Our cocktail party scheduled for May 18, 2010 is shaping up nicely. A number of organizations have jumped on board to support our endeavours to help some kids in Africa have clean water. Among those supporting us so far are: Petit Bill’s Bistro, Canterbury High School, Unibroue Breweries, Microsoft, Giraffe, Lord Elgin Hotel, Edible Arrangements, Paul Young (author of “The Shack”, Huff Estates Wineries, Westboro Flooring, Black Prince Winery and the Central Asia Institute.
Thanks to all.
Cocktail Party – May 18
Plans are rolling for a cocktail party to be held May 18 at Petit Bill’s Bistro in Ottawa. So far, we have African entertainment and some great silent auction items. One I am particularly excited about is the bestselling book, “The Shack”, signed by the author. There will be lots of prizes as well. More details will be announced soon. Mark it on your calendars and help finish the well at the Kayenze preschool in Mwanza, Tanzania.
New granddaughter!!
I am very proud to announce the arrival of new granddaughter, Jaelyn Grace, to the family. She is a sister for Annika and the daughter of proud parents, Chris (my climbing partner on Kilimanjaro) and his wife Laura.
Congratulations Chris and Laura!!
Christmas cards available
Having trouble figuring out what to buy for a friend or relative for Christmas? We might be able to help and you will feel good about helping some kids in Africa at the same time. For a minimum donation of $10, we will provide a Christmas card with the attached picture on the front. Inside, the card will say, “A donation has been made in your name to Plan Canada for the purpose of providing clean, safe water to the Kayenze preschool in Mwanza, Tanzania. Merry Christmas!” A tax receipt will be issued for purchases of three cards or more.
Contact me for more information.
Porters mistreated on Kilimanjaro
Here is a video of the mistreatment of porters on Kilimanjaro. It is very real. The company we climbed with, Tusker Trail, treats their porters well but we saw porters with huge weights and climbing in sandals. Anyone climbing should take that into consideration. There are also great shots of a Kili climb in the video.
New Fund Raiser Coming
Once again I was moved by what I saw in Africa. People fishing in the canal where animal carcasses were lying was just a small part. I am even more determined to finish what we started and to raise the funds to finalize the well to provide clean water for the kids and community in Mwanza, Tanzania. We are working on a new fund raiser that I will announce very soon. Keep watching for new posts as the plans evolve. If you wish to get involved, please let me know.
Photos Available
Many have asked to see photos of our Europe and Africa trip. We took about 1800 so there are a few too many to post. However, you can see some highlights on my facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=326061&id=876835295
Vesuvius is done!
Climbed Mount Vesuvius yesterday. It is steep but not long. We got to walk around the crater and see inside. There is still steam coming out of it. Next time it erupts, people should get up to 72 hours notice because of the sensors around it. The climb was followed by a tour of Pompeii that was buried in ash by Vesuvius in 79 AD. The workmanship in the city is incredible, right down to a red light district. Pictures will be posted when we get back.
Climbing Mount Vesuvius
Resting in Rome after touring the city and Venice, Florence and Lake Garda. Going to Egypt, Greece and Turkey via cruise ship after climbing Mount Vesuvius on Sept. 30.
Mount Vesuvius is next
September 30 is the date of my Mount Vesuvius climb in Naples, Italy. It is a short climb and then off to Pompeii to see the remants of the last time Vesuvius blew in 76 AD. Can’t wait!! We will eventually make our way through Cairo to see the Sphinx and pyramids. Photos will be coming.