Donor Updates
We've certainly been putting your donations to good use recently. Find out about all of the exciting projects that Breadline Africa has been involved in.
Why not also familiarise yourself with some of the other projects that we are currently involved in?
From North To South
Recently a very special parcel arrived in my office, telling a great story of friendship between the children of the north and the children of the south.
The parcel was sent to me by Kate Milner, who wrote that there was also a gift for Breadline Africa's work, raised by the church. The parcel was bursting with brightly coloured beaded friendship bracelets made by children on a holiday programme at St Matthew's Church. In her accompanying letter, Ellen Haining, who runs the holiday programme, explained that she showed Breadline Africa's video to the children. Afterwards, they all wanted to do something to show that they also cared - and the idea for the bracelets was born. Their message to the South African children said: "We hope you enjoy wearing them as much as we enjoyed making them!" I couldn't wait to give the bracelets straight to the children they were meant for ... I knew they'd love the bright colours and funky beads! They were so surprised, and happy that their new friends cared. Thank you, Kate, and all the people of St Matthews, for your generous gift.
Gardens for Gogos
"Gogo" is a term of endearment we use for "granny" in South Africa.
There are many gogos living out their golden years at Sister Cathy's hospice. And so often they are practically destitute, with no money or clothes or even family to care for them. Sister Cathy's hospice gardens are a way of giving some pleasure back to these desperately poor elderly people who've worked so hard all their lives. Thanks to your donations of seeds and tools, the gardens at her hospices will soon be sprouting away, full of colourful flowers and nutritious vegetables.
Building Hope - With Your Help
You'll be glad to know that your response to Pastor Thomas' plea for a new kitchen to feed impoverished children in Teyateyaneng village in Lesotho was heart-warmingly successful.
Using your money, unemployed local workers will build a proper kitchen from the beautiful local sandstone - to provide essential meals for abandoned children like 4-year-old Ranapisi and his 7-year-old brother Tona.
Doing The Right Thing, At The Right Time
When the general dealer in the West Coast town of Saldanha made up 30 food parcels for destitute families - without being paid right away, just because I asked him to - I knew that I was doing the right thing.
It was obvious that, without work, these families were not going to make it through the cold wet winter without help - and I was so worried about the childrens' health. I trusted that you'd step in to help me pay him. And you did - and I thank you with all my heart for supporting my decision. The families are extremely grateful, and are looking forward to summer and the hope of more seasonal work.
Joining Woking & Paternoster
One of our trustees, Tony Smyth, jumped into his handmade plane and flew from Ipswich to Woking to collect a very generous cheque from the Woking Rotary Club.
Within weeks of receiving their gift we were able to deliver a double container classroom to the little village of Paternoster, on the west coast of South Africa. A big thank you to Woking Rotary Club for this truly wonderful gift.
