Where does all the time go? It is already August and I have missed two months of posts but it certainly hasn't been without activity.
First, the best news of all. We applied for Charitable Status in January of this year and despite friends telling us that it took them anywhere from 18 months to 5 years, we have been notified after just 7 months that WE HAVE BEEN APPROVED FOR CHARITABLE STATUS!!!! See the top right corner of your screen for our registration number.
Throughout the summer we have been presenting to various Rotary Clubs across our District and beyond with some success, plus we have been invited to speak at Indigo's flagship book store in Toronto in September - of course I don't even have a book. Who's complaining? Not me to be sure. We have also been asked to present at Rotary's District Conference in Collingwood in October - this is attended by all 55 clubs in the District from Toronto to Belleville. We are certainly looking forward to this.
On September 17th, please hold that evening open for us. This is our annual fundraiser to be held at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope, Ontario. There will be live entertainment, silent auction Lao goodies, and our presentation of course. Ted Amsden, our wonderful photo journalist will be releasing his video that night to give our followers a real taste of Laos and their people. Don't worry if you cannot manage a donation for our cause at this time - we won't lock the doors after you enter and promise not to bug you. We want you to enjoy and learn about what we have been doing in Laos - we hope it will bring inspiration to you, and in turn help someone who is needy.
I am already preparing for my return to Laos but still fundraising until the moment I have to board the plane. We have a long way to go to realize the dreams of so many Loatians that would never otherwise have a chance. Please help us make this happen.
Note also that we now accept Visa and MasterCard to give more of you a choice or payment.
On a personal note, and to add to our already heavy burden, we put our house up for sale in April, but didn't really expect to sell it this year, due to the tough economy. Well it happened. We move on August 26 to our new digs in Port Hope. I have always loved Port Hope and found that we were spending more time there than in Cobourg anyway. An added bonus too....it has been a lot of effort to manage our grounds here. At our new place, it is managed by someone else - no lawn cutting, no major gardening - yeeaaahh! More time for fundraising, planning and managing the projects we have on the go.
So in summary, please check back for more details on our September 17th event.
Why we are Helping and how YOU can get involved
The remote villages of Laos have never recovered from the 'Secret' war of the 1960's. While rich in culture and tradition, their education, healthcare and hygiene conditions are severely lacking. The average lifespan is only 56 years and average age is only 20.8, caused by poor quality water, poor hygiene and general poverty. BUT with your help we have already made a difference in the lives of over 2700 villagers.
We have built schools in the villages of Pha Yong and Had Chanh, and a 3rd school located in Done Lom is under construction. We have also distributed over 200 water filters systems and completed hygiene training for three entire villages. Each family is required to take this course before a filter is provided, in order to promote a longer, healthier and happier life. A new water source including a dam, water tank and taps has been completed, as has our first bank of hygienic toilets.
It doesn't stop there. We have requests for 34 new projects and with your help, will do what we can to support as many requests as possible.
You can help in so many different ways. Before you do though, note that less than 5% will go to direct overhead costs, contrary to many NGO's who's overheads can reach 80%. Sponsors for every project will receive emailed pictures and details of how the money was spent.
Here are some examples of how you can help with your financial contribution.
- $55 buys a water purification filter for a family of 8.
It will also include your name on the water filter and a picture forwarded to you with the family and the filter unit.
- $12,500 US buys a school for grades 1, 2 and 3. Perhaps you would like to sponsor or assist us to sponsor a school.
- $4,000 US (approx) buys school tables and desks for a three room school and a two-room kindergarten.
- $700 US (approx) pays for a teacher for one year
- $50 US buys education for one child for one year including school fees, 2 uniforms, shoes, backpack and school supplies.
- hygienic washroom facilities rane depending on the number of stalls and start at about $3000, but are critical to prevent more disease.
If you would like to become involved and to help the people of rural Laos help themselves lead a more fulfilling life, please email us at AdoptaVillageinLaos@gmail.com. Official Tax Receipts are not yet possible although we hope to receive charitable status this summer. Meanwhile we would still love to hear of your interest.
Please help............we cannot do this alone....
Meanwhile, please enjoy our updates below.
We have built schools in the villages of Pha Yong and Had Chanh, and a 3rd school located in Done Lom is under construction. We have also distributed over 200 water filters systems and completed hygiene training for three entire villages. Each family is required to take this course before a filter is provided, in order to promote a longer, healthier and happier life. A new water source including a dam, water tank and taps has been completed, as has our first bank of hygienic toilets.
It doesn't stop there. We have requests for 34 new projects and with your help, will do what we can to support as many requests as possible.
You can help in so many different ways. Before you do though, note that less than 5% will go to direct overhead costs, contrary to many NGO's who's overheads can reach 80%. Sponsors for every project will receive emailed pictures and details of how the money was spent.
Here are some examples of how you can help with your financial contribution.
- $55 buys a water purification filter for a family of 8.
It will also include your name on the water filter and a picture forwarded to you with the family and the filter unit.
- $12,500 US buys a school for grades 1, 2 and 3. Perhaps you would like to sponsor or assist us to sponsor a school.
- $4,000 US (approx) buys school tables and desks for a three room school and a two-room kindergarten.
- $700 US (approx) pays for a teacher for one year
- $50 US buys education for one child for one year including school fees, 2 uniforms, shoes, backpack and school supplies.
- hygienic washroom facilities rane depending on the number of stalls and start at about $3000, but are critical to prevent more disease.
If you would like to become involved and to help the people of rural Laos help themselves lead a more fulfilling life, please email us at AdoptaVillageinLaos@gmail.com. Official Tax Receipts are not yet possible although we hope to receive charitable status this summer. Meanwhile we would still love to hear of your interest.
Please help............we cannot do this alone....
Meanwhile, please enjoy our updates below.
Friday, August 5, 2011
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