January/February 2017 Update

General

Christmas Gathering

Christmas is when all of the children – even those far away in school – come back home.  It is a joyous celebration.  They receive Christmas presents, write letters to sponsors, meet their friends who they might not have seen for months, and report on their successes in the school year that has just ended.  With over 70 students in high school/university/college/trade schools this is a major celebration.

Mary and Kitto returning from college and university.

In addition many of our new children were part of the celebration for the first time.  These are four of our pre-school children who are the ‘next generation’ of children being served by the program.  After having been at capacity for a number of years we have once again begun providing for new children in need of service.

The decisions about who will receive service and what service will be provided always remains with our staff and committee.

This committee is broad based from across the region and includes ministers, activists, and elders.  My wife and I are the only two external members of this committee and take part in meetings when we are in Kenya.

We believe that one of the prime factors that has led to the success of our program is the wide spread local financial support that is provided by the community.  This support is based upon the reality that this program is run by Kenyans for Kenyans.

School Donations
We had a wonderful donation from Al-Hijra Academy for $1362.00!  This money is to be used for water projects.

 

This thank you sign is an acknowledgement of the support from Al Hijra while a specific water project is being researched and arranged.

Immaculata High School in Ottawa donated $474.87 which is being put toward 4 days of support (February 24 – 27) and to support the February food distribution.

St. Jean de Brebeuf donated $150.00 – which is being used for a day of support and the February food distribution.

This donation from Maple Ridge School was used for three days of support and the January food distribution.  Great thanks to Ms. Andrews and students.

Thank you Ms. Rich’s Grade 8 class for supporting our January Food Distribution.

 

Individual Donations

My next door neighbor Selby who is 8 gave a donation of $20.00.  This is being put toward three new blankets for orphans.

Chris has made a wonderful donation to our program of $400.00.  This donation is in honour of her son who passed on seven years ago.  These funds, in honour of Dave, are supporting the program from February 28 to March 3.

Mackenzie and Paige donated $21.60 which is being used for the February food distribution.

Raphael, a student at a presentation at UMS gave $22.00.  This money was used for the February food distribution

Andrea, a parent who attended a presentation donated money for a day of support – March 7 – to be dedicated to A Mother’s Love.

Kate, a student donated $50.00 which is being put toward the March food distribution.

We received wonderful donations from Leah’s birthday party.  These donations totalled $325.00. These funds are supporting the residence for February 28 – March 2 as well as the February food distribution.

We had a wonderful donation from Santiago at Julianne’s school.  This donation of $9.60 was used for the February food distribution.

We had a donation of $200.00 to be put toward education from a sponsor who wished to remain anonymous.

We had a $30 donation to Creation of Hope in memory of Betty Clark

Students from Deer Park public school – Micah $5.00,

Victoria’s birthday party $49.00

Victoria and Ava $20.00

Students at Maple Ridge Prince $5.00, Jacob $8.00, Eric $5.00

Nicole and her mother Lynne passed on a donation from Nicole’s grandparents for 4 days of support

Allan and Jennifer made a donation that totalled 20 days of support!

Scott and Filipa donated $20.00

 

 

Food Distribution

 

Days of Support

 

Sponsors

When presents are sent we try to provide a personal thank you sign.  Here’s Eric holding up a sign for Kelly and her family.

 

Our sponsors and their children exchange letters on a regular basis.  I want to share a couple of passages from letters that just came back.

 

In a second the young lady wrote ‘when I am praying I don’t forget to whisper your name in my prayer’.

New Sponsors – New generation of support!

 

 

 

Second generation sponsorship

Kate has been a sponsor in our program almost from the beginning.  She has also been a volunteer in the program living on the grounds of the orphanage for two months and was part of the Walking Home project where we walked 200 km across Kenya.  Her originally sponsored child, Nicholas, has graduated from college and is qualified as an electrician.  He is presently working at a hardware store.  Kate is now the sponsor of young boy!  Great thanks to Kate for not only being there at the beginning but continuing to be there!

October 1 – November 20 Update

General

New Additions!

