We continue to spread the word about the plight of HIV/AIDS orphans who live in poverty. At special events and fundraisers, we've enjoyed sharing our experiences about our work in Kenya and aim to sensitize people to just how easy it is to help out. Here are some of the events we held – or were held in honor of One Child's Village – in 2008:

• Fundraising events included Rhythm of the People at Festival Place, our 2nd Annual Supper and Silent Auction, and a special Ottawa Fundraiser.

• Many thanks to the Kenya Community of Edmonton for inviting us to be a part of their Heritage Days pavillion last August. It resulted in heightened awareness of our mandate, generous donations for our projects, and many new volunteers!
  

• While in Kenya in July, Todd developed The Beatrice Project, a support project for the grandmothers of HIV/AIDS orphans on behalf of associates in the United States.
  

• Scona Composite High School held a 6-week fundraising campaign on behalf of One Child’s Village, which provided considerable support for our projects. The final total is yet to be determined, but by all measures it promises to be outstanding! This incredible group of students is a true example of compassion and the power of caring. Look for our next newsletter to hear more about their success.

We continue to focus our attention on improving the quality of life for the orphans of Bumala and Kawangware. We strive to meet their educational and basic survival needs. Here are some of the things your donations helped provide for the Bumala school in 2008:

We have great projects and events planned for 2009, all of which are geared towards continuing self-sustainability and meeting the basic needs of the orphans who attend the school.

• Build a separate permanent kitchen and storage facility for the school's lunch program.
  

• More desks, uniforms, textbooks, and school supplies!
  

• Purchase additional land near the school in Bumala for food production for the lunch program.
  

• Develop a new volunteer/education program abroad. Through this program, we hope to immerse you deeply into the cultural experience of Kenyan life and daily living at the Bumala school. Be on the look out as we continue to develop this idea!
  

• Visit to Bumala school in February 2009. Cristelle Audet, Co-managing Director of One Child's Village, will view the projects completed to date and help establish the new volunteer program.