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Support urged for Kenya orphanage
11/19/08
BY MARK WEBER
Red Deer Express
A local humanitarian organization continues to bring hope to poverty-wracked communities across the globe.
A Better World, based in Lacombe, recently held a luncheon to raise funds for a new project in Kenya called the Ian Castleman Orphanage.
Laebon Homes hosted the fundraising lunch, and the company is a long-time avid supporter of A Better World.There will be spots for 120 children, including 60 disabled youngsters.
A Better World was established in 1990 as part of the College Heights Adventist church in Lacombe.
Currently, staff work in places such as Tibet, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bolivia, and India while maintaining a focus on projects in Eastern Africa.
Founder Eric Rajah and a team just returned from Kenya this past weekend.
“We had 40 people on the trip, including about 27 from Central Alberta,” he said.
The team engaged in a string of projects from medical missions to construction work.
For Rajah, it’s always a joy to see people here at home connecting with folks overseas and the life-changing results.
It’s also important that A Better World promotes sustainability in their international projects.
“What drives me are the local people,” said Rajah, reflecting on the recent trek to Kenya. “The local people are taking ownership and leadership. When that happens, there is always hope. If we take that ownership and leadership away from them, that’s discouraging because then everything is dependent on us.”
Meanwhile, a 16-day trip to Kenya in October of 2009 is being planned.
Participants will visit several humanitarian projects plus check out the progress at the Ian Castleman Orphanage.
Getting more people involved in the work is also a constant focus.
“Partnerships are important,” he said, noting that any gift to A Better World is appreciated.
“Small things can make a huge difference as well.”
For more information, to donate to the Ian Castleman Orphanage or any of A Better World’s ongoing work, check out www.a-better-world.ca or call 403-782-1140.
mweber@reddeer.greatwest.ca 309-5459
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