Undergrads raise funds for “frontliners, foster kids, manamkos and struggling families”

by Skyler Obispoin Current Events, Profiles, Studentson Posted on

On Mar. 25, 2020, the Wonderkid Project began a GoFundMe fundraising campaign that raised $2,530 for COVID-19 relief efforts.

 The project is a collective of  six undergraduate university students from Guam and the United States to assist those affected by the spread of COVID-19.

According to the Wonderkids Project GoFundMe page, Guam experienced an unprecedented change with the spread of COVID-19 and low-income and frontline workers struggle with the new norm.

The current beneficiaries of the funds include the Guam Memorial Hospital, Harvest House Guam, St. Dominic’s Senior Home and families seeking assistance from the organization.

Eries Moreno, the project coordinator of the Wonderkid Project, mentions that the fundraiser allowed the team to help the community easily and safely.

“Just being stuck at home [feels] that we are not really able to do much.” said Moreno, “It’s an easy way for us to help out the community while practicing distancing and staying safe.”

The Wonderkid Team

Created in March 2020, the Wonderkid Team comprises of undergraduate students from the University of Guam and Penn Foster College.

Steven Kho, one of the project’s finance and logistics managers, said that the team wanted to help as it is a key component to “inafa’maolek” in Guam’s community.

“Overall, we all just wanted to participate because we wanted to help. It’s a big thing in our community; assisting one another in times of need,” said Kho.

For donors, the sense of unity is what drives them to support the Wonderkid Project.

Ernie Samelo, a student at the University of Guam, said, “Times like these are when we as a community, as an island, need to stick together and do our part to help resolve the situation.”

For those looking to donate to the fundraiser, you can visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-wonder-kid-project-covid19-relief to make your donation.

If you or your family is seeking assistance or want to contact the Wonderkid Project, you can email info.thewonderkidproject@gmail.com. 

Additionally, you can also learn more about the Wonderkid Project by following their Facebook and Instagram: @thewonderkidproject.