This month in Sierra Leone

Nov. 11. 2008. A young woman waits to be seen by a nurse at the Makonkorie Public Health Unit in Bo North, one of many rural clinics that receives our annual shipments of medicine. Our local partner, Medical Research Centre, reports an increase in families using the clinics “now that they can access medicine at no cost”. In addition to medical support, our donors help us provide women’s groups with cattle, vegetable seeds and training to improve nutrition, earn money and protect their children’s health. Here, the Njala Komboya group gather in mid-November to sing in their language of Mendi about the great things they’ve been able to accomplish on their own, with a little help from their friends.

Inspired to help

When Winnie Clokie heard about the devastation in Haiti from this summer’s hurricanes, she went looking for ways to help. She found our website and set to work. With a simple fundraising idea, she approached her child’s school, Blythwood Jr. Public School in Toronto, and in two weeks raised $1300. “This offered a great opportunity to teach our children lessons in selflessness and kindness and the importance of helping others in times of great need, no matter how far away they live,” says Winnie. ”It also taught them that a small amount of change can go a long way.” More inspiring examples of community support.

Aboriginal support

In its 2008 Report Card on Child and Family Poverty, released November 21, Campaign 2000 reports that one in every four children in Aboriginal communities grows up in poverty, more than double the national average. With support from our donors, we’ve been able to help by providing healthy meals to children in many Aboriginal communities across the country. This year, we established seven new partnerships with reserve schools to improve the quality and quantity of nutrition available to children. In addition, we’ve helped feed young minds by funding a youth multi-media program at Eel Ground School in New Brunswick. Here’s what people are saying about the impact of the support we provide. Read details of our support of Aboriginal communities (PDF).

At work for children

The employees of Lawyers' Professional Indemnity Company (LawPRO) saw a great opportunity to use our Best Gift Ever program to make an impact on children around the world. Supporters of Canadian Feed The Children since 2000, this generous group chose last year to stock 10 health clinics in Sierra Leone, providing children and their families with access to life-saving medicines and preventative vaccinations. As well, they provided a child living on the streets in Bolivia with a safe haven – including a warm bed, nutritious meals, education, health care and a loving home. All this through payroll deductions, a pancake breakfast and sports pools. Thank you, LawPRO! For great ideas on how your workplace or community can help, please contact Lisa Doucette.

Building skills

Nov. 7, 2008 Exuberant children celebrate the official opening of their newly refurbished school in the Nanumba District of Northern Ghana. Rebuilding the Naa Abdulai Nursery School was identified by the local PTA as a priority and is one of many projects undertaken with our local partner, Regional Advisory Information & Network Systems (RAINS), to improve circumstances for children in the region. Twelve teachers and 330 pre-school children served by the school are thrilled with their solid new structure. Before it was made safe enough to accept enrolled students, children would spend the day following their parents around as they worked. Now, they gather together to sing songs, draw, learn through play and develop social skills.

“One smart goat”

Sheila McCarthy, board member and star of CBC’s Little Mosque on the Prairie, got together recently with a friendly goat to help spread the word about the wonderful gifts for children available through our Best Gift Ever program. All of the items in our catalogue were identified as vital for the health and well-being of children by the communities we support. Choose from thirty life-affirming gifts as a perfect solution to holiday gift-giving and a great alternative to the shopping madness that often occurs at this time of year. Our thanks to Riverdale Farm in Toronto for giving us some quality time with one of their smart, hungry resident goats. Play video.