Bits of News From Here & There: 2002
Past Whistle Stops: 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000
The Braun Family Charities of Richland Center, Wisconsin recently donated $1135 to assist their two orphanages at Rila (formerly Stob) and Slatino, in Bulgaria. Approximately 75% of this donation went to the Rila home, with the remainder to Slatino. This is just the latest in a series of donations given by the Braun Family Charities. We hope to report on the trip Joel and Andrew Rewald took to Bulgaria to visit these homes, in a future Roundhouse article. The Braun Family charities have had the assistance of Bulgarian Rotarians and Rotaract members in their efforts. 12/25/02
Christmas brought a couple unrestricted donations to the Orphan Train Project. The Terry Siebert family decided to honor a parent with their donation of $100. David Fink of Roswell, Georgia sent $25.00 to be used as needed. These two gifts were combined and will be sent to the Ilakov Rut Orphanage in Bulgaria, where much needed detergents will be purchased. 12/25/02
MASHAMBANZOU ORPHANAGE IN ZIMBABWE
AIDS is victimizing children across Africa. One of the Zimbabwe orphanages, badly in need of help, is Mashambanzou. The name is derived from the Shona words “kushamba,” meaning to wash, and “nzou,” meaning elephant. It refers to the early morning hours when the elephants go down to the river to wash and refresh themselves. In essence, it means “the dawn of a new day,” and was chosen to offer inspiration to those on the threshold of a new life - people living with AIDS. Two members of the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton, in particular, are working hard to find Orphan Train conductors and other ways to raise money for Mashambanzou. They are Rachelle Richardson and Larry Pinger. Recently, it was reported that $1300 has been raised in the past few weeks. The orphanage, which has endless needs, has a large debt and needy children looking to them for help. This orphanage could use additional conductors, in addition to the University of Wisconsin Rotaract Club. Rachelle and Larry stand ready to guide any organization willing to climb aboard the Orphan Train as a conductor for this orphanage. 12/13/02
ROTARY CLUB OF RICHLAND COUNTY FIRST CONDUCTOR FOR UKRAINE
The Rotary Club of Richland County, Wisconsin has become the first Orphan Train conductor for an orphanage in the Ukraine. The Rotarians were moved by a presentation given by Professor Larry Engel of Edgewood College, who traveled to Dom Internat, a home for children in Borodyanka (a Chernobyl Refugee Resettlement Village). The club’s first donation was $200. Sixty children between the ages of 3 and 18 live at Dom Internat. These children of Chernobyl have some continuing medical issues including thyroid cancer and other serious problems. The Rotary Club of Richland County would be happy to have other clubs and organizations join with them in assisting these needy children. Current needs include the usual food, milk products, clothes, soaps, shampoos, and medical supplies. The annual Food Budget is $62,000 of which the State provides $28,000. A central heating system, costing $10,000 is needed. A used bus or van, with an estimated cost of $15,000 is also desired. 11/16/02
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SUBURBAN PENSACOLA HELPS HOGAR DANIEL
The Rotary Club of West Suburban Pensacola, Florida made an initial contribution of $250 to Hogar Daniel, an orphanage operated by REMAR in Guatemala. Orphan Train Intermediary Dana Mannen reported to the Rotarians that she was able to purchase 15 pairs of shoes and a “much needed” large pressure cooker with their donation. The Orphan Train Project congratulates the Florida Rotarians and hopes their relationship with the children of Hogar Daniel will flourish. A special thanks is offered to West Suburban Pensacola Rotarian Roger Nicholson for coordinating the effort in Florida and Dana Mannen for her work in Guatemala. 10/25/02
PARVOMEI ORPHANS GIFTED BY ROTARY CHILDREN'S FUND (OHIO)
The Rotary Children's Fund of Lakewood, Ohio, which originated with members of the Rotary Club of Rocky River, Ohio, has been a generous Orphan Train Conductor for the children of Parvomei, Bulgaria. What follows is an exchange of correspondence between Orphan Train Intermediary Francine Sullivan, an American living in Bulgaria, and Rotarian John Weedon of the Children's Fund. The other addressee is the Orphan Train Project Chairman: Subject: Parvomei Orphans were happy for your gifts...
