HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2006-12-21, Page 19Giving
The War Amps
is spreading the
PLAYSAFE/
DRIVESAFE
messages.
To order a Spot the Danger; video or
the PLAYSAFE Interactive CD-ROM,
visit our Web site at www.waramps.ca
or call 1-800-250-3030.
Receipts will be issued for $20 or
more.
As we welcome the
holiday and all that it
represents, we'd like to
wish our customers and
friends a very
Merry Christmas
and a
Happy New Year.
HELP Is ClosE To HOME
69 Main St., Seaforlh
519-527-1620
Home Hardware Fax 519-527-2066
SILLS
NegfAiit-.4141§it•Ohsit*LiOrAtt*:6.tie.:t.
patronage the past
•P. 5 years.
Aratays
HAIR AND TANNING
SALON 46t_
• total family haircare • gift certificates available
519-887-8989
(O. Holly Dauphin 687 Elizabeth St., Brussels
Mow" Thank you for your
efixiatnew,
THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2006. PAGE 19.
Huron youth sends Zambian orphans to school
CHSS graduate Jessica Bokhout, shown with students from Zambia's Flying Angels school,
has launched a second holiday campaign to raise money for Zambian children orphaned by
AIDS. (Photo submitted)
By Jennifer Hubbard
Clinton News-Record
"We have more, they have less.
It's not charity, it's justice:"
After a very successful 2005
campaign, Central Huron Secondary
School graduate Jessica Bokhout is
hoping to raise $9,000 this holiday
season to help send 90 orphaned
Zambian children to Grade 1.
Bokhout is hoping local schools
and church organizations will join in
the fundraiser again this year. The
goal is based on $100 per child,
which includes shoes, a backpack
and school fees.
The 2006 holiday campaign is
Bokhout's second since she began a
10-month co-op placement with
CARE Zambia last August.
"Last year's fundraiser was six
tittles the amount I hoped for... truly
one of the best surprises of my life,"
she commented.
"I think there is still support for
the idea and the project, but it's
going to be tougher to get people to
be as excited about doing it the
second time around. I've tried to
approach some new communities so
that fresh souls get in on this."
And while she returned home in
May, the Kondwa Centre still has a
special place in her heart.
"I'm definitely changed by the
experience, and am no longer
willing to just do nothing about
Zambia's AIDS crisis," Bokhout
said.
"My time in Zambia made me
realize that everyone can do
something. We can all contribute.
The orphaned children at Kondwa
need to go to school, we have the
money in Canada to help them get
there."
Looking back, Bokhout said her
first month in Zambia was the most
difficult.
"I think the first month in a new
situation is hard anywhere," she
commented.
"It took me a while to figure out
the bus system, get used to the 'hello
madams' from everyone who
thought seeing a foreigner was
reason for excitement and be able to
deal with such poverty.
"The first month I was pretty sad,
very overwhelmed and just at a loss
as to what I could do to contribute."
Bokhout soon got over the initial
culture shock and spearheaded a
holiday campaign to raise $6,300 to
send orphans from the Kondwa Day
Centre in Luska school.
She sent DVDs to friends in the
Clinton area asking for support and
the project took on a life of its own
as local schools, church groups and
organizations got involved.
By the beginning of January, more
than $36,000 had been raised.
"Being able to get the Kondwa
project going and to have so much
support from Canada was incredible,
truly incredible," Bokhout said.
"Having that project as a focus,
and being able to organize Zambia's
first ever civil society conference on
positive living for People Living
with AIDS really gave me the
challenge I was looking for."
In addition to paying the school
fees for 90 children to attend
elementary school, the locally raised
money was used to purchase: 140
pairs of school shoes, 200 pairs of
children's underwear, school
supplies, 16 mosquito nets and
sports equipment.
Six new toilets were purchased for
(9_94,e/ic
• /
;1
so grateful to have had so many
people sharing the belief that
Zambian children are important, and
like Canadian children, deserve to
go to school," Bokhout commented.
"Ultimately I'd like to make my
life focus about ensuring children go
to school. It's important for the
betterment of this world and it's
possible."
Donations towards Bokhout's
holiday fundraiser can be made out
to 'Clinton United Church' with the
'words 'Africa project' in the memo
line and mailed to Box 204, Clinton,
NOM 1LO.
r;0 Q)--9
the 751 students at Flying Angels
elementary school. Classrooms were
renovated — including new desks and
chairs — and teachers' salaries were
paid at the Kondwa centre. One
hundred knitted bears and warm
blankets were also donated to
Kondwa.
"At the beginning of my time,
Philimon needed funds to go to
Grade 1. He was an orphan living
with his grandparents and there just
wasn't extra money for him to go to
school. We made that happen," she
said.
"Bernard needed toilets for his 10
teachers and 751 students. Our
money built them. He was
overjoyed."
Bokhout, the daughter of Dr.
Maarten _Bokhout and. Helena
McShane, is currently finishing her
final year in the International
Development Studies program at the
University of Toronto.
She hopes to return to Lusaka,
Zambia for a visit next faIl.
"-We made a difference. Canadian
money made a difference. I just feel
We would like to sincerely say, "Thank You" to all our
loyal customers and friends for letting us be of service
to you the past year. Many times we meet by accident
but we are always glad to know you are okay...
fi
NI/
'I'
...Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
Happy Holidays and Safe Driving
Tina & Shane & Cal, Shane & Theresa & Ethan & Owen
Bill & Brenda
BERKHOLDEit
AUTO BODY 8t TOWING LTD.
BLYTH 519-523-9474 — 1-800-350-6993
(3994e/ic
099004ton- Wkeiotffnad, gcry.
With resounding thanks, we wish you and your
family a merry and bright holiday season.
Blyth Decor Shoppe
Barney (Don) & Linda Stewart,
John Stewart
Queen Street,
Blyth 519-523-4840