Kind Koala is a youth-led global nonprofit organization founded by a team of students from Central Bucks High School West who were inspired by a friend.
Adam Kadan, Aadi Anantuni, and Nate Liang saw that one of their classmates was being teased for having a gap in his teeth.
“He seemed to be really hurt by it, and it just bothered us that something so fixable depended on whether a family could afford healthcare,” said Kadan.
The trio, sharing an interest in healthcare and wanting to make a difference, decided to join together to create the nonprofit, which connects families in need with free and low-cost healthcare.
Kind Koala helps families get access to psychotherapy, orthodontics, dentistry, endodontics, skincare treatments, and similar healthcare.
The process of bringing the nonprofit to life was intensive but highly rewarding.
“Early on, earning that trust proved to be challenging because providers wanted to know we could actually do what we said,” said Liang.
With the help of their advisory board, which consists of healthcare professionals, they’ve been able to extend their reach and help more individuals.
Along with connecting families to healthcare providers, Kind Koala provides hygiene essentials, such as tissues, dental supplies, facial wipes, and feminine hygiene products.
As of today, the organization has provided over $29,000 worth of healthcare services and over 83,000 resources to families in need.
Social media was key in spreading the word about the organization, which grew from a small team into a global effort with over 47 chapters and more than 400 officers around the world.
Chapters organize fundraisers and drives, coordinate with providers and nonprofits, and recruit healthcare applicants.
“It is amazing to witness the real difference our work makes in the lives of families and communities. The most rewarding part has been observing that impact spill over onto an international scale,” said Anantuni.
Kind Koala’s Ethiopia chapter recently held a fundraiser for the Nehemiah Autism Center. The organization’s Malawi chapter provided school supplies and hygiene products to a primary school.
“Beyond such programs, seeing students take ownership of chapters, leading events and developing skills in leadership, organization, and problem-solving, is deeply rewarding. It shows that Kind Koala is building both community and future leaders,” Anantuni continued.
The organization’s Bucks County chapter has worked to assist other local nonprofits with clothing drives, including A Women’s Place, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and In Full Swing.
Local healthcare providers such as Welsh Therapy, Bright Smiles Kids Dentistry, Gentle Endodontic Specialists, Colmar Dentistry, Ann Silverman Community Clinic, Peace Valley Dentistry, and others work with Kind Koala to provide services to local families.
Families in need can apply through Kind Koala’s website to get connected with a local chapter and a provider.
The organization is always looking for healthcare providers who are interested in volunteering their services to help make a difference. Students looking to get involved can also reach out to begin a chapter of their own.
Learn about upcoming events through Kind Koala’s Instagram and Facebook.
Those who would like to make a donation to help support their mission can check out their GoFundMe.
