This program has been going for almost 3 months and we are just about to run out of funds. Some of these kids paddling abilities are astounding and if this program gets the funding it needs you will see future stars in the making. Once I figure out how to add video to our web site you will see exactly how good some of these kids are.
Maybe you can help or know someone who can help. So please spread the word.
We still need 10 lifejackets.
Need members time to assist on Wednesdays from 16h00-17h30 with on the water instruction.
Volunteers to wash towels and paddling kit.
Obviously we are in need of cash to cover the transport costs.
We need to get another 5 guppies (we have 15)
The program offers these kids, who are all orphans (parents have died from AIDS/HIV) from Du Noon, 2 hrs of paddle instruction, towels and hot showers, a hot meal and cold drinks, transport to and from Du Noon.
This week we got a some tops donated by Quiver Outdoor Gear. We have also been informed that we will be receiving thermal paddling tops for them next week and possibly some shorts as well.
Quiver gear hand over.
After paddling/shower/food and drink they get to chill out and watch a DVD while waiting for their transport
2008-04-02
MCC's Development Program get's off the ground
If you come to your club at 3pm on Wednesday you will see 20 kids from the Ibuyambo HIV / AIDS Forum in Du Noon, paddling around our lagoon. These are kids who have been orphaned due to HIV / AIDS.
It was an incredible experience. For whom you ask? Well most defiantly for the children who, stripped to their undergarments, were showing the biggest of smiles ever. For me it was way more rewarding than I could ever have imagined. To watch these little souls tackling this paddling thing, that we take for granted, with such enthusiasm and total innocence was uplifting to say the least.
Helping out were some of your development committee members David Simpkins, Brenda Fourie, Gavin White(coach) and myself. A big thanks to Gavin who spent most of his time swimming around the lagoon collecting upturned guppies and stranded paddlers, many of whom could not swim, but by the end of the session they were all staying up right. We had 20 kids in this group.
A quick outline of the program as it stands:
The little ones arrive at 15h00 on Wednesdays and are trained by two coaches till 16h30. They then take a shower and we give them clean towels, a hot meal and cold drinks. We will also try to have a children’s movie playing on the big screen for their entertainment until their transport arrives.
Financial:
We do have an amount for this program in our clubs budget but without outside financial assistance we will only be able to sustain this for another nine weeks. The cash costs at this stage are R300 for transport and R200 for the coaches. We have got some of the food and the towels sponsored.
If anyone is able to assist in any way please contact me at
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