09-15-10

Traveling Mercies founder to discuss community service around the world Oct. 4 at ISU

AMES, Iowa -- Aldo Magazzeni, who organizes volunteer community service projects around the world, will speak at Iowa State University on Monday, Oct. 4. His presentation, "Roads to Activism: Traveling Mercies in Afghanistan, Kenya, Haiti and Mexico," will be at 8 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Hall. The event is part of the World Affairs Series at Iowa State. It is free and open to the public.

Magazzeni created the nonprofit Traveling Mercies in 2007. The organization helps others while creating a vehicle to remove cultural barriers and foster human equality. Traveling Mercies' efforts are in remote, isolated areas but have far-reaching impact on those served. The group partners with Rotary, Salvation Army, other organizations and local churches to plan, fund and implement projects.

Recent achievements include installation of a well for a school in Kenya; school lunches and ongoing assistance to an orphanage in Mexico; several water systems, day care centers and safe shelters for women and children in Afghanistan; and aid to earthquake victims in Italy.

Born in Italy, Magazzeni immigrated to Philadelphia at the age of five. He earned a bachelor's degree at Penn State University, University Park. After Magazzeni had established a successful business, Champion Fasteners Inc., he combined his penchant for mountain climbing with a love of community service. Since 1998, he has worked on projects in Italy, Jamaica, Haiti, South America, Bhutan, Nepal and Ethiopia.

Magazzeni's presentation is cosponsored by World Affairs and the Committee on Lectures, which is funded by the Government of the Student Body. More information on ISU lectures is available at http://www.lectures.iastate.edu, or by calling (515) 294-9935.

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