We have ten new orphans who are being sponsored in Kenya by Kenyans.  This wonderful situation was initiated by the equally wonderful Wambua who lives in Nairobi. Wambua is a successful Kenyan IT Professional who is a nephew of Ruth.  He has brought together other kind, caring and like-minded Kenyans who are pooling their resources to provide for these children. This is another example of one of the great strengths of our program – Kenyans for Kenyans!

Banquet

On October 28^th we hosted an evening event for Creation of Hope and Kids Alive.  There were over two hundred people in attendance.  They enjoyed a Kenyan meal (which Kay said was like a taste of Kenya for her), there was a silent auction, a Kenyan market and we screened a new documentary about our program.  The link to this documentary is below.

https://vimeo.com/190733564

The theme of the evening was ‘Sustain the Journey’ and we were trying to raise funds to help provide for those of our orphans moving through the school system.  We have made a commitment to them that we will support them at the highest level they qualify and to the completion of their education – regardless of age.  It is our hope that each will finish with a university or college degree or a trade.

 

The night was an incredible success in raising immediate funds – over $20,000 – and it establishing new sponsors who will help to pay the tuition of those 5 students entering high school in January.

Penguin Random House Donation

We receive a donation to the orphanage of $1.30 from Penguin Random House for each copy of Walking Home sold and an additional donation from each copy of Today is the Day.  Over the six month period from January to June of this year that resulted in a donation of $7,809.89!

Great thanks to all the wonderful people at Penguin Random House.  These funds are going to be used for days of support, computers for our students going off to university in the coming year and tuition fees for high school and post-secondary students – we will soon have over 70 students in these settings.  Educational costs (tuition, books, transportation, school supplies) make up the largest item in our whole yearly budget.

School Donations

Michael Cranny E.S. made an incredible donation of $500.00.  This is being used to support the Rolling Hills Residence from December 4 – 8.  Great thanks!

I was just in a wonderful school in Arkansas called Midland High School.  At the end of the presentation a whole bunch of students – many of them on the football team – came up and donated money! This was $125.00 U.S. which is $169.00 Canadian.  This money was used for a day of support and the remaining $69.00 to supplement the November food distribution.

Below in the Days of support section you’ll see all of those students’ names in the thank you signs.

Arkansas students were certainly generous.  The students of Old High Middle School held a hat day and raised funds that provided for 2 days of support – December 2 and 3 – and a contribution to the December food distribution.  Thank you Carie for arranging all of this.

One of the longest donating, most generous schools in the history of our program is Fairview Public School in Mississauga.  They have again made a generous donation of $529.51.  Thank you signs to designate how we have spent the money will soon be sent.

Centennial Hylands in Shelburne made a donation of $300 to be used for goats.  The thank you signs for these six goats will be in the next update (I’ve already seen some of the pictures of the children and goats!)
Tall Pines School made a donation of $1000.00!  This was used for days of support from November 13 – 22.  Great thanks!

 

Individual Donations

Natalie has made a wonderful donation of $50.00 to be used for a goat.

Marya has made a donation of $200.00 which will be used in the following ways with the following thanks.

1 Goat – from Parker, Sydney, and Jordan

1 Goat – from Tilly, Hunter, and Elle

1 Chicken – from Oliver

1 Farm Tool Set – from Cole and Brock

1 Farm Tool Set – from Marya & Adam

4 Chickens – from Marya and Adam

Marya wrote – “Thank you again for your help. I’m hoping this goes over well this year. I would love to start it as a tradition each year.”

 

Julia and Carie donated funds that were used for both a day of support and for the November food distribution

At the end of a presentation a young girl at the Midland Public Library gave the librarian a donation of $2.00 for the orphanage.  Unfortunately she didn’t give a name and so there will be a sign denoting her contribution and this money was put toward the November food distribution.

Bonnie – who received that $2.00 donation also made a donation for a day of support which was assigned as November 29.

Nadejda made a donation which can be used for the November food distribution.

