PCWF & The Canadian Alliance of Black Educators Inc, a new partner in this project, will provide a charitable tax receipt for all donations of $30.00 or more as requested.
In this segment we like to share updates on the Acacia Project. In these updates we will share with you what we are doing, our progress, future plans as well as a section devoted to updates from our partners in Kenya. These updates let us know how the children are doing and what our next steps will be toward meeting our goals for the project.
Each year, the Executive Director or a member of our Executive Committee travels to Embu, Kenya and meets with our partners to discuss the yearly budget, see how the children and the program is progressing, to ensure how funds are used and to make decisions about the direction of the project.
Letters from the Children
Nothing gives us more satisfaction then when we receive a batch of letters directly from the children of the project. In these letters, the children let us know how they are doing and what is going on in their world. In particular, 3 of the children we have sponsored since 2004 have gone off to University this year and we received letters from them. One of our children, Frederick touched my heart when he wrote, "I am proud to be associated with smart people like you. I promise to do better than ever. May you greet all Acacia members in Canada and I wish soon I will fly there through God's power and meet you. Here things are better and will continue to be more better with your suport and presence." Another student, Lucy writes, "I have no words to express my gratitude
to you except to utilise your efforts by working hard. For sure
whatever you have done upon my life cannot be compensated with
anything, except my hard work and success at school. I desire to see
you soon for you are God given gifts to shape my life and make our
lives bright. I thank God for you all." And finally, Elizabeth says in
her dear letter, "as I bend down to write this letter, I do shed a tear
of joy for the love, kindness and generosity that you have really shown
unto me. You have made me feel loved and appreciated."
With the help of Friends
We could not do all this with out your help. Let's discuss some of the unique and wonderful ways that friends of the project have helped to raise funds for the children. They've done it through events, through birthday dedications and other creative ideas. Many thanks to each and everyone of them for their generosity and dedication to the children.
Love Offerings 2nd Annual Acacia Christmas Fundraising Party
On Nov 21st, 2008, we held our 2nd annual Acacia Christmas Fundraising Party. It was held at Whistler's, located at 995 Broadview Ave and was a great success. To everyone who participated, volunteered, donated or attended we would like to thank you with our deepest gratitude. If it wasn't for all the generous and kind contributions of everyone involved we would not have made this year's celebration so special and so successful. We were able not only to surpass the funds we raised last year, but we also managed to reach our goal to keep the project healthy and functioning for yet another year. We are currently working toward the project becoming self-sustaining with the creation of a farm. Through our event in June we were able to purchase 40 goats, 2 cows and some chickens. The animals will provide sustenance for the children as well as our partners and villagers in the area. Long-term goals including starting small enterprize such as selling milk and cheese at local markets.
We would like to thank everyone who joined our celebration on Nov 21st, 2008 and helped us reach our goals. Our partners in Kenya thank-you, our founders thank-you and PCWF thanks you. Most importantly, the children of Embu, Kenya thank-you.
A Happy and Prosperous Season and New Year to all!
Donne Roberts plays for the children
Famous, Donne Roberts and his band had everyone dancing to the beats at our event, "African
Night at The Tranzac" on Saturday, Juen 7th, 2008. What a night! Donne played that guitar until the audience was squirming with sheer pleasure. A very talented man. The funds raised went toward the purchase of farm animals for Embu. The farm will provide not only nourishment for the
children as well as those caring for the children, but will also
provide an opportunity for the childre to learn how to care for the animals and grow
vegetables.
Friends of Acacia, a small group who support the project had a fundraiser in June and were able to raise $300. Many thanks for your support.
Birthday Blessings from our many 'Friends of Acacia'
Dedicating your birthday to the children. What a great idea! This year we received a call from Helene Vukovich, Assistant Dean of Arts & Business at George Brown College. Helene who has been involved with the project through her band 'Moan' Bones' asked if she could dedicate her 50th birthday to the children of Acacia. We were delighted. It was her wish to ask friends and family to donate to the project rather than bring her a gift. She raised over $500 through the generosity of her friends and family which went directly to the children. Thanks Helene and friends.
She Started a Trend
Since Helene's spirited and heart-felt dedication, several other people have called asking if they could dedicate their birthday to the children:
Voula Ampas a make-up artist and Friend of Acacia turned 50 June 28th, 2008 and donated proceeds from her party to the children. They were able to raise $150. Thanks to her and friends.
Ed O'Sullivan, a Professor at OISE and one of the original founders of the project, celebrated his 70th birthday at the Trane on Bathurst in August and raised $1,400. A special thanks to his band, 'One Earth Spirit' - (Paul Royes, Paul Reeves & Ed O'Sullivan) for composing a special song/video about the Acacia Project. To watch it, please click on the link at the top of the page titled, 'I'm Still Standing'.
The band 'One Earth Spirit' now has their own website http://oneearthspirit.blog.com and has devoted their music and CD to raising funds for this very worthy project.
Thanks to everyone for their extremely creative endevours in finding more ways to fund the project. We at Phoenix Community Works Foundation appreciate the efforts and I know the children do too!
Dorothy and her Dolls
Dorothy who knits the dolls you see to your left under Dolls for Adoption is truly an incredible woman. In her 80's, Dorothy finds the time to devote her skills for the children in Africa. At all her events her dolls are a bit hit and sell for $20 each. They are so popular, that people have asked if they can buy one for their own children. The dolls are usually purchased by a donor for $20 and then the doll is sent to a child in Africa with a note from the purchaser. We are always grateful to Dorothy for her steady supply of these adorable dolls at all our events.
