Join Our Blog
Check out the Eat So They Can Blog for the latest ESTC news and updates from schools and orphanages in Africa that benefitted from last years Eat So They Can fundraiser.
In June 2008, Courtney Montague GVN Foundation Executive Director, and Eat So They Can 2007 Grand Prize Winner Jeanne Sweetman distributed food, funds and supplies to schools and orphanages that went towards assisting thousands of children. They documented their amazing trip through the Eat So They Can blog. Read the stories, see the pictures, share the site with your friends, and know that you are changing the lives of children.
From Blog. Day 8
El Shaddai Orphanage Kiambu
Today was the most touching day of my 7 weeks in Kenya. Irene and I have visited lots of schools and orphanages. Some more needy than other, El Shaddai is one of the poorest and the orphanage directors (a couple) are the most sincere people I have ever met.
After a hectic morning we got into Irene's car to go to the orphanage in convoy. We had one van full of food, with 12 mattresses piled on top. Another large truck, that carried all 10, 3 level beds followed as we headed out. As we pulled into the orphanage Aerosmith's 'Dude look like a lady' was blaring. Now every time I hear that song I will think of delivering food, beds, mattresses and blankets to 115 kids in Kenya... and I will remember the faces of the 2 orphanage directors. Beatrice, of the big heart, snatched Jeanne and I into a hug that lasted for the better part of 5 minutes and while I was taping Stephen he started to cry (which, of course, meant I started to cry).
After a long discussion about future needs for this orphanage (we have to get the kids and the staff out of this place and into better accommodation) we went to visit with the little kids who weren't in school. Jeanne had brought over 100 beanie babies and proceeded to hand them out. These kids have nothing but each other, and the clothes on their backs. They looked at these beautiful little beanie babies like they were aliens at first.... but they were soon cradling them, playing with them and comparing them... they had never been given anything like this.
After a few more tears and goodbye's to Beatrice and Steven we went home to clean up. We took Jeanne out to dinner to celebrate an amazing week and our first successful Eat So They Can fundraiser.
Thank you Jeanne for your patience, for taking 2 weeks to come to Kenya and your commitment to helping these kids. We have all been changed by this experience!
Note to Donors- Today your funds provided food for 115 kids, 30 beds, mattresses and blankets. Now, almost, all the kids have their own beds!!!!
To read more about Courtney and Jeanne’s adventure through Africa visit the Eat So They Can Blog Eat So They Can blog.