Giving back is at the core of Integrity Worldwide’s identity. Founded by Alan and Averee Hicks in November of 2006, the organization has raised funds for Meto, a rural village in southern Kenya, since its beginnings. Funds are raised through various means throughout the year, and the organization’s two biggest fundraisers are the Run for Kenya and May is for Meto.

Throughout the month of May, Integrity Worldwide solicits donations from local businesses and community members to help towards its cause.

Design coordinator and Run for Kenya coordinator Elizabeth Gilmer, said the organization set the bar high this year for the May is for Meto fundraiser and the team did not disappoint.

“Our goal was to raise $10,000 and we actually exceeded that goal and raised $13,150,” she said.

This year, all proceeds from the fundraisers will directly benefit three different aspects of the team’s projects.

“Each year we focus on areas of need in the Meto community or of our team that will be in Meto this summer,” Gilmer said.

Some of the funds raised were to cover travel expenses for the 13-team members traveling to Meto June 21.

While there, the team members will witness the grand opening of the Integrity Health Medical and Dental Clinic. The team members include doctors, dentists and nurses amongst several other members.

“While our team will be providing temporary clinics, their will soon be full time staff to meet the needs of the local people,” she said. 

The clinic was built with funds donated to the organization for its mission to bring better health care opportunities to the Meto community.

“This clinic will be the first permanent clinic in the area and will provide life-saving care for thousands of men, women and children who previously have had no access to health or dental care,” Gilmer said.

This year, May for Meto’s goal was higher than ever before because of the need to purchase medical equipment for the clinic.

“The financial need was a little greater this year,” she said. “There were a couple of projects we really felt led to do and we knew that to get them was gonna cost a little more.”

The donations also help the organization to purchase bibles in Maa, the native language, of the Maasai people.

Gilmer said the Selma community’s willingness to help with this mission is unwavering and Integrity Worldwide could not reach its goal without its constant support.

For more information on Integrity Worldwide and their initiative, visit http://integrityworldwide.org/give/mayisformeto/.