Last fall, Wray Axworthy traveled to Belarus with Canadian Aid for Chernobyl and while there he found a connection with the children at the Chausy Orphanage.  Wray has been involved for many years in the martial arts community and discovered a need for proper judo mats.  Here is a picture showing Wray talking with Vitalli (orphanage director) and a translator about the mats.  On the left is a close up of the tarp covered foam they are currently using.

Here is Vitalli shown with some of the donated equipment currently in use in the gym which was renovated through funds provided by CAC as well as by an award won by one of the students at the orphanage in literature.

Wray has calculated that it will cost approximately $3,500 to buy the necessary mats and in order to raise the funds has created a “Giving Page” on the CanadaHelps website.  This way he can send this link out to all of his friends in the martial arts community (and ask them to forward it on) who can click on the link and make a donation directly on line.  Click here for a look at Wray’s “Giving Page”.

This “Giving Page” tool can be used by anyone to help raise money for charity.  For example if a CAC member family was holding a party, they could send out e-mail invitations and ask that instead of bringing a hostess gift to click on the link and make a donation to CAC on their own giving page.  This could also be done for weddings, birthdays or for a host family to raise funds to bring a child for summer respite.  The possibilities are almost endless!  All you have to do to set up your own “Giving Page” is to go to the Canada Helps website,  click “create a giving page” and register (it is free) click here to try.  If you do create one, please send me an e-mail and let me know so we can help spread the word.

Ken Sine, our lead firefighter in our Firetruck initiative has also setup a “Giving Page” to help raise funds for the freight costs to deliver the trucks to Belarus.  Click here to see Ken’s page.

Remember it is by spreading the word that we are able to raise the funds necessary to carry on the important initiatives that we do.

Here are a few pictures of the kids at the orphanage that Wray took in the fall.

Eric McKenzie

It is official, we have started our fundraising drive for our Spring 2009 initiatives.  This is your opportunity to really make a difference.  With less 3% overhead (many charities have much higher overhead up to 40%) you know that over 97 cents of every dollar you give will actually reach the intended recipient.  Our self funded volunteers will hand deliver all product in March/April 2009.

Here are some examples of what you can direct your money towards:

• $20 – Will provide toothpaste, toothbrushes and hygiene products to orphans, invalid children and needy families.

• $50 – Will provide 70 lbs of first quality staple food for children, poor families and the elderly living in radioactive contamination in Belarus.

• $100 – Will provide up to $5,000 of urgently needed medicine and hygiene products to orphanages, hospitals and seniors homes situated in the radioactive zones.

• $500 – Will support a family with an invalid child or will support our orphaned and abandoned children initiatives; providing food, medicine and a safer environment than living on the streets.  (Includes an opportunity to correspond with a family or student)

It is an unforgettable experience delivering these boxes.  The food is important, but the realization that somewhere, someone in the world cares, is almost overwhelming! This woman (and many others) broke down in tears of gratitude.  Please donate to help this cause.  You can use the “Donate Now” button on the right side of this screen to make an on-line donation, you can drop your donation off at Alan Browns on King St. in Brockville or mail it in to:

Canadian Aid for Chernobyl

PO Box 244,

Brockville, Ontario

K6V 5V5

Deadline for donations is February 18, 2009.

Thank you,

Eric McKenzie