Dear Ed and John, I am happy to report that we delivered a bunch of shoes, undershirts, underwear and chocolate bars to the children of Parvomei Orphanage in Bulgaria this past Saturday! (We went a little over budget, but my husband was happy to make up the difference.) We brought with us to the orphans in Parvomei 60 pairs of brand new sneakers, two undershirts and 2 pairs of underwear and 3 pairs of sox for each kid. The total cost of the donation was a little over $700.00 usd which was generously donated by your Rocky River Rotary Club, John! You deserve a pat on the back for helping out these orphans! Way to go! When we arrived, we met one of the assistants named Georgi, who took me on a tour of the facility. He pointed out leaky ceilings and spartan bedrooms, bathrooms with Turkish toilets, and broken wardrobes. (He told me they were thankful for the working water heater in each bathroom, which supplies the 60 children's showers with hot water.) As we waited for some of the children to return from an afternoon walk, we unloaded all the goodies for the kids to see. Finally, the kids returned, we gave them the candy bars, and I took some pictures. (We gave the rest of the goodies to the assistants to hand out later when all the kids would be there.) As we were unloading the careful of new things, I noticed a little shy curiosity, and some content smiles for the chocolate bars. (The caretakers told us they will send the thank you letter and receipt of donation later on, which I will also send to you when I receive them, along with the pictures.) Taking pictures of the kids was fun. A few of the kids really liked the attention. Others were quick to offer a heartfelt smile as a way of saying thank you. As we left, the children said goodbye, and all those little voices together were touching to hear. Many of the children actually did say "thanks". We headed home and hope we can do more for them in the future. Ed, this project would not exist without you, and John, your Club is really helping make these kids difficult lives a little brighter. Thank you, Ed and John, and the members of the Rocky River Rotary Club, for including me in your team of volunteers! God Bless You! - Francine Sullivan, Intermediary
Dear Francine,
Thank you for the wonderful news!
At our Rotary meeting today I read your e-mail to the members. Afterwards, a Rotarian gave me $20 for our children's fund!
You deserve the credit, because you are doing the real work. I'm simply the bagman.
Please send me copies of the photos. (You can mail them to the library to my attention.) I would happy to pay to get them developed.
I hope our work together is not done, so I'll simply say I'll be e-mailing you soon.
God bless you and your family. John 10/6/02
ROTARY CLUB OF SUN PRAIRIE COMES TO AID OF KULA AGAIN
The Orphan Train Project has been told that the Rotary Club of Sun Prairie has plans to donate $1500 to the orphanage at Kula, Bulgaria. Kula is a home for mentally handicapped children. We are grateful to Sun Prairie and to Mariela Valkova, the Orphan Train Intermediary who will assist from the Bulgarian side. 10/10/02
DODGEVILLE KIWANIS RAISES $382.60 FOR LA DIVINA PROVIDENCIA
The Dodgeville, Wisconsin Kiwanis Club recently contributed $382.60 to the children of La Divina Providencia in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. The Kiwanians, the Madison Jaycees and Ridgeway Elementary School have contributed yearly to the girls of La Divina Providencia. Last February, Sister Berta (Director of La Divina Providencia) visited the Kiwanis Club and Ridgeway Elementary School. 10/10/02
EX-JAYCEE PRESIDENT CONTINUES TO HELP GUATEMALAN CHILDREN
Former Madison Jaycee President Tracey Antone visited Guatemala a couple years ago, and met the children helped by her club. No longer a member of the club, Tracey continues to assist the children of Hogar Para Senoritas La Divina Providencia of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Recently, she mailed a package to Orphan Train Intermediary Dana Mannen and received the following note in return: October 9, 2002 Tracey,
Just a quick note to let you know this a.m. we received your package. Including: 3 CD's, 1 cassette, 5 Cards of Hair accessories, 1 Pixy Stix, 1 assorted bag of candy, plus, your letter with photos and check. If it is okay with you both...I would like to take the girls swimming and spend the rest on educational cd's for the computer and some new videos for the vcr or maybe a movie night at the theater. It's important to me that your donation goes to the girls as you wish. The above are my ideas...let me hear yours. When are ya'll gonna come visit me again?
Warm Hugs from Xela, Dana 10/9/02
CIMCO AND THE PELLEYS DONATE $2000 TO MAKUMBI, ZIMBABWE
CIMCo and the Chris and Kathleen Pelley Family of Colorado donated $2000 to the children of the Makumbi Orphanage in Zimbabwe. The CIMCo and Pelley concern for the children of Makumbi have been demonstrated over many years. These children find themselves in the orphanage because their parents have died of AIDS. 8/30/02
MOOSEHEART REPRESENTATIVES TO GIVE SEMINAR IN SVISHTOV
Rotarians in the City of Svishtov, Bulgaria plan to welcome Mooseheart staff members, Beth Littrell and Scott Hartman, later this month. Thanks to the coordinating efforts of Orphan Train Intermediary Mitko Nenkov, the Mooseheart team will present a two-day seminar on the Mooseheart approach to childcare. The seminar is scheduled for September 2nd and 3rd. During their time in Bulgaria, Beth and Scott will visit several Bulgarian orphanages. Planners hope many orphanage directors and Orphan Train Intermediaries will attend the seminar. 8/3/02
ROTARY CLUB OF WAUNAKEE TO WORK WITH JUAN PABLO II IN PERU
We are pleased to announce that the Rotary Club of Waunakee has agreed to work with the Peruvian orphanage called Juan Pablo II. Juan Pablo II has two campuses, one in Lurin and the other in Chontabamba. Juan Pablo II cares for One hundred children. The Orphan Train Intermediary for the match is Noelle T. Veltze. We understand application for a matching grant is being planned. Welcome aboard! 8/3/02
ROTARY CLUB OF OSHKOSH IS NEW CONDUCTOR FOR PERUVIAN HOME
The Rotary Club of Oshkosh joins the Rotary Club of Oshkosh Southwest, the Edgewood College Student Government Association, and the Rotaract Club of Edgewood College in their support of La Familia Sagrada (Holy Family) Orphanage in Lima Peru. Members of all groups participated in visits to their orphanage in the past. 8/3/02
Joel and Andrew Rewald, representatives of the Braun Family Charities, plan to visit their orphanage at Slatino, Bulgaria in early September. Orphan Train Intermediary Francine Sullivan is coordinating the visit. 8/3/02
RIDGEWWAY ELEMENTARY DONATES TO LA DIVINA PROVIDENCIA
The CHAMPS Club of Ridgeway Elementary School, Ridgeway, Wisconsin, announced a gift of $250 to their orphanage of La Divina Providencia in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. The students had several fundraisers during the year for the children of Quetzaltenango and their other charity, which assists the poor in Mississippi. Earlier this year, the children of Ridgeway were visited by the director of their home, who personally thanked the children for all their previous gifts, while telling them about the lives of her students. CHAMPS and Ridgeway Elementary have been a consistent conductor organization since the start of the Orphan Train Project. They are truly having an impact on the lives of their fellow students. 6/28/02
CHILDREN OF SLATINO RECEIVE HELP FROM BRAUN FAMILY CHARITIES
The Curt and Mary Braun Family Charities recently donated $1200 to their orphanage at Slatino, Bulgaria. Lisa and Joel Rewald of the Braun Family Charities are working with Orphan Train Intermediary Francine Sullivan in determining how best to use the funds. The story of previous donations, with pictures, can be found on the Roundhouse page, elsewhere on this web site. 6/24/02
ALTRUSA CLUB AND BURISH START LIBRARY AT PERUVIAN ORPHANAGE
The ALTRUSA Club of Marshfield, Wisconsin made an unrestricted gift of $100 to the Orphan Train Project. We combined it with $200 of the Andrew Burish gift (see story of $5000 donation elsewhere on this page) and will use it to fund the start of a library at Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II in Peru. The administrator, upon hearing of the donation, wrote: "How exciting that we can finally start buying the books that our kids so badly need! ……" Noelle T. Veltze, Administradora - Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II. The Peruvian orphanage is looking for a permanent conductor, a club or school that will work with them on an ongoing basis. It is located on two campuses, and they have 100 children in their care. 6/24/02
CHILDREN OF STRAZHITSA, BULGARIA TO RECEIVE NEW BOOKS
The Orphan Train Project has designated $200 of the Andrew Burish gift to purchase books for the orphanage at Strazhitsa, Bulgaria. The books will be acquired and delivered with the assistance of the Rotary Club of Svishtov and Dr. Mitko Nenkov, Orphan Train Intermediary. The Rotary Club of Svishtov is a general conductor on the Orphan Train, meaning they help with a variety of orphanages. The Rotarians in Svishtov are long time friends of the Orphan Train Project. We are grateful to Andrew Burish, the Rotarians and Dr. Nenkov for making this possible. The orphanage at Strazhitsa, home to 76 children, is also looking for another conductor club of school. 6/24/02
RABBIT-BREEDING INITIATIVE IN QUETZALTENANGO
La Divina Providencia in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala will receive $600 for a rabbit- breeding program from the Orphan Train Project. The funding was made possible by the impact gift of Andrew Burish. The rabbit program was the idea of Orphan Train Intermediary Dana Mannen. Dana believes the rabbits will serve as a source of food and income. The Orphan Train Project appreciates innovative ideas. Thanks Dana and Andy. 6/23/02
ST. MARIA GORETTI KIDS RAISE $2794.71 FOR SANTA MARIA DE JESUS
On the last day of the school year, the children of St. Maria Goretti School in Madison, Wisconsin presented Orphan Train Project Chairman Ed Fink with a check for $2794.71. The money is to be used to help their fellow students at the children's home in Mazatenango, Guatemala known as Santa Maria de Jesus. Rotarian Mary Feldt, also at the presentation ceremonies, told the children about her recent visit to Santa Maria de Jesus and other orphanages in Guatemala. She left the children with a poster board covered with pictures of their friends in Guatemala. How the funds are spent will be reported on in a future article. The Orphan Train Project salutes the consistent charity of the children and staff of St. Maria Goretti. 6/15/02
ROTARY CLUB OF SVISHTOV DONATES TO ILAKOV RUT
Honorary Rotarian and Orphan Train Intermediary Mitko Nenkov of Svishtov reported that the orphange at Ilakov Rut was recently visited by two members of the Svishtov Rotary Club. A donation of detergents to cover the needs of the home for the next half year was delivered. The director, Mrs. Stefanova, happily received the donated supplies on behalf of the children of her home. The Rotary Club of Svishtov is one of only two Bulgarian conductors on the Orphan Train Project. The Svishtov Rotarians are known for their concern for children. The Rotary Club of Svishtov has been a special friend of the Orphan Train Project since it began. 6/15/02
ROTARY CHILDREN'S FUND-CONCUCTOR FOR ST. CYRIL & METHODIUS
The Rotary Children's Fund, a 501 (c ) ( 3 ) organization, spun off and seeded by the Rotary Club of Lakewood/Rocky River, Ohio, has agreed to become the Orphan Train conductor for St.Cyril and Methodius Orphanage in Gorna Bresnica, Bulgaria. St. Cyril and Methodius serves 76 children. Lubomir Simeonov Velev is the director. One of the unique ways the Rotary Children's Fund raises money is with concerts by a Russian folk group lead by Rotarian Vitaliy Bezrodnov. Vitaliy, and his fellow trio members, are classically trained musicians, who have entertained European and American audiences alike. For a look and listen to the group, click on their web site at www.russianfolk.com. The first donation to St. Cyril and Methodius is for $700. It will be used to purchase underwear, socks and sneakers. The Rotary Children's Fund contact is Rotarian John Weedon. The Orphan Train Intermediary is Francine Sullivan, an American living in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. 6/05/02
OOOH CREW ADDS SECOND HOME IN BULGARIA AND MAKES DONATION
The OOOH Crew (Orphans of Our Hearts), an organization of parents who have adopted Bulgarian children, recently added a second orphanage to their charitable endeavors. The Crew agreed to be the Orphan Train conductor for the Orphanage for Upbringing Children Without Parent Care "Assen Zlatarov" at Haskovo, Bulgaria. The Haskovo orphanage has 86 residents and the director is Mrs. Zhulieta Kirilova Lateva.