Project Progress and Plans for 2009-2010:
Volunteer Fundraising Committee - a committee that would organize and initiate both fundraising activities and involvement from new sectors..
Engaging Students - we
hope to engage students from various highschools and Universities to
help us in our fundraising efforts.
If you are a student or teacher and have interest in having us do a presentation of the project at your school, please contact natalie@pcwf.ca or 416 964-3380.
Everyone in Canada who has either volunteered or
is involved with the project has felt great satisfaction at the
progress that is being made both here and in Kenya.
In Canada, we are broadening our base of support
through volunteers, donors and people who attend our fundraisers. We
are grateful to all of you who have continously supported our efforts
and continue to promote our events and project.
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
Currently we are in the planning stages of our
annual Christmas Party. Last year 230 people attended and we were able
to raise close to $10,000. We hope to repeat that success with the
help of some great volunteers who wish to donate their time and
skills.
If
you can help, please call me as soon as possible as The Organizing
Committee is already busy planning and can use you help. Contact: natalie@pcwf.ca or (416) 964-3380:
We need help in the following areas: Pick your strength/passion and call me!!!
1.Promotions/Publicity & Marketing
2.Sponsors & Donors
3.Ticket Sales to family & friends
4.Working the Venue
Last but not least, please let us know if you have
any ideas, would like a presentation at your school would like to
donate your party to our cause or if you would like to have your own
fundraiser for The Children of Acacia. We can help you.
Updates from our Partners in Kenya
July 23rd, 2008
The objective of our fundraiser on June 7th was to raise funds for the purchase of farm animals for the development of a farm in Embu. We are happy to announce that not only did we raise some necessary funds, but a few generous participants who attended our fundraiser also donated goats and cows to our project.
As well, 5 acres of land which were donated to the project have been fenced in. This acerage is to provide pasture for at least 40 goats. Volunteers are currently making bricks for the house to be used by the farmer/goat herder who will care for the goats.
We would like to thank everyone who attended our fundraiser. Through their generous support we will have at least 40 goats and possibly more.
It is expected that within 6 months to 1 year, the goats will multiply increasing the herd. While some goats will provide milk and other resources, some will be sold.
The intent behind the development of the farm is to assist in making the project sustainable by our partners in Embu, Kenya.
Our next step is to purchase a cow and a bull, also both generous donations. The cows will provide milk and dairy products such as cheese for the children.
Ongoing steps include annual support of the children through school including both elementary and primary classes. Bursaries will provide the funds for 2 children who will be attending post secondary education.
We are also currently looking at the possibility of creating a micro-loan fund to help set up micro-enterprises. Examples of the kind of micro-entreprises we hope to pursue include sewing school uniforms, jewellry creation, selling vegetables and chickens.It will also provide training and employment for some of the older children.
We hope to have a report from Sammy, our Communications contact in Embu detailing their progress to date.
October 6, 2008
3:59 AM
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Hello our dear Larry,
Receive much greetings from us all. WE do hope that
you are all fine .Pass our greetings to all our friends, as I
wrote in my last e-mail we finished building
the workman house, and on 30th September we went
at goats market and we bought 38 goats, we were unable to
meet the target of 40 goats because there was money needed
for our transport to the market also. We had to pay country
council tax where we were paid ksh 40 per goat.
We also used some money to pay
three people who moved the goats from the market to farm, a
seven hour walk. We also bought drugs for worms and also for spraying the
goats, now the goats are at the farm .We also bought
2 cows, Im taking care of one and the other one with Jim.
I will be sending you the photos of the
goats and the 2 cows. I am planning to go
next week with cameraman to take the photos.
Our C.B.O has no camera ,so we always
hire someone to go and take the photos where never we need some photos.
Sir as I requested in my last e-mail we need
money in December for the children school fee and
other needs for the school term beginning
January 2009.
I will keep you updated in all we do here, hoping you will visit us in january2009.
I requested to stop there hoping to hear from you
soon.
Yours faithfully
Sammy
April 12th, 2008
The children are doing well. Currently they are on April spring break and will return to school on May 6th, 2008. Four of the children wrote their Grade 4 exams. Those whose grade was a C+ or above qualified to go to University. However, there is only room for 16,000 students and 86,000 passed the exams in total. Something to look toward in the future is the possibility of sending them to Universities in India or Uganda.
This is a good time to do fencing around the donated land and also a good time to buy goats.
We thought it might be good if we can take the children on an educational tour. A possibility might be Rift Valley.
Please pass our warm regards to all our friends.
May peace be wtih you.
December 7th, 2007
As it stands, 4 of our children from the project are ready to enter University as of 2008. 17 of the children are in high school and 26 are attending primary school. Our project contact in Kenya is busy shopping for school supplies, books, uniforms and Christmas presents for the children. Also in the works is a program to supply each child with a chicken and get them involved in the maitenance of the chicken as well as teach them how to gather fresh eggs. This will cut down on food costs. A similar idea is to provide 3 cows to be taken care of by guardians of the children. When these cows calve, the plan is to give a calf to each of the families currently housing and looking after orphaned children. This will provide long-term nourishment for the children.
Our partners also wished to express gratitude for all the work being done in Canada by all who have participated or contributed in some way toward making The Acacia Children's Project a success.
A Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all!!
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