Page 38 - Phonebox Magazine December 2009

Utange Orphanage Project, Kenya
Hello, as I am off to Kenya again next week to see our children, I thought I would give an update before I go. We are very much looking forward to spending time with the children as well as finalising the last stage of phase 2 of ‘Casuarina House’ our orphanage before the
official opening in January.
We will also be meeting with our new orphans again who will soon be joining us
(see picture).
The boy in
the blue T-
shirt is
Dickson, age
7. He lost
both parents
to AIDS at
the age of 4. The volunteer that took him in, did so in order that she could have him for jobs around the place. Angelina, our oldest at the end of the line is 12, both her parents died when she was 7, she went to live with her grandmother who also died from AIDS a year later. All our new children have a sad story to tell and we are really looking forward to
putting a smile on their faces, food in their tummies and making a difference to their lives once they move into ‘Casuarina House’ and begin a new life.
Our original 10 children are all well and happy and flourishing at school, soaking up all they are taught like little sponges!
When we go out again on 25th January we will be accompanied by Lorna Milton and Ian Pearce from BBC 3 Counties Radio. They will be broadcasting back to the studio every day and covering the official opening of phase 2 of ‘Casuarina House’ live at 2.00 on Friday 29th January. If you are not local or able to listen in but would like to share in the celebrations later then you can do so by copy and pasting this link from their web site in the URL http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecounties/content/artic les/2009/09/25/utange_orphanage_feature.shtml
Photos of the children, the story to date and audio available on the above.
With Christmas fast approaching we have some festive fund-raisers if you would like to support us:
Fun and frolics with the cast from Jack and the Beanstalk Panto! Harpur Centre, Bedford, until Sun 13th Dec, 10.00 – 4.00. Collection for project and
selling panto tickets, £10 each. If you can't meet us then call 01525 840119 for tickets.
Visit Santa in his ‘Magical Grotto’, 5/6 Dec, 12/13 Dec 19/20 Dec. Sat 10.00 - 5.00, Sun 10.00 - 4.00. The Olde Watermill Shopping Village, off Faldo Rd, Barton Le Clay, MK45 4RF. Face painting also! All proceeds go to our Orphanage.
Christmas Fayre, Sunday 20th Dec, 2.00 - 4.00 The Bedford Golf Club, Carnoustie Drive, Gt. Denham, MK40 4FF. Stalls, face painting and Santa arrives at 2.30!
Jack and the Beanstalk Panto, 19th - 22nd Dec at 2.30 and 6.30. Presented by Maurice Kachuk School of Dance at Bedford High School Theatre. Book early to avoid disappointment, call 01525 840119 for tickets. £10 each. Retiring collection for Utange Orphanage.
If you are looking for the perfect stocking filler then visit www.grant-jones.co.uk and click on charity CD to listen to professional opera singer Irene Grant-Jones singing popular favourites including Ave Maria and Pie Jesu. Irene and husband Tim are kindly donating ALL proceeds from the CD to our charity.
Also if you want to avoid the queues and shop on line and would like to help support our children at no extra cost to you then next time you order please first visit: www.easyfundraising.org.uk then choose The Sure Foundation - Utange Orphanage Project. Many stores are registered as it saves them money when people shop on-line. They will donate a percentage to us as your chosen charity.
Finally thank you to all who have sent words of encouragement and for your support. From the Utange team and from the children
Sherehekea Krismas Njema Na Mwaka Mpyawenye Furaha! (Swahili) Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! God bless.
Debbie Scott
Utange Orphanage Project, Kenya
The Sure Foundation, Registered Charity No. 1061603
38 Phonebox Magazine