Benin Orphanage

December 21, 2009

It's been a very busy and successful past month in raising funds and awareness for the orphanage:

- There have been an anniversary and birthday party recently that, in lieu of gifts, donations were made to the orphanage instead. These two parties have raised more than $1,000 for the orphanage.

- As we did last year, we sold trays of Christmas baked goods that raised more than $1,300.

-The World Issues class at Hampton High School hosted a Christmas Concert, including a bake sale, with all proceeds going to the orphanage. This event resulted in just over $650.

- The children at Macdonald Consolidated School had a coin drive with the classroom raising the most money winning an ice cream party! This activity raised another $1,000 for the orphanage. Great job kids!

- We've also received various one time donations ranging from $5 to $1,000 as we near Christmas.   

We've just sent money to the orphanage for December. Our regular $300 plus an additional $150 for the Christmas feast and whatever else Louis feels necessary to allow them to have a very Merry Christmas!

We received an email update from Louis, the Orphanage Director on Nov 13. Here is the translated text:

Hi Ben and Michelle,

How are you? Here at the orphanage things are good, and the kids are doing very well. I have finished the eye exams with Dieudonne, and he's received his glasses. The specialist said he will have to continue check-ups for the next 3 months, his eyes had so many problems! He is so happy, he screamed very loud "That is good!" I have also sent a message to Rebecca. Ben, it is getting hot! Even I'm finding it too hot in the afternoons. Ben, how are your studies going? Very soon I will send you a new list of the kids, with their ages and sex. I've been so busy, excuse me for the lateness of this. Give me some updates, and say hello to your parents for me.

Oh, and I forgot to say, I have paid the remaining school fees for the kids, and very soon their exams will begin. I've been working hard with them to help their studying. No time! They have to work hard and show you good results! I told you I am the general director of the NGO "Africa Hope". So you can tell your friends this, and if you have any questions as well, don't worry, you can ask me!

Pleasure to hear from you,

Louis

We heard from Louis, the Director of the orphanage, this week. All is well. He has received a donation of books and is awaiting letters from an elementary french class in Calgary interested in becoming pen pals with the children at the orphanage.

We recently held an auction of African Arts & Crafts we brought back with us, as well as other items donated locally, and raised more than $4,000! We also had some people at the auction that made donations. Overall, on that one night, we raised almost $5,300! Quite a successful night. We are now over 10% of the way to our goal of $71,000 for the dormitories. Very encouraging!

We've returned from our trip to Benin to visit the orphanage!  The new enclosure is completely built on it's new parcel of land and looking great.