Ingrid made a donation for a day of support

A donation was made to purchase a goat for in the names of Alekasandar & Sarah
Paula has made a wonderful donation of $100.00 to fund a day of support for our orphanage!
Lisa made a wonderful donation of $50.00 for a goat.

Elizabeth made another donation from money she earned working for her grandmother!  This was used to purchase another blanket.

Thank you Signs

 

Food distribution

Every month we give out food, goats, chickens and other items to the orphans and impoverished children in the community.  While a large part of this expense is covered by the donations of our ongoing sponsors there is always a shortfall.  As well additional donations result in us being able to give out extra supplies.

Days of Support

A donation of $100.00 provides for one day of support – this is food for all the children of the residence, the salaries of the driver, night watchman, cook, tutor, matron and caretaker and the electricity, water and sanitation for the building.  Great thanks to the following supporters.

Students from Midland High School in Arkansas made individual donations to fund this day plus money to be used for the next food distribution.

Sponsors

We have sponsors in Canada, The United States, Germany, England and Kenya.  We have many sponsors who send presents – and we make every effort to get them a picture of their child holding the present – as well as those who send funds.

 

Presents for Alex from Michelle and Mya

With Christmas approaching our sponsors have made very generous donations for Christmas presents.  These presents usually take the form of clothes, shoes, school supplies, books and some toys.  We also use addition funds to help provide presents for other children in the family components where many of them reside.  Pictures of these presents will be put into the January update.

 

Great thanks to all who are in involved in making the program so successful in helping the orphans of Kikima.

June/July Update

General

Often when I start an update it is with a sense of mild anxiety.  Have I missed something? Will I do something wrong? Or simply, ‘this is going to take a long, long time to do’.  Always, a few minutes into writing my anxiety is replaced by joy and an understanding of what a blessing it is to be part of this process.

Below you will read about the achievements of our children, the generosity of our sponsors, schools and donors, and be inspired by what people are doing to make a difference in the world!

This has been a busy time for donations and events.  So here goes!

On October 28^th at 6:30 in Guelph at the Calvary Baptist Church we will be holding a fundraising event for Creation of Hope.  This will feature a Kenyan inspired meal, a silent audition, a market of African themed books and crafts, the premier of a video about the project, and a short presentation about Creation of Hope.  For more information or for tickets please contact Katherine Martin at 519-831-4894 or email at Katherine.Martin@Kidsalive.ca

The documentary was filmed earlier this year when a film crew visited the program.  It will focus on specific children in the program, as well as the program in general, and features amazing film footage.

We are hoping to find businesses or individuals who would be willing to sponsor a table of 8 for a cost of $300 and a tax receipt.  The sponsor may invite guests or allow others in the community to attend as a guest.  Please consider whether you or someone you know would be willing to help out in this manner and contact Katherine Martin for more information or to sponsor a table.

We hope to see many of our supporters on October 28^th for a very special evening.

Celebrations of  our Students’ Success

Mary was crowned Ms. Wate ITT (Institute of Trade and Technology)!

Ruth became the first female vice-president of Student Government at East African University!

Gloria – her pictures are at the bottom – and Anastasia have both gone off to college!

School Donations

St. Francis Xavier High School – under the leadership of Deborah Campbell – donated $420.00.  This money was directed to 4 days of support and food distribution.

You will see below that many of these specific requests have already been honored and the items given out to orphans and their extended family members.

The picture thanking Stride School for the three days of support is in the section below.

This donation was inspired by the book Today is The Day and it will be directed to support this year’s birthday gathering which is taking place on August 13!  The thank you pictures will be sent out to Mrs. Methot’s class at South Dorchester after the party and be included in our August/September update.

Beechy School, under the leadership of Rhonda Blenkiron made a donation of $200 which was directed to days of support – the thank you picture is in that section below.

 

Chris Hadfield Public School, under the direction of Lorin, made a further donation of $1,756.33.  This is being directed toward days of support, food distribution and education.  Some of the thank you signs have already been sent and are below.  Lorin and many other staff members have been loyal supporters of the project even as they changed schools.

