Dear Friend,

Thank you for supporting Rainbow World Fund's humanitarian and peacemaking mission. In this issue:

• Remembering Jane Goodall - a beacon of hope, compassion, and love



• Volunteer: Help Decorate the World Tree of Hope in San Francisco - November 1-30

Jeff Cotter, Jane Goodall, holding her wish, and Paul Stankiewicz in San Francisco (2008).

Let’s celebrate the incredible legacy of Jane Goodall, a remarkable woman whose passion for wildlife transformed our understanding of the natural world. Jane didn't just observe chimpanzees; she became their voice, advocating for their plight and the broader environmental challenges we face today. Her groundbreaking research redefined the relationship between humans and animals, showcasing the intelligence, emotions, and social structures of our closest relatives.

But Jane's impact went beyond science; she became a beacon of hope and activism. Jane spent the last 39 years tirelessly traveling the world to deliver the message that hope is action. Jane believed her purpose was to give people hope in dark times, urging everyone to remember that their lives matter and that they have the power to make a difference by taking daily action to help the planet.

Volunteering for Jane's charity, Roots and Shoots. Jeff Cotter, Jane Goodall, and Karen Kai (2013).

Jane was a childhood hero to many, including me. She inspired me to start RWF. Jane understood the power of hope and I was honored when she shared this powerful wish with me for the RWF World Tree of Hope: "As we look around the world today - at the conflicts, the destruction of the environment, the human and animal suffering – it almost seems absurd to say that my wish is for a more peaceful, healthier, and happier world. Yet this is the world we all yearn for. And I find that with the image of such a world in my mind and in my heart, it is easier to take action, every day, to move things in the right direction. Of course, the road is long and full of disappointments, but still, it gives me energy to keep going with that goal in sight. Without hope, there is no hope. And so I dare to wish for a world in which people live in harmony with each other and with the natural world and all the wondrous animals with whom we share the planet."

As we reflect on her extraordinary journey, let’s embrace her spirit of curiosity, compassion, and resilience. Jane's work reminds us that every action counts and that by understanding and respecting nature, we can create a brighter future for all living beings.

In Solidarity, Jeff Cotter, Founder & Executive Director

Volunteering for Jane's charity, Roots and Shoots. Jeff Cotter, Jane Goodall, and Karen Kai (2013).

We hope that you can join us this holiday season to help decorate the World Tree of Hope at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.

We are incredibly grateful for our returning volunteers, whose dedication and generous spirit make a lasting impact.

We will be decorating the tree during the hours listed below from November 1-30.

You can sign up to volunteer here.

Please join us as well for the tree lighting on Monday, December 9.

Thank you, Jeff

P.S. You can message us here with questions, or email jcotter@rainbowfund.org

The RWF World Tree of Hope is the largest origami holiday tree in the world, decorated with over 17,000 origami cranes and stars. Each crane is hand-folded and inscribed with wishes for the future of the world. RWF creates the Tree as a symbol of global unity and hope, to promote peace, love, and humanitarian action.

There are a variety of tasks to prepare the origami and attach them to the branches of the tree (folding, wiring, sorting, and ironing…). No special skills are needed. You don't need to know how to fold origami.

You must register (at one of the links below) to help.

The decorating dates/times at Grace Cathedral (1100 California St., San Francisco) are:

• Saturday, Nov. 1 from 10 AM to 6 PM
• Sunday, Nov. 2 from 10 AM to 6 PM



• Thursday, Nov. 6 from 10 AM to 6 PM
• Friday, Nov. 7 from 10 AM to 6 PM

• Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 AM to 6 PM
• Sunday, Nov. 9 from 10 AM to 6 PM

• Thursday, Nov. 13 from 10 AM to 6 PM
• Friday, Nov. 14 from 10 AM to 6 PM

• Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 AM to 6 PM
• Sunday, Nov. 16 from 10 AM to 6 PM

• Thursday, Nov. 20 from 10 AM to 6 PM
• Friday, Nov. 21 from 10 AM to 6 PM

• Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 AM to 6 PM
• Sunday, Nov. 23 from 12: 30 PM to 5 PM

• Friday, Nov. 28 from 10 AM to 6 PM
• Saturday, Nov. 29 from 10 AM to 6 PM
• Sunday, Nov. 30 from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Click here and let us know when you are available to help. 

Alternatively, you can send us a message here.

We ask that volunteers sign up for 3 or 4 hours during these times. This is an activity for those 13 years old and above. 

There is a lot to do! You are welcome to volunteer for a longer shift and on multiple days.

If you are signing up as a group, please share those details in the group section below. 

The tree lighting celebration is on Monday, December 8, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 8 PM.

We will take the tree down on Saturday, January 10, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM.

RWF is the world's first LGBTQ+ based humanitarian aid organization. Our mission is to promote peace, unity and hope by leading the LGBTQ+ movement in participating in humanitarian relief efforts. Founded in 2000, RWF has donated over $10 million of life-saving aid and provided 100,000+ volunteer service hours. RWF is all-volunteer-run.

Bring new hope to our friends and family around the world. Put your tax-deductible gift to work immediately by donating online or mail your donation to Rainbow World Fund, 4111 - 18th Street #5, San Francisco, CA 94114.