Let’s Change The World Together

By Paula Pinto

Let’s Change The World Together

The TOGATHER foundation is creating a social system of support for impoverished women and children through recycling.  

Founder, Maria Parenteau, was born in the most amazing architectural marvel ever built in Brazil – the Federal District of Brasilia. Her first art influence was designed by Oscar Niemeyer and was a symbol of the country’s ascension to modernity. It is awarded as a Historical and Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

She is a fine artist, creative independent thinker and a social entrepreneur with innovative ideas to eliminate poverty, globally. Her dedication to helping others birthed a passion to utilize her artwork to generate an income. Her profits are donated to helping women in need of assistance. 

Women in Brazil, Africa, Peru, and other countries have received help through Maria’s nonprofit organization -  TOGATHER

I had the pleasure of speaking to Maria and learned about the work Maria is doing…...

Paula: I’m completely intrigued by ToGather and the magnificent work you’re doing to help other women. Can you share what the mission of your organization is?

Maria: ToGather collects and transports reusable goods to impoverished women and children all over the world. One woman's clutter can be gathered and becomes another woman's utter necessities. By recycling gently, used, clothing and household goods we reduce the demands on the Earth's resources while lifting up those in need.

ToGather also unites teams of great experts, investors, volunteers, and philanthropists. It enables them to engage in a project that improves impoverished communities all over the world. We are changing women’s lives while having fun, socializing and traveling

P: Tell me how your organization has impacted lives?

M: About 20 years ago I “adopted” a small group of women in an impoverished town in Brazil. I sent money and second-hand clothing to them. They bought a cart and food from the farms nearby to distribute. The second-hand clothing was given to women that were returning to the workforce. I loved it! It changed me and filled my soul with pleasure by helping them. 

P: There’s a popular quote that says, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Your work clearly displays the truth of that. How do you go about doing it?

M: To prevent waste and help solve the problem, the ToGather foundation is teaming up with the best ideas and expertise to unclog the environment. We do so by transporting piled up and neglected products to destinations where they are needed.

P: What led you to create this organization?

M: My only aspiration is to use my art as a tool for the good. For as long as I could remember, I felt anguish when I would spend the money from my artwork on myself. I believed the money coming from my natural talents should be used to generate resources for people that had none. I started sending money away and created a little project with my impoverished friends in their communities. That little began to grow and then I started to help more people.

Last year, I had to create the nonprofit because I was already helping groups in Brazil, Africa, Peru, and India. So, I want to have a way to generate resources with the images I created. I have great potential to inspire and encourage people. I put this to work! 

I don't want to ask for money. I want to generate resources and teach people to further resources with what I send them. 

I compare the ToGather Foundation to the journey of the seed, which is first a seed, then a plant, a tree, and finally a whole forest.

P: What is your favorite piece of art that you have for sale? 

M: My favorite one is my masterpiece: The Winter Sparrow and the Japanese Ladies

https://www.mariaparenteau.com/single-post/2016/10/05/The-Winter-Sparrows-and-the-Japanese-Ladies-The-Story

P: A work such as this requires donations and there’s a need for investors and sponsors to keep it going. Would you please be clear as to what is needed to help ToGather’s progress? 

M: We are a very transparent Foundation and our idea is giving you all the tools to track the destination of your donation. We are expecting people to pick the projects they are interested in and be a proactive part of it. We need an expert in solar panels, for example, to go to Africa with us to install some there. If a person doesn’t feel like going, they will see the results of their donation and will participate with us on the whole project through our website.

P: Please provide ways that readers can see ToGather on social media as well as on your website. I was amazed by some of what I saw on the site and I want them to see it also. 

M: https://www.pinterest.com/togatherfoundation/

https://www.facebook.com/togatherfoundation/

https://www.togather.foundation 

P: Thank you for the time and the wonderful work you’re doing plus the compassion and dedication that goes into it. The organization is making a difference and I believe that the best is yet to come.