I am shown here with Fiona Braund.  She is 10 years old in grade four at King George Public School in North Bay.  She is presenting me with a cheque for $36.50 that she raised at her schools recent street fair.  She made notepaper with hand drawn pictures that she sold for 50c.  We discussed what I could do with the money and decided that she would purchase 2 school uniforms so 2 girls in Kenya could begin school.  Elementary school is free, but uniforms are costly when you may make only $1.00 per day to look after an entire family.
My heart was singing when I left her school and I had tears in my eyes.  It is amazing that children here can see beyond themselves to help those who are less fortunate.  Thanks to Fiona for caring.

Speaking in Salem, Ontario

I recently had the pleasure of speaking to a group of 40 people in the village of Salem.  The talk was sponsored by the Salem Valley Quilters and was a wonderful evening.  They have a Grandmothers group in that area called the Apple Grannies and they came out to hear about the work we do in Kenya. 

 I was able to sell some of the Kenyan crafts that we bring back with us that are made by craftspeople that we help sponsor.  Before I began the talk the women crowded around the table of crafts and they purchased quite a bit of our products.

I was so delighted with the reception I received and the funds we were able to raise.  Between sales, the raffling of a quilt by the Quilters group and donations we raised $1150.00.  That will certainly go a long way in helping the elementary school we are building become a reality.
Thanks so much to the Salem Valley Quilters and Lenna Broatch for making the arrangements for this event.