Oprah’s Angel Network

The conditions being endured at the Crow Creek Reservation in Fort Thompson, S.D., were too much for Eric Klein to take.

The former “Big Give” television show contestant and founder of CAN-DO (short for Compassion into Action Network – Direct Outcome Organization), Eric has built a reputation as a one-man relief agency. He was on the ground in Sri Lanka after the tsunami, rebuilt homes after Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike, and has helped Rwandan flood survivors. His philosophy is simple: assess the problem, implement the solution and execute the project without the red tape.

Photo courtesy of CAN-DO.

Photo courtesy of CAN-DO

Photo courtesy of CAN-DO

Photo courtesy of CAN-DO

Photo courtesy of CAN-DO

Eric Klein, founder of CAN-DO, has assisted with disaster relief projects around the globe. Here, he unloads materials to rebuild a thrift store at the Crow Creek Reservation in Fort Thompson, S.D.

"We’re really trying to get some attention on what’s happening there," said Eric, pictured here (left) with Peter Lenkgeek, who lives on Crow Creek Reservation.

Eric plans out project tasks as part of the Crow Creek revitalization effort.

Eric drops off supplies in Pine Ridge, S.D.

Pausing for the camera with a group of children in Rwanda.

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“[But] I have never witnessed such blatant disregard for human life as I have here in my own country on the Crow Creek Reservation,” said Eric.

His interest in the reservation’s plight was piqued after viewing hand-held film footage in which American Indian children and elders had their power cut off days before sub-zero temperatures moved across the Plains. Determined to learn more, Eric connected with former U.S. Marine, Peter Lenkgeek, who had recorded the footage and lived on the reservation.

A First Step

The footage reawakens a dark, unresolved chapter in American history. On the reservation, households are dirt poor; they earn on average $5,000 a year, 80 percent are unemployed and children have few educational outlets.

But hardest to swallow, for Eric, was watching the local electric company shut off the power on people who live just two miles from the nearby hydroelectric dam—on land and water that was once part of the American Indian’s ecosystem and cultural identity.

Moved to action, Eric joined with Peter and community volunteers to revitalize the reservation.

“These people want to get back on their feet," said Eric. "They just need a hand-up. They aren’t looking for a hand-out or for anybody to feel sorry for them.”

As a first step, Oprah’s Angel Network provided CAN-DO a grant to make a few basic improvements. They helped remodel the community thrift store so it could serve as a multipurpose food pantry, veteran’s lodge and women’s outreach clinic—in effect, creating a gathering place for resources and support.

Eric’s next goal is to construct a children’s center to improve the activities and resources available to reservation youth.

Visit CAN-DO.org to learn more about current projects.

Photo courtesy of CAN-DO

CAN-DO Attitude

Eric started CAN-DO in 2004, he says, "out of anger and frustration” that tsunami victims did not receive sufficient relief while large charitable organizations raised record amounts. Using his own money from a car accident settlement, Eric traveled to Galle, Sri Lanka to help rebuild wells and playgrounds, and to find out firsthand how far a donor’s dollar could go.

Besides the Crow Creek project, Eric is working on rebuilding 14 homes in Mississippi for families that have been stuck in FEMA trailers, and recently conducted on-the-ground damage assessments in Louisiana after Hurricane Ike hit in 2008. He also orchestrated a supply drop at another reservation in Pine Ridge, S.D.

Show me the proof that my donations are making a real impact

Eric is now backed by a small team of volunteers on both coasts and CAN-DO has been recognized for its dedication to accountability. Running an international aid organization, however, has taken its toll on Eric, both financially and personally.

“When I am not in the field, I do this all from my one-room apartment,” said Eric, from his home in Venice Beach, Calif., who has watched his settlement money dwindle while his compassion grew. “From my family to my friends, they’d say I’ve become obsessed."

Eric chronicles his work at CAN-DO.org and through a real-time streaming site called VirtualVolunteer.tv. He believes technology will change the level of accountability required at charitable organizations.

“When you look at the results compared to the amount of money raised, the two just don’t add up. We need to start holding these organizations accountable. After watching these same commercials over and over again of these poor children in India and Africa … I thought to myself, with all the money they raise, show me those children today healthy and educated. Show me the proof that my donations are making a real impact."

Update April 2009: For more on the Crow Creek story.