The Online Reflector

By Jessica Keaton | Staff Writer

Two University of Indianapolis students that were simply inspired from a trip to Liberia now run a project that is helping students across the world. It’s a project that is trying to prove that it’s possible to make a difference, even if it may seem like a small one.

This sentiment is where the name Inches International comes from. Inches started because of a spring term trip in 2007. On the trip, the class was to build a classroom in Liberia. That, however, was not enough. Before they left, the 10-member work team raised $15,000 to fund the building.

“We just wanted to make something sustainable instead of just dropping in for three weeks and then leaving,” said Lydia Fischer, one of the founders of Inches International. “It was really cool to see the impact it had on the community.”

This small effort made education possible for the kids in Liberia.

“We wanted to continue helping even if we couldn’t still be there, which is why we started the bracelets,” added Lyndsay McBride, the other founder.

The bracelets allow Fischer and McBride to raise money from a lot of different people because the bracelets are only $5. They simultaneously raise awareness by giving donors a reminder of what they donated to and advertise the cause.

Currently, Fischer and McBride are planning a concert for Dec. 5 alongside The Deliverance Project in order to raise money to ship 800 boxes of books to Liberia. Since the sale of their first bracelet a little over a year ago, Inches International has sold nearly 3,000 bracelets and counting. They have also been traveling locally to churches, schools and other groups to give presentations pertaining to the purpose of Inches International.

Since Inches International started they have nabbed a cover story for UIndy’s own publications, The Insider and Portico. The project has been featured on Fox 28 news to try and gain a larger network for their project.

They have also been featured in the Indianapolis Star, Elkhart Truth and the Bluffton News Banner. The idea behind Inches International, however, is still in need of a lot of involvement.

Fischer and McBride have numerous hopes for the future as well.

“We would like more student involvement,” Fischer stated.

They meet on Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. on the second floor of Christel DeHaan. Currently Fischer and McBride are the only two orchestrating Inches International, but in order for growth, they need people to get involved. McBride hopes to raise money for student scholarships all over the world.

“Education is key to a peaceful and functional society,” McBride said.

Inches International has progressed since its meager beginnings, and both girls unanimously agree. They both expressed how important it is for student involvement, even if that means just purchasing the bracelets. Bracelets are on sale in the art department of Christel DeHaan.

For more information on Inches International, visit their Web site at www.inchesinternational.org.