Bali Live 2020

Bali Live started with a small idea to give back to our generous Balinese hosts who have given us so much.

With my Shaunda, after seeing the impact of the pandemic crisis in Bali, donating food to 60 families in our village, we wanted to do more and so, we imagined, created and hosted 2 virtual Festivals Fundraiser with artists from all over the world.

All the funds went to the NGO Kopernik in the support of the livelihood of those in needs. With over $45,000 raised in 2 events, Bali Live has supported thousands and is still helping many till this day throughout 2 projects:

• Bali Live #1 supported the Empowerment Gardens: Build five community gardens in Denpasar to sustainably fed 200+ families

• Bali Live #2 supported the People’s Market Initiative: Creating a fresh food distribution channel to support farmers who have lost access to their markets while providing much needed nutritious food to Balinese families at low rates and no cost for those severely impacted by the pandemic.

Lombok 2020

“Don’t Worry, be Happy”

These were Om Bob’s (uncle Bob) first words when I met him in Gili Island as he handed me a fresh coconut on the beach. He started to share about his trips to the nearby island Lombok with the kids. “I bring healing joy to the kids who suffered from the destructive earthquake in 2018”. Mmmm… MUSIC & JOY ? Well, you have my attention 😁

When the catastrophe happened, he left java to help. After supporting the immediate needs / rebuilding houses, he decided to stay and play music to uplift the children’s spirit. He composed a few songs, plays music for tourists in Gili’s and use all the tips to go around the remote villages, to distribute ice creams and share joyful songs.

When @shaundabrown_ and I decided to join him on an adventure, we had no idea what to expect… Om Bob just instructed us to go buy ice cream and join him somewhere remote. We thought it was a good idea to also bring school supplies so we also got books, pencils and art supplies. Upon arrival on the island, I had the idea of asking for donations on my IG story to support the trip and told everyone that we will be going as long as donations come… We had originally planned to visit 5 villages and thanks to your generosity, we ended up going to 14 villages! Some of which we were the first foreigner to ever visit… it’s incredible the change we can initiate together ✨ For many days, we went on a real local adventure. We slept at locals, on the floor, eat & shower there. Their generosity and kindness have touched me deeply. In those 10 days, we’ve provided school supplies to over 800 kids, thousands of ice creams and countless smiles 😌 There are so many stories I would like to share, for now, please enjoy this video as a glimpse of this experience of a lifetime.

At last, know that you too can be in action, join and or support Om Bob. Feel free to contact him @ombob_uye