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.

In Ndawana, South Africa, a woman who used to work at the Glenrose is presently volunteering her time with an organization called Edzimkulu. This project is in the process of assisting the community in building a Community Centre that will house a clinic and provide educational needs. Apparently this small village of about 8000 people experience 2-8 deaths a week due to the AIDS Virus. Many children have lost their parents and are being raised by their aging grandparents or are orphaned.

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.

There are presently about 20 people committed to coming on the hike which will take place on October 11th, 2006. There is also about half a dozen others who are committed to assist with the fundraising efforts. Have a look at our “Gallery” to meet the fabulous people involved with this project. We welcome more. Each hiker will pay all of his/her costs, plus he/she has agreed to raise $2000.00 on their own through pledges and other personal events. All of the dollars raised will be donated to the three projects. A partnership was formed with Change For Children so that we can offer our donors tax receipts. Change for Children has been in the Edmonton Community for several years and are a very credible organization. They have agreed to handle all of HAA donations and issue receipts.

We have been in contact with all three projects and they are very excited to have us on board. Our goal is to raise about $200,000.00. As well, we would like to meet some of their immediate needs and provide our Alberta friends an opportunity to participate in our cause.

Amani is in need of Blankets or Quilts for 4 bunk- beds. They use these special beds for good behavior. They call it the “Bedroom of good examples”. They would like 8 female covers and 8 male covers. They are also in need of computers.

Sierra Leone is in need of hygiene kits and dressing materials. Some of the children are involved in skills training and they require, crochet hooks, wool, embroidery thread, needles, scissors, fabric and hand sewing machines for those that can not use their feet.
The smaller children could use paints, crayons, blocks, sturdy toys, counting frames and rag dolls.

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