Hands Across Africa is an idea developed by a colleague of mine, Quentin Ranson and myself, Catherine Jones. It began with an idea to hike to Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, for Bobby’s and my 25th anniversary celebration. With that in mind, we wondered, rather than going to hike in the beautiful country of Africa, what could we do to leave something behind. It was shortly after this decision that my colleague Quentin was hosting a supper to fundraise for a cause in Sierra Leone. He had volunteered his skills as an occupational therapist to help make prosthesis for children who became amputees during the war in Sierra Leone. Joining together, Quentin and I decided to use the hike to Mt. Kili as a fundraiser to help not only those Quentin had assisted in Sierra Leone, but also two other grass root projects in Africa. With our focus on these three countries in Africa we named our project ‘Hands Across Africa’.

Most of the people that are participating in the hike and/or fundraising work at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. There are health professionals from other sites as well. Our connection to the projects we have chosen is through people who have worked or are presently working at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. As mentioned earlier, Quentin is our connection to Sierra Leone. Our dollars will go toward building and maintaining a rehabilitation Clinic that assists hundreds of children/adults that had their limbs brutally removed during the civil war and other war victims.

Amani Children’s Home is located in Moshi which is situated at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro. This project was picked for two reasons. First, it’s location. It makes sense to raise money for where the hike will take place. Secondly, the location being at the base of Mt. Kili would provide those interested, an opportunity to volunteer some of their time, before or after the hike. This small home houses over 60 orphaned children who are victims of HIV, poverty and/or abuse.

We hope that you will be able to support this wonderful cause in some way. Together we can reduce the suffering of those around us.

Thank-you for your consideration in supporting our project!

Sincerley,

Catherine
&
Quentin