Ray Lewis Elementary School made a further donation of $50.  A goat was purchased and the thank you sign is below.

Associated Hebrew Schools made another donation and this money is being applied to the birthday party on August 13 and the thank you pictures will be sent and included in our August/September update.

W.H Morden Public School made a donation of $1623.30.  This money is being directed to days of support, food distribution and to our general education funds.  With 69 students in high school/college/university and trade schools our greatest budget line is education.  Some of the thank you pictures have already been sent!
We just received two wonderful donations from Tiger Jeet Singh P.S.

One donation was raised by 6-1FI, 5-1FI, 5-2FI from proceeds of the café they held and raised $605.25.  That was used for 6 days of support – the days are August 31, September 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

A second donation was money raised in the book fair and was for $750.00.  This money was directed toward days of support, food distribution and education.

Immaculata High School under the leadership of Darlene Charron raised another $153.74.  This will be used for both a day of support in (October 9) and for a foot distribution month this summer.

Ecole Moody Middle School of the Arts donated $108.95.  This school in Port Moody is my favourite school name and Moody Middle School will be in an upcoming book . . . since I think all middle schools are filled with wonderful moody students.

Dugald School in the Sunrise School Division in Manitoba donated $278.90 which went for days of support and food distribution.

 

Individual donations

All of the individual sponsors listed below will have received or will receive a thank you picture to let them know exactly how we used their funds.  Many of those thank you signs are listed in sections below.

Kim Dawe donated to the program.

Anthony and Joan Kaufman made a donation that went toward two days of support and food distribution.  Joan is the sister of Fred Dawber, one of our most generous donors.  Both Fred and his daughter Kate have visited Kikima and both, along with a second daughter, Emily, are ongoing sponsors.  The well at our orphanage is the Dawber Well.

Maria donated for a day of support

Jason a student donated $5.00

Melissa donated $12.00

Suzanne donated $32.00

Kate – who you see is copied into all our thank you pictures – made a donation with the following requests:

Congratulations Wendat Village Grade 8s!

Thank you Lisa and Erin for a great school year!

All of these are all donations from students or teachers at Tiger Jeet Singh

• Charlie .50 cents
• Gitan $5.00
• Logan $5.00
• Tori $4.25
• Irene $20.00
• Olivia and Aleeza $7.70
• Grace, Alexa, Wanja held a bake sale and raised $53.85
• Derek $20.00
• Nikki $30.00

 

Robbie, a teacher at Associated Hebrew Schools donated a day of support in honour of Irv Gurau – August 28

Ryerson P. S. students made the following donations

• Taylor $20.00
• Rehat $20.00

Nat and Dani held a lemonade and cookie stand and $321.00!  This money went for days of support and food distribution and the signs are below.

Stephanie Foster made a donation in honor of April Hoyt, their mid-wife, and one of our ongoing sponsors.

 

Thank you signs

Food distribution

Each month we give out food and supplies to the orphans and impoverished children in our community.  While much of this is funded by ongoing sponsorship we are always in a deficit position as we give out to siblings and extended family members who reside in the same family compound.  The donations we receive are often directed to paying for those extras.  Sometimes the donations are only a few dollars but each dollar goes toward direct service in the community.  On those months where we have more donations we simply give away more supplies and food.

June distribution

July distribution

 

Days of Support

A day of support costs $100.00.  This provides food for all 66 children, the salaries of the staff of the residence (driver, night watchman, cook, matron, caretaker), and the utilities of the building.

 

 

 

Sponsors

Annastasia on her way to college!

Gloria at college with her new computer!

We have also added 5 new sponsors over the past two months.  These sponsors – and their sponsored children – are still with Creation of Hope but are being administered directly through Kids Alive.

Again, great thanks to all who are involved.  You need to know that your donations are making a difference in the lives of these children and young people.  It is with such a sense of pride that we see them moving forward, growing and becoming people who will contribute to the world!

General

Penguin/Random House has made a commitment to donate $1.30 for every copy of Walking Home that is purchased.  For this six month period this resulted in a donation of $5025.21!  This money will be used for education and ongoing expenses of the orphanage.

