A Letter from David Bussau

Dear friends

In 2011, the Opportunity International Network marks its 40th anniversary. It is the organisation that was born out of the first small loans the founders personally gave out back in the 1970s.
 
My first loan was to a rice farmer called Ketut Suwiria. He and his wife had been struggling in poverty for many years. I loaned him $50 – not a lot. But he and his wife used the money to buy a sewing machine so they could start producing garments. Six months later, Ketut had employed someone else to help sew the pieces – the demand was too much for the two of them to keep up with. He went on to run an import/export business and own a fleet of taxis, providing employment for a number of people in his local community.

Today, Opportunity International Australia is serving 2.8 million people. And at an average loan size of $200, it doesn’t take much to give someone a hand up. When I gave out $50 to Ketut back in the 1970s, I didn’t know if he would be able to use it for much. I just tried to do what I could. 

I’m writing to you today to ask if you are able to join us to reach out to those who haven’t yet been given an opportunity like this. For every loan that is provided, an average of five family members are directly impacted. The loans are then recycled, helping more and more people over time.

If you are able to help – please do. People like Ketut can put it to work – that’s what the last 40 years have taught me.

Warmly


 
David Bussau
Opportunity International Australia Founder