Recognition for Tania and One! International

We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world. – Buddha

Tania had a vision in 2000 during a trip to India. She thought that it was possible for one person to make a difference in the life of one person – a child.

On Wednesday September 22, 2010, Tania’s work was recognized at the University of Alberta 2010 Alumni Recognition Awards. The following appeared in the Program for the evening, as well as in the ‘New Trail’ magazine – The University of Alberta Alumni Magazine.

Tania Spilchen, ’01 BSc, is a dedicated humanitarian making a difference by improving the quality of life of impoverished children and their families in India. She is the founder of One! International Poverty Relief, a charitable organization that helps children living in the slums of Mumbai by providing them with educational opportunities and health care. In 2001, with one mat on the side of the road, she started teaching eight students. Under her visionary leadership and commitment, One! International has grown, and it now helps more than 250 students in two year-round schools. It also provides children and their parents with access to needed medical care. In 2006, her work was recognized with a Making A Difference Award presented by Children’s Hope India.

A smiling Tania with her well deserved Award.

On the morning of the Award Ceremony Tania was interviewed on CBC Edmonton AM. She has also been nominated for the CBC News ‘Canada’s Champions of Change’ contest for outstanding volunteer work.
CBC Edmonton AM Podcast for 22 September 2010

Scroll down to Regional Podcasts and click on Edmonton AM
Scroll down to 22 Sept. 2010
Tania’s interview is between Minutes 3:14 and 9:40

HOWEVER
Even though this award is very well deserved by Tania, and she has given 10 years of her love and commitment to the children of One!, both Tania and I know that she did not accomplish all that One! International has accomplished without: