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OVCHA MOGILA ORPHANS HELPED BY ROTARY CLUB OF
OREGON
On December 23, 2004, Orphan Train Intermediary Mitko Nenkov received
$986 from the Rotary Club of Oregon, Wisconsin for the orphanage at
Ovcha Mogila, Bulgaria known as “St. Kliment Ohridski.” Mr. Nenkov is
associated with the Rotary Club of Svishtov, Bulgaria. Because of the
gift from the Oregon Club, the children will be able to practice
volleyball, soccer, basketball, table tennis, wrestling and other sports
favored by the children. New equipment has been ordered and paid for
with this donation. A newly painted, but still empty gymnasium, awaits
the arrival of the equipment and lots of future fun.
The Rotary Club of Svishtov and Mitko Nenkov have assisted the Rotary
Club of Oregon and other Orphan Train participants for many years.
12/31/04
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MADISON AREA ROTARIAN AND WIFE PROVIDE NEW BOOKS
FOR ELHOVO
Wishing to remain anonymous, a Rotarian from the Madison, Wisconsin area
and his wife donated $1000 to the Pittsburgh East Rotary Foundation to re-establish
a library in the orphanage in Elhovo, Bulgaria. The Rotary Club of Pittsburgh
East is the Orphan Train Conductor for Elhovo.
In a December 21, 2004 article in the Wisconsin State Journal, reporter
Andy Hall quoted information from the University of Wisconsin librarians,
working on their own local program to introduce books to disadvantaged children,
as follows: “ The librarians cite national research showing that if a child
connects with even a single book, it can touch off a lifelong affinity for
reading.” Books, it seems, are a source of inspiration, knowledge and entertainment.
Prior to the gift by our donors, Orphan Train Intermediary Milka Peeva
responded to our question about the availability of a library or books for
the children at the Elhovo Orphanage. She wrote: “…. I spoke to the vice
- director of the orphanage and what she told me was that there was no such
thing as library. There used to be one with very old books, but no one visits
it now because of the "ancient" literature in it. No children's books, no
toys, no videos. The available materials are torn and yellow, but the room
exists and it could be used for renovations and new materials. The other
thing is that they don't use the other libraries - the one in town or in
other schools - alone, they use the books there only with a companion, and
they are not allowed to take books to the orphanage because the orphanage
does not have money for fees…As far as you can see things are getting worse
each day …”
Fortunately, there are people who care that children learn how to read.
Other articles below also reflect that desire to share the joy of reading.
Merry Christmas! 12/23/24
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WISCONSIN ROTARIAN AND WIFE DONATE TO MGOLOLE
IN TANZANIA
A Madison Area Rotarian and his wife donated $1000 to the children of
Mgolole in Tanzania. The orphanage is home to forty children and is run
by a religious order of Catholic nuns, known as the Mgolole Sisters. In
material prepared by the Orphan Train Intermediary for Mgolole, we read:
“they are the only hope for these children. There is no state agency that
processes the orphans; no placement service; no medical service; no referral
service; and no option for the children. Most often, the children are literally
left at the doorstep. Many are in need of medical treatment that the Sisters
can’t afford or provide. On average, the Sisters bury about 17-20 children
per year. They try to raise enough money for the older children to attend
school, but this is a low priority when feeding the others is the compromise.
The donors feel blessed, and wanted to share some of what they have with
the less fortunate. 12/23/04
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BOOK MONEY – A CHRISTMAS GIFT FROM ARIZONA TO
PERU
Hogar Santa Teresita of Tingo Maria, Peru is home to 70-80 boys and girls
between the ages of 5 and 12 years of age. Mary Beth Barnett of Arizona
sent $500 to provide books for the children of Santa Teresita at Christmas.
12/23/04
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READING TUTOR BUYS BOOKS FOR LA DIVINA PROVIDENCIA
IN GUATEMALA
Christmas is also a time to book it in Guatemala thanks to a gift of
$100 from retired teacher and reading tutor Hannah Pickett of Madison, Wisconsin.
Ms. Pickett currently tutors children at John Muir Elementary School in
Madison and has grandchildren born in Guatemala. Hannah Pickett’s donation,
and $25.00 from other Madisonians, will buy some nice new books for the
children of La Divina Providencia in Guatemala. 12/23/04
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MOOSEHEART GENEROUS TO CHILDREN OF KATIA
VANCHEVA
We recently learned the Rev. Thomas E.
Riemenschneider, Chaplain at Mooseheart, forwarded $280 to the Orphan
Train Intermediaries be used to help the children at the orphanage known
as Katia Vancheva, in Shiroka Luka, Bulgaria. Mooseheart students have
consistently helped their friends at Katia Vancheva for several years.
Mooseheart’s famed “Child City” is located in Illinois. To learn more
about Mooseheart, you can go to their website at
www.mooseheart.org. 12/20/04
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DONATION OF MONEY MADE TO MASHAMBANZOU
Madisonians Rachelle Richardson and Larry Pinger learned about the devistation
of AIDS when they visited Mashambanzou in Zimbabwe, where they observed
caregivers visiting afflicted families and at the care center itself. Remembering
these children, Rachelle and Larry have looked for ways to bring assistance.
Rachelle and Larry recently raised funds privately and forwarded $650 for
the foundation that helps.
Of the organization behind Mashambanzou, Rachelle wrote: “Mashambanzou
is an interdenominational, non-profit organization committed to providing
quality care and support to poor people affected by HIV/AIDS in the high-density
areas of Harare, and to helping empower the local community to deal with
the AIDS pandemic with compassion and dedication. Mashambanzou Care Trust
has been in operation since 1990 and is registered as a Welfare Organization
(9/90) with the Ministry of Social Welfare, Zimbabwe. It has a Board of
Trustees and an Executive Board. The Mashambanzou Care Trust is dedicated
to helping them in a number of ways: - initial and ongoing assessment of
orphans through home visits - payment of school fees and levies, supply
of uniforms, shoes and exercise books - implementation of supplementary
feeding plans in all areas in which they work - counseling, especially bereavement
counseling, with regular follow-up sessions, as well as peer group counseling
in schools.” 12/12/04
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PENYO AND MARIA VELKOVI ORPHANAGE TO RECEIVE SLIPPERS
Thanks to the Rotary Club of Madison Breakfast (Madison, Wisconsin),
the children at the Penyo and Maria Velkovi Orphanage in Tarnovo, Bulgaria
will each receive a new pair of slippers for Christmas. The $300 project
will be coordinated in Bulgaria by Mitko Nenkov, long time Orphan Train
Intermediary. 12/16/04
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FIRST REPORT IN FROM YAKORUDA TO MIDDLETON AREA
SUNRISE
On December 8th, we reported that the Rotary Club of Middleton Area Sunrise
(Middleton, Wisconsin) donated $1500 to buy badly needed textbooks for an
orphanage in Yakoruda, Bulgaria. The money was sent to Orphan Train Intermediary
Sylvia Marinova, who immediately got to work buying the books and bookbags.
This too is a lovely expression of the season. Congratulations again to
the Rotary Club of Middleton Area Sunrise, with special thanks to Sylvia
for her “service above self,” living up to the Rotary motto.
December 16, 2004
Dear David,
Some preliminary information regarding the kind donation from Rotary
Club of Middleton Area: We purchased the textbooks today and 59 school
backpacks for all the kids (different types by age and gender). Just a
few sets of English textbooks will arrive with some delay.
Will provide a detailed report and photos as soon as we deliver
them too. Hope you can feel the happiness of the children and their excitement!
Thank you once again! Hope you all have a Wonderful Holiday Season!
May the New Year be Happy and Peaceful!
With my best regards,
Sylvia Marinova 12/16/04
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ROMANIA’S FORGET ME NOT HOUSE REMEMBERED BY VIROQUA
ROTARIAN
The Orphan Train Project received welcome Christmas news from Rotarian
Lou Mindar, former president of the Rotary Club of Viroqua, and his wife
Kim. The Mindars had the experience of traveling to Romania to meet and
work with the children and staff of Forget Me Not House. We are pleased
at their continuous encouragement to the children of Forget Me Not House.
December 15, 2004
Ed -- Merry Christmas! I wanted to let you know that Kim and I are
wiring $1,000 to Forget Me Not House in Galati, Romania. The wire transfer
should take place by the end of this week.
We are absolutely blessed to be involved with Dana Ariton, Anna
Burtea and Forget Me Not House. We would have never made this connection
if it were not for the great work being done by the Rotary Orphan Train
project. Thank you for the opportunity and for your continuing efforts
to help orphanages around the world. We look forward to continuing (and
hopefully increasing) our involvement with Rotary Orphan Train and Forget
Me Not House in 2005. Have a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy
and prosperous 2005.
Merry Christmas,
Kim & Lou Mindar 12/15/04
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ROTARY CLUB OF MONROE MAKES CHRISTMAS MERRY IN
SHOUMEN
The good news is the Rotary Club of Monroe, through its foundation, is
sending $21,702.20 to be used at its orphanage in Shoumen, Bulgaria, home
to 156 children. This is the largest single donation, since the Orphan Train
began in 1997. The sad news is the Rotary Club of Monroe, Wisconsin has
decided to disband. Monroe’s gift, and others within their own city, are
terrific examples of what Rotary can do for the community and the world.
The generous expression of love by the people of Monroe will leave a lasting
legacy to the people of Shoumen, especially the children. Planning is now
underway with Orphan Train Intermediaries in the area, including the Shoumen
Rotaract president Yuliana Popova and Peace Corps Volunteer Mark Jackson,
along with Monroe Rotarian Josephine Kischer and fellow club members.
It is our sincere hope that Rotary will return to Monroe. 12/9/04
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ROTARY CLUB OF MIDDLETON AREA SUNRISE AND YAKORUDA
The Rotary Club of Middleton Area Sunrise (WI), and their foundation,
responded to a call for help for their orphanage at Yakoruda, Bulgaria.
When asked if the orphanage could use new resource books and storybooks,
Orphan Train Intermediary Sylvia Marinova informed club members that the
big need was textbooks. The elementary age school children had one set of
texts for each grade and none for high school age students. With $500 of
club funds, and a donation to their foundation of $1000 by a local businessman,
Middleton Area Sunrise was able to forward $1500 to be used for textbooks,
with hopefully a little left over for other books and book bags. From Sylvia’s
comments, we learned that there is lots of excitement at the Yakoruda home.
Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Middleton Area Sunrise for creating
educational opportunities. 12/8/04
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PITTSBURGH EAST FOUNDATION ASSISTS FUNDRAISERS
FOR TLC
The Rotary Club of Pittsburgh East, working with adoptive mother Dana
Gold and others, reported that they received $5000 in donations for the
TLC (The Love of Christ Ministries) Orphanage in South Africa, which will
be used towards “bilirubin” testing for jaundice. Money was recently sent
to TLC. 12/8/04
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SUN PRAIRIE ROTARY VISION TEAM SPEAKS OUT
The Orphan Train’s vision team from the Rotary Club of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
has been speaking to many groups about their experiences checking vision
and prescribing eyeglasses to children in Bulgarian orphanages. Team members
Robert Wopat, Dr. Richard Wright, Mary Kay Von Allmen and Ruth Wopat have
spoken to many groups including: The Rotary Club of Sun Prairie, The Rotary
Club of Marshfield Breakfast, The Rotary Club of Columbus, the Rotary Club
of Middleton Area Sunrise, Our Saviors Lutheran Church Men's Group, Prairie
Athletic Club Members and general public, Sun Prairie 20th Century Club
and most likely others by now. The team is considering a future trip, perhaps
including dentists, to Bulgaria, Peru or possibly another Orphan Train country.
Anyone wishing to have the team speak to his or her club or organization
should contact Robert Wopat at (608) 837-8694. 12/8/04.
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TDS INTERNET SERVICES KINDLY PROVIDES WEBSITE
At Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the many gifts the Orphan Train Project
has received for the institutionalized children of the world. Through this
TDS hosted website, people around the globe have become aware of the plight
of children and have taken action. For youngsters who have been left without
parents, or have otherwise been abandoned, neglected or abused, our website
stands as a constant reminder of their needs. The Orphan Train Project appreciates
TDS Internet Services, and their predecessor corporations, for giving us
a vehicle to tell the story. General Manager Al Ripp and the people of TDS
in Middleton, Wisconsin have been our quiet benefactors since we began in
1997. Thank you! Ed Fink, Chairman - Orphan Train Committee 11/24/04
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ROTARY CLUB OF WISCONSIN RAPIDS SUNRISE FORWARDS
$1000 FOR CHILDREN OF BELOGRADCHICK, BULGARIA
The Orphan Train received a report from Jennifer Lemke of the Rotary
Club of Wisconsin Rapids Sunrise that a gift of $1000 has been sent to Bulgaria
for their orphanage at Belogradchick. Orphan Train Intermediary Evtim Stefanov
and the NGO Doverie will administer the gift. As with all Orphan Train matches,
the intermediary will report back with receipts and pictures. The club and
the intermediary are working together on what purchases to make. The Rotary
Club of Wisconsin Rapids Sunrise has been a long time supporter of the children
at Belogradchick. Well done! 10/16/04
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ROTARY CLUB OF VIROQUA HELPS HEART OF A CHILD
OF ROMANIA
Lou Mindar of the Rotary Club of Viroqua reported that his club has donated
$500 to Forget Me Not House in Romania. Forget Me Not House, operated by
Heart of a Child Foundation, was the first orphanage assisted by the Viroqua
Rotarians. Rotarians from Viroqua and elsewhere visited Romania in 2003
and continue to be involved, something the Orphan Train hopes other conductor
groups will do as well. 10/16/04
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ROBERT AND SUSAN TITUS HELP TINGO MARIA IN PERU
There is a very poor place in Peru called Santa Teresita in Tingo Maria.
Rotarians Susan and Robert Titus learned about this needy home when they
hosted Sister Mary Ann Leininger this past summer, while she was visiting
Madison as part of an Orphan Train experience. Thanks to Susan and Robert,
the children of received a gift of $500. Many, many things are needed at
Tingo Maria, but among the gifts purchased from the donation will be a television
and a DVD set. Sister Mary Ann promised to take the gifts to Santa Teresita
when the rain and mudslides ended. 1/16/04
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PILLCO MOZO OF PERU RECEIVES $5000 FROM ANDREW
AND ANNA BURISH
This summer, Anna Burish had the opportunity to meet Sister Mary Ann
Leininger and Father Crisanto Guerra Calixto. Sister Mary Ann is an Orphan
Train Intermediary for several orphanages in Peru, including San Juan Bosco,
and is herself director of an orphanage known as Pillco Mozo. Father Crisanto
is the orphanage director for San Juan Bosco, an orphanage that has been
the beneficiary of two large gifts from Andrew and Anna Burish. Anna asked
Sister Mary Ann about the needs of her own orphanage, something she hasn’t
talked about, deferring to the needs of others. Anna discovered that Pillco
Mozo needed another bathroom. The orphanage had only four toilets for fifty-two
little boys. Andrew and Anna Burish again demonstrated their generosity
toward orphaned children by donating $5000 toward the construction of a
new bathroom for Pillco Mozo. Work is underway! 10/16/04
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ROMANIAN CHILD SPONSORED BY PETER FAUERBACH AND
MARGARET ZOELLER
When Romanian Orphanage Directors Daniella Ariton and Dr. Anna Burtea
visited the Orphan Train in March 2003, Rotarian Peter Fauerbach was touched
by their story of the Romanian children and their struggles to help them.
Peter and his wife Margaret Zoeller decided to get involved and sponsor
a child. Last year, the Fauerbach-Zoeller family made their first gift of
$600. This year, they have generously sent another $600 to make the life
of “their” Romanian child a little better. 10/16/04
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ROTARACT OF U.W. WISCONSIN/IBSA AT WORK FOR MASHAMBANZOU
The Rotaract Club of the University of Wisconsin/IBSA has been at work
trying to raise money for the children of Mashambanzou, Zimbabwe. One of
the members has personally raised $500 from friends and family. In addition,
the club has a pledge site on the web, through “justgiving.com.” Justgiving
takes a percentage of the money and sends it directly to Mashambanzou monthly.
We congratulate the U.W. students their on-line effort and their kindness
to the children of Mashambanzou.
Rotaractors would like to call your attention to a general fundraiser
for the Rotaract Club, to be held October 12th 6:30 P.M.- 8:30 P.M. on Tuesday,
October 12th at the Tuscany Mediteranean Grill, 2969 Cahill Main Road, Fitchburg,
Wisconsin (off of Fish Hatchery Road). The theme is “Wines of the World.”
You will be introduced to wines from all of the main wine-growing regions
of the world. Those wishing to reserve a place, at a price of $30 per person,
should contact kmweyland@wisc.edu
by Friday, October 8th. 10/5/04
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ROTARY CLUB OF VIROQUA TO HELP PERUVIAN CHILDREN’S
SITE
The Rotary Club of Viroqua, Wisconsin has added a second home to its
charitable activities, the latest being a Peruvian facility called Los Angelitos
de Potracancha. Viroqua is also an Orphan Train conductor for Forget Me
Not House in Romania.
Initially, the Viroqua Rotarians are sending $900, which will help buy
much-needed items from a list of requested goods. The needs include a semi-industrial
stove, a washing machine, kitchen utensils, pots, pans, games, toys, an
outdoor swing/slide, sheets, blankets, towels, pillows, furniture cupboards,
tables, chairs, cribs and an examination table. The current needs total
$2980.
Technically, Los Angelitos de Potracancha, in the foothills of Huanuco,
and ten miles outside the city, is a day care center inside the women’s
section of the penitentiary. If a prisoner gives birth while in jail, or
has no one to care for her children, then the inmate may keep her children
with her until the youngsters are four years of age. Each morning, an average
of 25-30 infants and small children are sent to the day care center. From
8:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M., three women prisoners take care of the children.
In addition to the prison help, a social worker employed by the penitentiary
sometimes collaborates. A local chaplain helps out. Another important support
group for the children has been the Rotaract Club Sin Fronteras of Huanuco,
Peru. The Rotaractors have been helping out for three years. They certainly
welcome the assistance of their Rotarian friends from Viroqua.
Viroqua Rotarian Ken Childs was instrumental in connecting his club with
Los Angelitos de Potracancha, and would welcome other groups getting involved.
Sister Mary Ann Leininger will assist as Orphan Train intermediary. 9/11/04
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ST. JEROME SCHOOL OF COLUMBUS, WISCONSIN SENDS
HELP
For several years, the children of St. Jerome School of Columbus, Wisconsin
have found it in their hearts to look after their friends at an orphanage
in Kosovo, Bulgaria. Recently, the school forwarded $2000 to intermediaries
in Vidin, Bulgaria, who will assist in spending the money on behalf of the
donors. As with all Orphan Train projects, the intermediaries will report
back with receipts and pictures. Watch for a follow-up story on the Roundhouse
page, after the funds have been spent. Congratulations St. Jerome, one of
the outstanding Orphan Train conductors! 9/11/04
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PITTSBURG EAST ROTARIANS LOOK TO AFRICA
Once again, the Rotary Club of Pittsburgh East and their foundation,
working with the Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, have forwarded $3400 to
the TLC Orphanage in South Africa. One of two orphanages helped by the people
of Pittsburgh, TLC works with babies afflicted by the AIDS virus. 9/11/04
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ORPHAN TRAIN LOSES ONE OF FOUNDERS
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Glenn R. Koepp
February 9, 1946 - July 17, 2004
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Glenn was a member of Madison West Towne-Middleton Rotary since November
1, 1979, with 24 years of perfect attendance. He served on the club Board
of Directors and as District Inbound Ambassadorial Scholar Chair. He received
Paul Harris Recognition from the club in 1991. Glenn served in the Army
from 1969-1971. He spearheaded the effort to recognize all club members
that are veterans on each Memorial and Veterans Day. Glenn donated 30 gallons
of blood through the American Red Cross. Due to his dedication, MWTM Rotary
was often successful in donating more blood annually than the Madison Downtown
Rotary Club. Glenn was a founding force behind the Orphan Train Project.
He visited orphanages in Bulgaria, Peru and Guatemala to identify their
numerous needs. He diligently set up the connections between “Conductor”
groups and the many Orphanages. Due to his efforts, the project grew to
over 65 orphanages in 10 countries. Glenn was the Rotary and American face
of kindness for children in many neglected corners of the globe. Glenn will
be fondly remembered for his heartfelt invocations at club meetings. He
truly lived the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”.
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KATIA VANCHEVA CHILDREN ASSISTED BY MOOSEHEART
STUDENTS
The students of Mooseheart (Mooseheart, Illinois), a conductor organization
for the Katia Vancheva Orphanage in Shiroka Luka, Bulgaria, recently donated
$280 to help their friends abroad. This is the third such donation. We are
told the students hope to make a contribution twice each year. Orphan Train
Intermediaries Boyan Milev and wife Sonya Mileva are assisting with the
donation in Bulgaria. The Orphan Train is grateful to all who made this
gift possible. 7/22/04
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FOX CHAPEL PRESBYTERIAN WORKS WITH TLC AND PITTSBURGH
EAST
The Rotary Club of Pittsburgh East, Pennsylvania, announced that its
foundation has accepted a $1500 gift from Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church
to be used at The Love of Christ Orphanage in South Africa. The Love of
Christ Ministries (TLC) was established in 1993, specifically to meet the
needs of children victimized by violent crime, homelessness, HIV/Aids and
general social turmoil in South Africa. The Orphan Train Project salutes
everyone concerned in making this gift work for the benefit of the children.
It is the second gift by Fox Chapel in recent months. 7/7/04
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TRACEY ANTONE FAMILY CHARITY JOINS ORPHAN TRAIN
Tracey Antone is a long-time friend of the Orphan Train Project and the
La Divina Providencia Home in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Tracey’s first
involvement was as a member of the Jaycees. At one time, Tracey traveled
to Guatemala, where she got to know the children and staff. As the Tracey
Antone Family Charity, Tracey adds emphasis to her friendship by making
an initial gift of $500, leaving it to the discretion of Intermediary Dana
Mannen as to how the funds are spent. Thanks Tracey! 7/7/04
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ST. MARIA GORETTI PROVIDES HELPING HAND TO SANTA
MARIA DE JESUS
During the 2003-2004 school year, St. Maria Goretti School raised $2947.24
for their friends at Santa Maria de Jesus in Guatemala. The children and
staff worked hard all year raising the money in a variety of ways.
A ceremonial transfer of funds was made on June 4th, at a Mass celebrated
in the parish church. The students and teachers of St. Maria Goretti attended
the Mass. At the end of Mass, Principal Michael Maguire presented a check,
and spoke about the school’s fund raising efforts. Jeannine Desautels, a
member of the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton and the Orphan
Train Project team, told the children about her visit to Santa Maria de
Jesus and the importance of their gift. Project Chair Ed Fink accepted the
gift and thanked the children and faculty for their generosity. This year,
Teachers Jill Dove, Stephanie Dankert and Principal Michael Maguire reported
the money was raised in the following ways:
- Coin collection
- Valentine Candy Guess
- Hawaiian Day (pay $.75 to participate)
- Bake sales/Bracelet sales
- Pajama/Hat/Slipper Days (pay $.50-.75 to participate)
The Orphan Train thanks everyone at St. Maria Goretti for being consistent
friends to the children at Santa Maria de Jesus.
(Editor’s note: A special thank you to Principal Maguire who is leaving
St. Maria Goretti to form his own educational consulting business. Mr. Maguire
has been a friend of the Orphan Train Project for many years.) 6/4/04
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IN MEMORIUM: ROB MARSHALL, AUSTRALIAN FRIEND OF
CHILDREN
The children of Little Lilac Orphanage in Leshnitza, Bulgaria and the
Orphan Train Project lost a special friend last week. Australian Rob Marshall,
a member of the Rotary Club of Horsham East, who convinced his club to get
involved as a conductor on the Orphan Train Project, passed away on May
26th of a heart attack, suffered at a meeting of his Rotary Club.
Late last year, with Rob’s encouragement and leadership, his club sent
Little Lilac $1500.00 AUD ($1,027.00 US equivalent) for purchase of stoves
and linoleum. At the time of his death, Rob was corresponding with Orphan
Train Intermediary Nina Minkova about other needs at Little Lilac.
Upon learning of Rob’s death, Nina Minkova wrote: “I am sorry to hear
that sad news. Rob was a wonderful man and we shall all miss him very much.
I will pass this news on to the director at Little Lilac orphanage. The
Little Lilac orphanage will always remember Rob as a man with great heart.”
Rob Marshall was always concerned about children, serving as an officer
of his Rotary District Youth Exchange program. We offer our sympathy to
Rob’s wife Christene, their children, Rotarians of East Horsham, and the
children of Little Lilac. 5/31/04
Rob Marshall (center) with wife Christene and OT Chm. Ed Fink
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PITTSBURGH EAST RECEIVES DONATIONS FOR TLC IN
SOUTH AFRICA
The Pittsburgh East Rotary Foundation accepted donations this month from
Polyscope for $2000 and $1500 from Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, which
will go to assist The Love of Christ Orphanage in South Africa. TLC is an
orphanage for abandoned and neglected babies.
According to the TLC website, found at
www.tlc.org.za/, in
explanation of their work, we are told:
“Every week hundreds of babies are abandoned in South Africa.
Shortly after birth, they are left in hospitals, shop doorways, alleys
or simply dumped in the veld. This is a sad reflection on our society. The
most basic instinct, namely motherhood, has been impaired to the point where
mothers are forced to abandon their infants in order to survive themselves.
The Love of Christ Ministries (TLC), was established in 1993, specifically
to meet the needs of these, the most innocent victims of violent crime,
homelessness, HIV/Aids and general social turmoil in South Africa.
TLC is dedicated to salvaging these fresh, untarnished lives, through
adoption into a community of families, which is structured to focus on one
objective. This is to raise and nurture the poorest of the poor into valuable,
educated and skilled members of our nation.
Through following a course of excellence in upbringing and with the
involvement of the community at every level, we believe that TLC's children
are being groomed and gifted to ensure that the concept not only endures
to perpetuity but will form a model for many other similar communities in
our country.”
TLC founder Thea Jarvis, likes to reflect on a quote from Mother Theresa,
which reads: "We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in
the ocean, but the ocean would be less because of that missing drop." The
Orphan Train Project salutes TLC, Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, Polyscope,
and the Rotary Club of Pittsburgh East for building an ocean, one drop at
a time. 5/31/04
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REPORT FROM ELHOVO INTERMEDIARY TO PITTSBURGH
EAST
Milka Peeva, Orphan Train Intermediary for the orphanage at Elhovo, Bulgaria,
reported to the Rotary Club of Pittsburgh East on how she had spent a donation
of 843 leva. Milka reported spending 696 leva on shoes, 73 leva on new phones
for administrative purposes and the balance on materials to make minor repairs
in the bedrooms of the children. On another note, the Pittsburgh East Rotarians
were informed that one of the teachers is interim director of the orphanage,
until such time as the competition is announced for a permanent director.
4/14/04
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