We're exceptionally pleased to announce that we have a new international partner in our efforts to build our environmentally sustainable health clinic. Clínica Verde has been awarded a Euro 100,000 grant from the COFRA Foundation of Switzerland. COFRA Holding AG, situated in Zug, Switzerland, is a family-controlled company active in retail, real estate, financial services, renewable energies and corporate investments. COFRA has an active corporate giving program which has committed to a 3-year relationship with Clínica Verde: EUR 40,000 in 2009, EUR 40,000 in 2010 and EUR 20,000 in 2011.

COFRA Foundation invests mainly in organizations with activities seeking to impact child and youth education and well-being, health, and economic development. Says Bintou Ka Niang, board member of the COFRA Foundation: "We are pleased to support Clínica Verde's project in Nicaragua, which we feel has potential to help provide prevention and care for child and maternal health in one of the poorest countries in Latin America, is innovative, and could be replicated within and outside Nicaragua. We wish the organization every success in the implementation of this very important initiative."

Special recognition is due to Clínica Verde Advisor Dennis de Vreede, who presented our proposal to COFRA and advocated heartily on our behalf. Dennis joined our project as an international Advisor in 2008 and hit the ground running. He is Chief Financial Officer for Redevco B.V. in Amsterdam, Netherlands, one of the largest retail real estate companies in Europe. In short, he's a superstar, and we're thrilled to have him on our side. Says Dennis: "It's great to see that COFRA Foundation acknowledges the relevance of the work of Clínica Verde. Certainly in the current global economic turmoil it's of the utmost importance to continue with charitable donations to keep supporting the less fortunate in this world. This contribution will significantly help reach the goal to build the first clinic in Nicaragua."

In the coming year, Dennis will continue to identify and develop potential sources of support abroad as we work hard to build our project. His dedication and hard work have proved exceptional.

And, of course, thank you COFRA. We're honored by your support and look forward to this 3-year partnership as we work together to bring health and hope to women and children in need.

Clínica Verde supporter Shelley Fidler is a partner in a law firm in Washington, D.C., working on energy and environmental issues. Shelley worked for more than 25 years in government on Capitol Hill, and in the Clinton White House. She currently represents clients interested in renewable energy, green buildings and energy efficiency and others eager to transform their businesses from brown to green. Here Shelley talks about why she supports our project.

"I learned about Clínica Verde through (NPR) KQED's Perspectives Editor, Mark Trautwein," Shelley says. "Mark was impressed by Susan's writing for Perspectives and her life as the inspiration and energy behind Clínica Verde. He knew I'd be intrigued. "

"The moment I read about Clínica Verde," says Shelley, "I knew I wanted to be involved."

"Needless to say, the provision of health care to women and children in places where it's not available is reason enough to get involved. To add the green building to the mix is more than icing on a cake. It's totally appropriate and inspiring."

"Thus far, my involvement has meant a few small contributions, becoming a regular reader of the newsletter and an eager consumer of the short notes Susan posts on Facebook," she says, "but I'm talking it up in Washington and among my friends and family."

Listen to Susan's KQED Perspective on "Charity."

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