The Crew already is the conductor for an orphanage at Gabrovo, Bulgaria. Thanks to a donation of $500 from OOOH Crew members Catherine Wright and David Leet of Alaska, and an expected match from the BP Foundation, the lives of the children of Haskovo will be improved. Donors, in looking over the list of needed items, asked that funds be used for a camera or athletic equipment, unless those needs have already been met. The Madison West Towne-Middleton Rotary Foundation, Inc. a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) organization is receiving the donations for Crew members. In Bulgaria, the Orphan Train Intermediary for the Assen Zlatarov Home is Nina Nikolaeva Minkova, a Sofia Attorney. We are grateful to all those involved in bringing help to the children of Haskovo. 6/05/02
ORPHAN TRAIN & ROTARY CLUB OF PITTSBURGH EAST IN SOUTH AFRICA
The Rotary Club of Pittsburgh East, already a conductor for an orphanage in Elhovo, Bulgaria, asked to add a second orphanage in Africa. They wanted to help children whose lives were impacted by AIDS. With the help of Pittsburgh East Club member Cecilia Wandiga, the Orphan Train was able to discover The Love of Christ Ministries' Orphanage in Eikenhof (outside Johannesburg), South Africa, run by the Jarvis Family. Thea Jarvis, a Rotary Paul Harris recipient, is the executive director. Currently, they care for 35 children, whose lives have been touched by AIDS. Since the orphanage began in 1993, the orphanage has been able to place more than 260 infants. Interestingly enough, one of the most recent placements was with a Pittsburgh family. You will find their web site at www.tlc.org.za/ to be very fascinating. Take a look! Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Pittsburgh East for finding another opportunity to help children. Welcome aboard Thea and the Love of Christ Ministries' Orphanage. 6/05/02
WISCONSIN YOUTH COMPANY RECEIVES WORDS OF APPRECIATION
The Wisconsin Youth Company is a non-profit organization in Madison, Wisconsin, which provides after school programs and informal educational opportunities for children. (Their web site is found at www.wisconsinyouthcompany.org). The Wisconsin Youth Company is one of the Orphan Train Conductors for La Asunsion, a home for girls operated by Fundaninas, a non-profit, in Guatemala City. Recently, Sandy Miller of the Wisconsin Youth Company, received the following letter of thanks from Isabel Bosch of Fundaninas:
Dear Sandy: Hope this letter finds you and family well. Everything down here at the Fundaninas home is going well. We have 5 girls who arrived Fundaninas 2 months ago, they are very sweet. Sorry for my late reply, due to the many projects I get involved with I never get a chance to catch up with all my correspondence. The Sisters from Guatemala were so happy and learned so much from the trip in Jan/Feb. they are applying the skills they achieved from all of you, and are doing great at it. Please tell the girls at your end that we did receive the wonderful gifts from them, the girls were delighted. Their self-esteem is incredibly high, they mention they feel a certain emotion to have friends in the USA and to be able to trade letters and gifts. Also the girls have been saving up money from their allowance in order to buy some gifts for your girls, and are preparing notes and letters to include them in a box you will be receiving shortly via CPS-Karla de Matta. Thanks again for the items you are planning on sending, plus de videos of "double dutch", seem like their going to have lots of fun and entertainment. On behalf of the Sisters and girls, receive our greetings and warmest regards, Isabel Bosch 5/15/02
JACQUE AND JIM SCHUTZ HONORED BY SERTOMA
The Sertoma Club of Madison, Wisconsin honored Jim and Jacque Schutz with their annual "Service to Mankind Award." The ceremony was held at the Radisson Inn in Madison on April 4th. Past recipients include a long list of distinguished Madisonians. Jacque and Jim were recognized for their numerous community activities, including the Midwest Rowing Regatta, vision screening, scouting, grant writing for non-profits, the Orphan Train Project etc., etc. The Schutz Family has participated in two vision screening trips in association with the Orphan Train Project and its special conductor for vision screening, the Madison Central Lions Club. The Orphan Train Project salutes Jim and Jacque Schutz who make the world a better place for all of us. 4/10/02