This is both an incredible donation and an incredible act of kindness from the people at Penguin/Random House.

School Donations

Hello,

My name is Nicole Benes and I am the Teacher-Librarian at Signal Hill Elementary in Pemberton, BC. A group of my students and I came to hear you speak at Spring Creek School in Whistler last October. Perhaps you remember Brock? He is a boy from our school who you used as an example throughout your presentation.

We all loved hearing you speak and were inspired to do a novel study of “Walking Home.” This book and its unique format was a great hit with my students and led us into a study of Human Rights. We decided that we wanted to support both your Creation of Hope project as well as those less fortunate than us. The question was what to do as a fundraiser and how to make it all happen. As we learned from reading your wonderful novel, “…even the longest of journeys must begin with just one step – and a bit of hope.”

We decided to hold a used book sale and for the main event, a family movie night with a concession/bake sale at intermission. Through our district subscription to AudioCine, we were able to show the new release, Zootopia. Since our small town does not have a cinema, this was a popular activity choice last Friday night and we raised a grand total of $1800!

We are very happy to be able to donate this amount to the Creation of Hope to do with as you see fit, possibly funding the residence operations for 18 days or whatever is most needed. A check will be arriving for you soon and we would love an update of what you decide to do with the money when you have a chance.

Thank you for providing us with the inspiration to make a difference,

Nicole Benes and the classes of Madame Hamonic, Madame Lemieux, and Monsieur Benes (École la Vallée)

 

Pine Grove P.S. held a bake sale and raised $324.00 bake sale.  This money is being applied for three days of support and the next food distribution.  The three days of support will be July 15, 16 and 17 (see thank you sign in section below) and food distribution.

Eastdale Public School in Woodstock, under the leadership of Lori Marsh, donated $213.92. This was used for two days of support, June 20 and 21 (see thank you pictures in section below) and for the food distribution.

Conestoga P.S.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Walters,

We are writing this to you because we had a garage sale… and we raised $313! We sold all sorts of things likes books, DVDS, toys, house hold items, plants and more.

We were inspired to do a garage sale by your book ‘My Name is Blessing’. We made our items low – priced so more people came and that’s how we got a lot of money. We had people be the cashiers and sales associates. Most adults wanted to buy plants and most kids wanted to buy toys. Thank you for reading our letter.

We are really impressed by all that you are doing. Thanks for your example to us. Even though we are young we can help others.

Our school will send the cheque to you soon. We will send you some pictures too.

 Sincerely ,

Mrs. Scott’s Grade 3/4 class

 

This money will be used for two days of support – August 25 and 26 – and for the June food distribution.

 

Individual Donations

After a presentation a student named Josh donated $5.00 which was used to purchase for a blanket (see thank you picture below)

After a presentation Paige donated $2.00.

After a presentation Logan donated $1.00.

Pauline donated money to support the residence August 14 and 15.

Gerry, a volunteer at the Sault Ste. Marie Forest of Reading festival donated $20.00.

Jack, a student at Midland S.S. pulled all the change out of his pocket and donated $3.20

Emma and Maddie, two young people at the Sault Ste. Marie Forest of Reading donated $20.00.

Jackie donated $68.00 and asked that the funds be used in the following way: We would like to donate for purchase of 1 blanket, 1 chicken, 1 set of farm tools and 100 trees.  You can see below that some of these items have already been purchased and distributed.

Monisha donated funds that supported the residence for July 10, 11, and 12.

Zoe, along with her parents Michelle and Paul, sponsor one of our wonderful children – Benjamin.  Zoe has made a further donation – to honour June’s life – and this donation supported our residence for the days of July 19 and 20.

Liza donated money for one day of support – which will be July 18

Margriet and Kees donated money for two days of support (July 13 and 14)

I was attending the Forest of Reading ceremony and a number of students came up after presentations and made donations:

Seth donated $50.00!  This money will be used for a goat and the thank you sings forwarded to Seth through his teacher.

