Meet Rafiki ambassador Celeste Barber, an all-round powerhouse and a woman we’re blessed to have met. The Australian actor, author, comedian and much loved Rafiki Mwema ambassador is well known for her parody Instagram account and generous spirit. Using her incredible voice, this fantastic human helps us spread the word about Rafiki Mwema far and wide.
Since joining us in 2016, Celeste has forged connections, encouraged donations and personally fundraised, forever changing the lives of our children in Kenya. First hearing about the work of Rafiki Mwema through Constance Hall, Celeste immediately felt compelled to help the cause.
“Like so many people, I first heard about Rafiki Mwema through Constance Hall’s post on Facebook,” says Celeste. “I looked into it and discovered that Anne-Marie (co-founder) was going to have to close the charity due to lack of donations. Enter the awesome hard-working Sarah and BAM! Rafiki Mwema is back up and running.
“I was so stoked when they asked me to be an ambassador. It felt like I was joining an excellent, supportive family of women helping women, supporting and keeping young women safe. And this is important to me. These ladies are kind, generous and lose sleep over things that matter, then wake up the next day and throw their backs into making a change.”
Being vocal, raising awareness, raising funds and joining us at our events. These are all ways Celeste embraces being a Rafiki ambassador. Her involvement helps us achieve the incredible, such as buying washing machines for every house at Doyle Farm. Here are just a few of our favourite Celeste-inspired moments:
Jumping straight into her ambassador role, in September 2016, Celeste and Constance joined forces to raise funds for a much needed road to access our new farm. This road is a five-minute, comfortable drive directly from the highway instead of the windy, hour-long trip through bumpy terrain we had to endure previously. It gives us quick and safe access to the farm and we are forever grateful.
In May 2018, Celeste showed us that help comes in many forms. Our legendary ambassador introduced us to Sonya Driver (the founder of EcoTan) who pledged to donate $100k to Rafiki Mwema. And she did! Loving the collaboration, Sonya continues to raise funds for us. Visit our online shop to treat yourself to a tube – or three – of luscious Eco By Sonya Driver Hand & Nail Cream for Rafiki Mwema. 100% of profits from every hand cream sold go straight to Rafiki Mwema!
Celeste then jumped on board our ‘Cruise for my Rafiki’ event in September 2019, generously donating her time and good humour to raise funds to give the children at Rafiki Mwema an awesome Christmas.
She’s also one of our Business Buddies, an ongoing program that’s an essential part of our day-to-day fundraising. Celeste donates a percentage from each sale of her merchandise, including her hugely popular memoir, Challenge Accepted. Our Business Buddies partnership has delivered thousands of dollars in donations! View Celeste’s range of products at her online shop.
Throwing her heart, humour and goodwill into Rafiki Mwema, Celeste’s many contributions continue to support our children in Kenya. We look forward to collaborating on many more exciting events and projects!