ANDREW BURISH MAKES IMPACT GIFT TO THE ORPHAN TRAIN PROJECT
The Orphan Train Project acknowledges a $5000 gift from Andrew Burish of Madison. Mr. Burish's gift, at his request, will benefit many children at several orphanages. Francine Sullivan, our Orphan Train Intermediary in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, and Rotarian Jeannine Desautels will determine how the money is to be spent. It is expected that certain designated orphanages in Bulgaria and Guatemala will benefit from this gift. A more detailed report will follow in a future Roundhouse article, elsewhere on this web site. The Orphan Train Project thanks Mr. Burish for his kindness to the children of Bulgaria and Guatemala. 4/10/02
ARIZONA VISIT WITH BARRY AND MILENA FENO
The Orphan Train Project often gets to know people from a distance. Former Peace Corps Volunteer Barry Feno, and his wife Milena, were two such people. Barry's work with the Orphan Train provided assistance to Mooseheart, the Optimists of Cross Plains (WI) and the Rotary Club of Aurora (IL), as they all worked to help children at orphanages in Shiroka Luka, Bulgaria. After Barry left Bulgaria, his wife Milena found two people to continue the work. Her brother Boyan Milev and his friend Sanya Dyulgerova now provide needed and enthusiastic assistance. Rotarian Ed Fink, and wife Diane, recently had the good fortune of an enjoyable luncheon visit with the Fenos while visiting Arizona. Barry and Milena are as nice in person as they are by e-mail. Barry and Milena now reside in Flagstaff, Arizona and continue to support the Orphan Train Project. 4/9/02
OOOH CREW IS NEWEST CONDUCTOR FOR GABROVO
Recently, the Orphan Train was contacted by a group of adoptive parents wanting to climb aboard. All had adopted from Bulgaria, and some from Gabrovo. The initial spark of interest came from Darcy Zook, one of the parents, who saw her recently adopted daughter's picture on our website. The group refers to themselves as the OOOH Crew, "OOOH" being an acronym for "Orphans of Our Hearts." They want to continue to help those children who have been left behind. There are 10 in the group, all of them having adopted from Bulgaria, but from several different orphanages. To quote Darcy: "We met on a bigger Bulgaria adoption list but broke off and created our own as we had grown close and had a sense of humor the others just didn't quite appreciate. We are from Washington, Alaska, California, Utah, Kansas, Ohio, Florida, and Maryland. Several of us have met. In fact the family from Kansas was just here for their Spring Break and we had the best time. We plan a summer reunion with all of us." The OOOH Crew also hopes to add an orphanage at Haskovo, as several families have adopted from there. However, they need to find an Intermediary from that area. The orphanage at Gabrovo has two other conductors, i.e. the Rotary Club of Madison (WI) South and Googins and Company. Welcome aboard OOOH Crew! 4/02/02
The Orphan Train's newest Intermediaries, Sanya Dyulgerova and Boyan Milev, have created a beautiful web site, which has a pictorial visit to two of the orphanages they serve, i.e. Katia Vancheva and Mother and Child in Shiroka Luka, Bulgaria. In addition, it shows letters of thanks (In two languages) and pictures of the area itself. See www.advance.bg/otp. It is well worth your time! Thanks for a super job. We also plan to hot link their site to the Orphanages and Conductors page of our own web site for each of the two orphanages. 3/16/02
EDGEWOOD COLLEGE STUDENT GOVERNMENT PERUVIAN INITIATIVE
The Orphan Train Project is pleased to announce a new conductor. "Edgewood College SGA-Project Peru" will be the second conductor for La Familia Sagrada in Lima, Peru. The other conductor is the Rotary Club of Oshkosh Southwest. The work of the Edgewood College Student Government Association, in Peru, is led by Jessica Benton-Cooney. Working with the Oshkosh Rotarians, Jessica created a film which tells the story of La Familia Sagrada. Jessica also had the opportunity to teach English on a recent visit to the home. In a flyer prepared by Edgewood, seeking support of the Peruvian orphanage, potential donors are reminded of the sister state relationship with Peru and that the Wisconsin's honorary ambassador to Peru is Carlos Rioja, President of the Rotary Club of La Molina Veija.