Alexander donated $20.00 which is being applied to blankets or food distribution.  He will receive the thank you signs to indicate exactly how the money was spent.

Nick gave $5.00 which will go toward a blanket.

We received a $20.00 donation and thank you signs will go for Kane.  The thank you signs will be sent to his parents.

Avery and Will sold cupcakes and raised money to purchase a chicken.

 

Thank you Signs

We are digging one of our wells deeper to have a greater supply of water.  These funds were used to help with the digging.

 

 

Food Distribution

Every month we give out up to 2.2 tons of food and supplies to sponsored children and other impoverished children in the community.  The majority of this expense is provided for by our sponsors but each month we have a shortfall (as we give out to non-sponsored children) and these donations cover this additional cost.  In some cases this additional donation might be as little as $1.00 but we still direct it and give credit to the donor with a thank you picture

 

Days of Support

$100.00 provides for our Rolling Hills Residence for 1 day.  This is food for all 66 children, the salaries of the staff, and the utilities of the building.

Previously I would have noted that this amount also covered routine medical care and school supplies for the day.  This is no longer the case as currency exchange rates, increases in food prices and salaries have taken effect.  This is not to diminish this incredible gift people make in their donations but to acknowledge that their donation – our funds – don’t quite go as far as they used to.  As always, we try for complete transparency and accountability.

 

 

 

Education Sponsors and Supporters

We have sponsors for most of the 69 children/young adults who are in high school and post-secondary school.  While some sponsors have increased funding to pay for these additional costs we also have specific educational sponsors who help to support the ongoing care and education for our orphans.

Education has become our most expensive ‘line item’ with food second and salaries of on the ground staff as the third.  We made a conscious decision to provide for our children as far as their abilities would allow them to go.  This means that they are supported beyond their 18^th birthday if they continue to move forward in school.  Our ideal is that each child will leave our program with a university degree, a college diploma or a trade.  We want to push them ‘all the way up the hill’.

One of the most inspiring elements in all of this is how many of our children/students tell us that they plan to support the next generation of orphans when they have become employed and self-sufficient.

 

Sponsors

We have recently completed a new survey to identify 20 orphans in the community who are in need of ongoing support due to their life circumstances.  These children, while still under the care of The Creation of Hope program in Kenya, will be administered directly by Kids Alive here in Canada.  We are appreciative of the new role that Kids Alive is offering as a transition plan over the coming years takes a first step.

The first ten were sponsored immediately by an incredible donation from a Kenyan company.  In addition another child was sponsored in Kenya by Dr. Koki.

This month we are so happy to announce that we have two new Canadian sponsors:

Gina, who works for Kids Alive, along with her husband Ryan are the new sponsors of Dennis Wambua Ndinda.

Denis with his grandmother coming to his first food distribution

Heather Walker is a new sponsor who has been matched with Rose.

Karen is the new sponsor of Dominic.

 

Here are the ten children sponsored by AGSC in Kenya preparing to go to their new school.  Wonderful smiling faces ready to take the next step on their journey.

 

Mary is one of the 10 sponsored children

 

 

New Orphans Identified – New Sponsors Needed!

For the past two years we have not taken on any new orphans from the community.  This was due to  our limited resources combined with a need to solidify and guarantee ongoing support for the children already committed to in our program.  With our resources stabilized, our new partnership with Kids Alive, and a generous offer from a local Kenyan company – AGSC – we decided it was time to start providing for additional children.

A comprehensive survey was undertaken by our staff, with support from the church community, which identified an initial 19 ‘total’ orphans who were most in need of support.  These new children will be under the administration of Kids Alive.

AGSC has been an ongoing supporter of our program for the past five years.  They have now taken on the role of sponsor and supporter for ten children.  These children have now entered our residence.  This is yet another example of how our program is funded and supported by churches, individuals and businesses within Kenya.  Last year 26% of our funding came from on the ground sources.  This amount will increase this year.

