Give Any Amount
Child at BCEC Children of BCEC Child in BCEC shirt Children at BCEC

Our Volunteer Board

Denise Blasevick
President & Founder
Visited Bwindi, met the children, and came home to build something lasting. Also serves as President & CEO of S3 McMillan.
Brennan McVey
Vice President & Co-Founder
Co-founded FSU after making the trip to Bwindi. Passionate advocate for the children of BCEC.
Marianne Frontczak
Treasurer
Brings decades of nonprofit board leadership and financial oversight to the organization.
Laura Harwood
Board Member
Executive leader in environmental health and safety, committed to mission-driven work.
Veronica Moschella
Board Member
Chief People Officer with extensive nonprofit governance experience.

Get Involved

Interested in donating, volunteering, or becoming a partner? We'd love to hear from you.

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Fair Start Uganda is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation · EIN: 41-3890649 · All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
The official registration and financial information of Fair Start Uganda may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 1 (800) 732-0999 toll free within Pennsylvania. Registration does not imply endorsement.