At the recent Central America Donors Forum 2012 sponsored by the Seattle International Foundation, Brad Corrigan, founder of Love, Light & Melody, and member of the band Dispatch, gave the most moving talk of the day.
Corrigan spoke about the need to invest in at-risk youth in Nicaragua. In particular, he spoke about his involvement with youth living and working in the La Chureca landfill in Managua, Nicaragua. Here's a little of Brad and his foundation's story.
In 2005, musician Brad Corrigan was invited to play for a benefit concert and a youth rally in Managua, Nicaragua. While on the trip, he was introduced to the incredible extremes of this Central American country: an elite upper-class and extreme poverty. Managua’s city trash dump is unlike most mountains of trash around the world: it is home to hundreds of people who depend on the garbage for their livelihood, their food, and their shelter.
After several visits to the dump, Brad met the most unlikely and beautiful little girl, Ileana, who in turn introduced him to her family and a vibrant community living in the shadow of past treasures and discarded yesterdays. Inspired by these newfound friends, Love Light & Melody was formed in 2007 to meet the educational, health, and vocational needs of this trash dump community.
Love Light & Melody embraces Brad’s powerfully simple concept: “When you walk with someone you’re saying to them, ‘I am with you.’ We can walk in hell and not have fear.” Each year, the organization invites friends, family, and college students to join them for Dia de Luz, to celebrate a profound love conquering hate, a beautiful light overcoming darkness, and a resounding melody breaking silence.Check out their website to find out how you can help.
