In recognition of Father’s Day, Kangu – a philanthropic crowdfunding platform that enables donors to crowdfund safe birth environments for pregnant women in developing countries – announced the launch of its new feature, “Celebrating Dads.”
‘Celebrating Dads’ expands upon Kangu’s unique crowdfunding model, which features the stories and photos of nearly 100 moms-to-be in need of medical care in Uganda, to include information and photos about the expectant fathers as well. The shift is meant to recognize and honor the invaluable contributions that a supportive father figure can bring to a child’s life – even before birth.
“It’s time to recognize fathers,” said Santiago. “I am proud that our website now features expectant couples – moms and dads – joined together as they seek out healthcare services to ensure the best start for their baby.”
This week, users can contribute to the cost of critical medical services on behalf of a special dad in their life. Each donation made on behalf of a father will generate a personalized Father’s Day e-card, and will ensure critically important medical care is available for families in need.
Each year, 250,000 women in developing countries die from a complication related to pregnancy or childbirth. Furthermore, 3.5 million children die each year during the fragile delivery and neonatal period. The vast majority of these deaths could be prevented with access to skilled medical care and a safe and clean labor environment. To meet this need, Kangu has partnered with local non-profit hospitals and clinics in developing countries to offer healthcare services proven to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. At Kangu, users can donate as little as $10 towards the services provided by Kangu’s on-the-ground healthcare partners.
“While we know that nearly 800 pregnant women die every day from lack of access to basic healthcare services, the toll on fathers is much less quantifiable,” said CEO Casey Santiago. “Dads play a critical role in supporting a healthy pregnancy and a positive birth outcome – and too often experience great loss due to complications of pregnancy – yet they are not typically represented in the equation.”
