Updates on Grand Bend Club's Global Literacy Project

Posted by Linda Schuyler 
on Dec 13, 2014
 
 
I recently received the following letter from Rotarian Brian Hall (Grand Bend Club) who provided an update on the Global Literacy Project. Several of our Rotarians have volunteered on this project over the past year. If you click on "Read more" you will see the Dorchester Signpost article of appreciaion. Please take a few moments to click on the hyperlink below to view the 30 minute video made about the program evaluation in conjunction with the Avon Maitland School Board. Brian's letter begins:
 

Hello everyone

Well we have set another record with the loading of container #41 this past Saturday in Exeter. A huge thank you to all that came out to help and especially to Dini Twynstra for the delicious hot lunch enjoyed by everyone.

 

This milestone caps a banner year with 11 containers shipped to South Africa and one to Uganda. The huge Exeter Warehouse so generously provided by Hensall District Co-Op is now empty (the main areas anyway) although we are still holding a small amount of material for a handicapped school in Botswana. And just in time too, as the warehouse will soon be full of seed beans waiting for spring planting. Thank you to the Co-Op for their support!

 

I have attached a letter to the editor from Coleen Deiner in Africa telling everyone how valuable the craft and sewing supplies have been. I want to make special mention of the efforts of our Dorchester Dynamo, Fay Rath who has spearheaded the collection of this material. Thank You Fay!

 

As a reminder, we would love to have sewing, knitting and craft supplies and especially sewing machines but cannot take any clothing which is restricted from importation.

 

One final note during this season of giving. The last freight bill has increased to nearly $6000 with the decline in the Canadian dollar. If you would like to include the Global Literacy Program in your year-end donations we would very much appreciate it. Unlike most charities, virtually 100% of what you give goes directly to the freight costs and a charitable tax receipt is available. Please make your cheque payable to

The Foundation For Education Perth Huron

62 Chalk St.

Seaforth ON N0K 1W0  

Please identify the Global Literacy Account

 

The full video from the program evaluation tour last March in South Africa has now been released and can be viewed at

http://foundationforeducation.ca/our-documentary/

 

Enjoy the fruits of all the hard work we have done. It is an amazing video and a real credit to Wes MacVicar and Adam Sipione from the Avon Maitland School Board who created it. Please share this link with others who might be interested.

 

Thank you again for all your support!  All the best this holiday season.

 

 

Brian Hall

Global Literacy Committee Rotary Club of Grand Bend

Box 1261 Grand Bend ON  N0M 1T0

Tel: 519-238-8892(W)        519-238-6116(H)

For information go to www.grandbendrotary.com/

 
 
This letter was posted in the December 3, 2014 issue of the Dorchester Signpost.
 
 
SOUTH AFRICA ROTARY CLUB THANKFUL FOR DONATIONS:
 
Dear Editor
   I would like to express my sincere thank you to everyone in the Dorchester and area communities for over 200 cartons of fabric and patterns, yarn, knitting needles, embroidery floss and sewing notions in the sewing boxes that we received from the sea container that was packed and shipped by the members of the Rotary Club of Grand Bend.
 
   All these items are being put to good use by instructors who are teaching the women how to make garments, not only for themselves but to sell and generate money to sustain their families.
 
   Thank you for your generosity. It has been overwhelming. he ladies in the rural area ruly appreciate your thoughtfulness. God bless each and every one of you.
 
Colleen Deiner
Middleburg South Africa Rotary Club