Global Communities: Transforming lives worldwide for more than 70 years
From humanitarian aid to community empowerment, discover how Global Communities — strengthened by a merger with San Diego-founded Project Concern International — is building a better future across 30+ countries
Whether building homes, providing medical care, peacebuilding, offering tools for financial sustainability, or aiding those impacted by natural disasters, for more than 70 years, Global Communities has been leading the charge in humanitarian work worldwide. A merger with San Diego-founded Project Concern International, itself a six-plus-decades-old humanitarian nonprofit, further expanded the organization’s reach, enabling Global Communities to continue and broaden its mission to provide assistance both domestically and on five of the world’s seven continents and within more than 30 countries.
Supporting communities in order to save lives, advance equity, and secure strong futures takes many forms, and Global Communities develops strategies that address issues with sensitivity to country, culture, and the desires of the direct recipients of any assistance. Having the capacity to address vast and disparate but equally significant needs to achieve the cumulative goal of improving the quality of life for humankind is what makes the organization so invaluable — and impactful — in a world where need is constant.
Del Mar resident Andy Achterkirchen exemplifies the diversified and giving spirit of Global Communities, with contributions to multiple organizations. His philanthropic efforts consist of not one but all three of the three pillars of giving — time, talent, and treasure — and his volunteer work is measured not in years but in decades. The retired engineer has provided tutoring at Barrio Logan College Institute for more than 20 years, working with kids in math and science to ensure they are college-ready. He holds board positions at both Fronteras Unidas Pro Salud, an organization that provides medical and health care in Mexico, and Planned Parenthood, and provides financial support to these organizations and more that speak to him, including Global Communities and other cultural organizations.
His philanthropic efforts consist of not one but all three of the three pillars of giving — time, talent, and treasure — and his volunteer work is measured not in years but in decades
What compels him to give is simple. “The reason I support charitable organizations is [because] many people have personal challenges,” he says. “Organizations that I support address the problems those people have.” He remains humble when asked what it is that motivates him to devote so much on a personal level to these organizations. “Both my parents either donated to organizations or helped people directly. So, that was instilled in me years ago,” he says.
It’s because of Acherkirchen’s deep philanthropic commitments that he’ll be honored with the Philanthropic Leadership Award at Global Communities’ annual gala, Hands Across Borders, taking place on November 8 at Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. The event includes dinner, a silent auction with an international marketplace, live performances, and entertainment, as well as additional awards to individuals and companies for their contributions to humanity. Despite the honor that will be bestowed on him that evening, however, Achterkirchen’s thoughts are on others rather than himself. Asked what this award means to him, he only says, “Somehow, I was selected, but I have to believe there are many other worthy people that also could be recognized.” globalcommunities.org
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