The Rotary Club of Oskhosh Southwest and the Student Government Association of Edgewood College have big plans for La Familia Sagrada and seek others willing to help in their work. Plans include building three housing units for girls, establishing a chicken farm operation and updating electrical service. A trip to Peru in April, 2002 is also in the works.
Anyone wishing to see the video or help in this work can contact the Orphan Train Project or Jessica Benton-Cooney at jBenton-Cooney@edgewood.edu. Welcome aboard Edgewood College Student Government Association - Project Peru! 3/16/02
FIRST FLORIDA ROTARY CLUB CLIMBS ABOARD THE ORPHAN TRAIN
Hogar Daniel Para Ninos (Daniel's Home for Children) in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala is the newest orphanage to join the list of homes being helped by the Orphan Train Project. It is operated by REMAR. The conductor is the Rotary Club of West Suburban Pensacola, Florida. This is the first Florida organization to climb aboard. The director is Juan Carlos Asiain, from Spain. Currently, the orphanage has 14 boys and 15 girls. Intermediary to both parties is Dana Mannen. Thank you all. 2/22/02
ROTARY OF HENNIKER (NH) SUPPORTS FOSTER CARE IN CHINA
The Rotary Club of Henniker, New Hampshire applied for and received a Helping Grant from Rotary International for their Shenyang Orphanage Project. With the money they raised, and the match from RI, the combination of funds totaled $3500. The Club plans to support 10 of the youngsters in foster homes this year, enabling them to get medical care, educational assistance and the social skills needed to prepare them for adoption. Ruth Zax, Club President, recently sent a press release to the local papers about her club's helping hand to the orphans of China. They are going to put some pictures of the children on their web site, along with stories as they are sent to them. Any club or school wishing to be an added conductor for the orphanage at Shenyang should contact the Orphan Train Project. 1/26/02
TEXAS ROTARY CLUB CONTINUES TO HELP MEXICAN ORPHANAGE
Bob Bouse of the Rotary Club of Hurst-Euless-Bedford (Texas) sent the following report to the Orphan Train Project: "Yes, we are moving along on our work with the El Angel Orphanage at Huajuapan De Leon, Oaxaca, Mexico, We are currently working with the Mexican Consulate in Dallas to get permission to drive a 1995 Mercury Villager down to Huajuapan. Rotarian Lew Riggan bought the Van and is donating it the orphanage. They have had no motor transportation for several years. Also, the Rotary Club of Huajuapan has made application for a $23,750 matching for the orphanage. Our club has some money set aside for the match, but not enough. We will have to go to the District to involve other clubs. The H E B Rotary Club intends to underwrite the $5,750 requested as their share of the matching grant. Thanks for your help." 1/17/02
KOSOVO HELPED BY ST. JEROME AND COLUMBUS (WI) ROTARIANS
The children of St. Jerome School in Columbus, Wisconsin and the Rotary Club of Columbus are making arrangements to purchase a number of things for their friends at the Kosovo School, an orphanage near Vidin, Bulgaria. Among the planned purchases are plenty of new books. This year, the children of St. Jerome's raised $2273.80, while the Rotarians are contributing $1347.50. This annual effort by the small Wisconsin community of Columbus proves that small towns have big hearts! Columbus cares about kids! Congratulations to all concerned. Special thanks to the children and staff of St. Jerome, all Columbus Rotarians, with special kudos to David Wright and Russ Fredrick, Honorary Rotarian Mariela Valkova, St. Jerome Principal Kim Frederick, Doverie member Lidia Kamenova and everyone else who helped make this year's project a success. 1/08/02
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Orphan Train Project
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