On January 7, we learned about the inspiring work of the Warm Hearts Foundation from Paul Brink, Cassim Bwanali, Dave Mengebier, and Kip Nickel.
On January 7, we learned about the inspiring work of the Warm Hearts Foundation from Paul Brink, Cassim Bwanali, Dave Mengebier, and Kip Nickel.
Warm Hearts is a Michigan-based, non-denominational, volunteer-driven foundation headquartered in Traverse City, with just one employee and worldwide programs. Founded by Grosse Pointe native Lori Wood, the foundation’s mission is to improve the health and education of women, children, and families. Their impact is especially strong in East Africa, where they support three schools in Kenya by providing daily hot lunches to more than 800 students, assist an orphanage, and fund critical initiatives such as water wells, rural maternal health programs, classrooms, desks, feminine supplies, irrigated farming, and goat-lending programs in both Kenya and Malawi.
A highlight of the presentation was the Warm Hearts/Rotary Malawi Bicycle Project, driven by Kip Nickel. This program provides bicycles to “distanced” students at seven secondary schools in Malawi to improve access to education through reliable transportation. From 2019 to 2025, the program has contributed $120,000 in donations and distributed 733 bicycles, significantly improving attendance, education, and overall well-being.
The initiative emphasizes sustainability by training school bicycle committees, employing local village mechanics, and ensuring schools fully own their programs. Key partners include Rotary District 6290, World Bicycle Relief, the Rotary Club of Traverse Bay Sunrise and six partner Rotary clubs, Rotary International, and the Warm Hearts Foundation. Looking ahead, the vision is to ensure long-term self-sufficiency, create a turn-key model for other Rotary clubs, expand teacher bike access, and scale the program throughout Malawi and beyond.
Our club was ecstatic to be able to make a generous donation to this impactful foundation. Thank you to all from Warm Hearts that were able to join us!