Support Matt Harvey’s Mission of Service
Matt Harvey’s life is a masterclass in compassionate leadership, global outreach, and creative impact. From disaster zones to classrooms, from motorcycle rides to multimedia campaigns, his work reflects a rare blend of grit, generosity, and vision.
🇺🇸 Service at Home and Abroad
Matt began his journey as a United States Marine, later serving his local community as an EMT and firefighter. His commitment to service has spanned continents:
- In Haiti, Matt volunteered twice, providing medical aid to underserved communities and returning after the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake to help rebuild shelters and distribute critical supplies. He even sold personal belongings to fund relief efforts.
- In Kenya, Matt organized the installation of solar-powered wells for SOAR Kenya, giving families access to clean water and eliminating the need for six-mile treks.
- In 2022, he returned to SOAR to document the school’s impact through photography and videography, helping raise awareness and support. His work was personally praised by James Yegon, who thanked him multiple times for elevating the school’s visibility.
- During that visit, Matt also fed all 650 students and staff at SOAR Kenya, a gesture that went beyond sustenance—it was a celebration of community and care.
- He further raised funds for Baringo schools, ensuring that every child could receive a meal at school, turning education into a place of nourishment and dignity.
🏅 Recognition and Impact
In 2017, Matt was honored with the Founders Award for Community Service, recognizing his contributions across continents. The award highlighted his work with United Way, his role in church security, and his tireless efforts in disaster relief and infrastructure development.
🚴 Local Advocacy and Fundraising
Matt’s compassion also fuels his local activism. He’s participated in numerous motorcycle charity rides, supporting causes like:
- Muscular Dystrophy Association
- Toys for Tots
- Rock County Women’s Shelter
- Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (MACC) Fund, where he rode to raise awareness and support for children battling cancer
📸 Creative Advocacy Through Storytelling
As a fine art photographer and videographer, Matt blends technical mastery with emotional resonance. His work doesn’t just document—it inspires. Whether capturing the spirit of a Kenyan classroom or the urgency of a relief mission, his lens becomes a tool for change.
One particularly moving moment came when Matt encountered a young boy who couldn’t afford to attend school. Matt made sure the child was fed and even gave him a soda. When others asked, “Why not milk?” Matt explained that milk in Kenya is prohibitively expensive, and providing it for everyone would have been impossible. His choice reflected both compassion and practicality—ensuring that no child went hungry, even if it meant finding creative alternatives.
Every donation you make helps extend the reach of my work—locally, globally, and creatively. Here’s where your generosity goes:
🌍 Haiti
- Supporting two orphanages: Wings of Hope and House of Grace, providing care, shelter, and education for children in need.
🇰🇪 Kenya
- S.O.A.R. Kenya, where donations help sustain meals, education, and clean water for hundreds of students.
- H.E.A.R.T. Africa, which empowers young women by providing feminine products and training, giving them dignity and opportunity.
🇺🇸 Local Veterans
- Reaper Company, dedicated to building a training facility that supports veterans transitioning to civilian life, ensuring they have the tools to succeed.
📸 One Toad Photography
- Donations help maintain equipment, cover operating costs, and keep this website alive—so I can continue using photography and videography to raise awareness and inspire change.
✨ Your Impact
Every dollar makes a difference. Whether feeding children in Kenya, supporting orphanages in Haiti, helping veterans at home, or sustaining creative storytelling, your support keeps these efforts moving forward.
👉 If you believe in this mission and like what you see, please consider donating. Together, we can keep this going and expand the impact even further.