We now have nine other children who were identified who require sponsorship.  If you are interested in being a sponsor please contact Kids Alive at 519-624-9406 or at admin@kidsalive.ca   Let them know you are interested in providing support to one of the children in the Creation of Hope Project.

Special Guest

The Governor of our area is the Vice-Patron of our program.  We were very honoured that his wife, Her Excellency, the County First Lady, Nazi Kivutha, came to our facility to help and officiate at our latest food distribution day.  She gave out personal care items, helped with all the food distribution, shared in a meal and gave an inspirational speech.

 

The children, their guardians and the staff were encouraged and inspired by her speech and her presence.  It is so important for our orphans to realize that they are so valued that Her Excellency found time in her schedule to meet with them.

This is a shining example of the type of leadership that exists in our area and the manner in which the Governor and his wife believe in serving the people.

 

Income Programs

For many years we have purchased ‘grannie’ bags made by our guardians and sold them in Canada.  This has been small scale and is limited to the times we have visitors who can bring back bags.  Ruth has undertaken a renewed and rethought version of this income generating business.

Grandmothers and older children are being trained in making baskets, and arts and craft items.  They will be paid for their work and the finished products will be sold into an integrated network in Kenya.  This will provide not only skills and income but self-sufficiency for the guardians and their children and grandchildren.

An existing building on the grounds of the orphanage is being repurposed to allow training and ongoing production.  This is a project that can have longstanding positive financial implications for the entire community.

New Oven

April Hoyt who volunteered at the local hospital as a midwife last Novermber held a fundraiser upon her return.  This was a very successful event and money was raised to help provide some equipment for the hospital but also to purchase an electric oven for our residence.

This will be used to create a steady and stable source of baked goods to feed to our orphans but also to expand our baking program to sell to the local stores and schools.  This is a gift for the health and well-being of our children but also for the financial well-being of our program.  We are proud and grateful for the money that was raised and donated in Kenya to support our program and this will make an ongoing contribution to that.

School Donations

Chester E.S. School – under the direction of teacher Christina Fowler – the students were inspired by the book Hope Springs and donated $705.55!  This money is being used to dig our well deeper (to make sure that we have sufficient water for the orphanage) and for supporting the orphanage for June 17, 18 and 19^th.

St. Paul’s R.C.S.S.D, donated $232.05.  This s being used for supporting the orphanage on June 15 and 16 and the remaining $32.05 for the May food distribution day.

–

 

This money from St. Faustina will be used for 6 days of support – April 28, 29, 30 and May 1, 2 and 3 – and for the April Food distribution.

Ecole Saint-Joseph, Port Colborne donated $108 which was used for supporting the residence on June 12

Chris Hadfield Public School donated $2,523.94. This supported the orphanage from May 6 – 20 as well as helping with the food distribution.

Here they are presenting Anita with the check!  How amazing! Anita spoke to all the students at Chris Hadfield about the Creation of Hope and thanked them for their amazing efforts!

Listowel Central donated $165.00 which supported the program on May 5 as well as for food distribution.

 

Individual Donations

Paige and Jaden from Ryerson Public School in made a donation after I presented at their school.  This money is being used for days of support.

Kenneth & Mary Ruth Patterson donated money that will go for a day of support plus $10.00

Sabrina donated money which purchased two blankets.

Simone Serra donated funds for two dates of support.

Theresa Caristena donated money for a day of support.

Amil came up after a presentation and donated $13.00 to be used for food distribution

Ray and Kathy donated money for two days of support

Sally Parkinson donated money that is being used for a day of support plus for food distribution.

Cathy donated $50.00 to use for the April food distribution

Melissa and Rylee gave a donation that is being used for a day of support and for the April food distribution.

 

Thank you signs

 

 

 

Food Distribution

 

Every month we give out up to 2.2 metric tons of food and supplies to the orphans and impoverished children in the community.  Some of this is provided through our sponsors but there are always additional demands, needs and costs and these are supported by other donations.

Days of Support

 

A donation of $100.00 provides food for all the children in the residence, the salaries of the staff and the utilities for the building.

 

 

 

Sponsors