Achievements

In the summer of 2007, we were able to send out a 45ft container filled with donations of clothes and basic necessities. Upon arrival in Bulgaria, this was divided out between the two orphanages.

This was achieved solely as a result of the kindness and generosity of the Northern Irish people (again), on behalf of the children we would like to thank them so much.

A radio appeal went out requesting 60 sets of curtains for the windows and the phones rang off the hook.

The infamous van left in September 2007 filled to the roof – including 120 pairs of Dr Martin boots, all the curtains needed for the orphanage in Elhovo, carpet kindly supplied by Ulster Carpet Mills as well as many basic necessities.

In September myself (Linda), and a few willing volunteers went across to Elhovo. While I met with the staff and organised the logistics, they toiled through the day and, ably assisted by some of the children (and Richard’s rotivator!), they established a small vegetable garden which, will not only provide the children with an interest and a basic life skill, but, will also provide some fresh fruit and vegetables for them during the spring and summer months.

Through continued involvement with these orphanages, we discovered that the root of the problem lies in the extreme poverty in the surrounding villages. With the average worker receiving approximately £4 - £5 per day, it is almost impossible for them to feed and clothe their families. For the vast majority of the local people, if they don’t have it growing in their gardens, it is a Luxury that they are unable to afford. As a result, many of them send their children to the orphanage on a daily basis.

In Septemer 2007, For a mere £220 we were able to take 127 children out for lunch at a local restaurant - Their 1st ever visit!!

It is for this reason that we are now trying to tackle the source of the problem. Therefore, in our most recent container we not only provided basics for the 2 orphanages, but also items for the poorest families in a couple of the local villages.

Through the generosity and ongoing support from major retailers like Primark and Dunnes Stores, we were able to take out boxes upon boxes of clothes. We were also able to transport the rest of the carpet (Ulster Carpet Mills) and the desperately needed desks and school equipment (A big thank you to the Western Education and Library Board). Already the donations have started piling up and with your repeated help, we would like to be in a position to send another container before the summer.

On each occasion, I have been there to oversee the safe delivery of items and ensure that they go to where they are most needed. It is unbelievable to think that we have come SO Far in such a short period of time. However, THERE IS STILL SO MUCH MORE THAT WE NEED TO ACHIEVE.

Click on the links below to open copies of our previous newsletters and news articles.
Article from the Belfast Telegraph – 2007