SUPPORTING THE SCHOOLS OF AFRICA FROM YOUR OWN BACKYARD
“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” Mother Teresa’s words are exemplified in the many fundraisers that local WFWP chapters organize throughout the country each year to help support thousands of kids in eight African countries to receive quality education (find out more about the Schools of Africa here and here).
One such fundraiser was recently held in the home of Marie Bond in Sunnyvale, California, and it all came about quite naturally. One of Mrs. Bond’s oldest friends and neighbors had inherited beautiful Japanese artwork that she wanted to donate to a good cause in memory of her aunt and uncle, and she was happy to offer it for the Schools of Africa. Inspired by the upcoming annual benefit organized by the WFWP Northern California chapter, Mrs. Bond wanted to do something locally: “I took responsibility as a local representative of WFWP to help the Schools of Africa by arranging a gathering in my house and inviting neighbors and friends for a Thanksgiving potluck.”
Around 10 women came to the gathering on November 25th, including five neighbors, three WFWP members and one friend. Everyone prayed and shared dinner together, after which they watched a documentary about WFWP’s work in Africa. The highlight of the evening was waiting for everyone outside.
Displayed in the yard were her friend’s generously donated pieces of Japanese art, ranging from vases to paintings and statues. The evening was a resounding triumph, with $400 raised through the sold items. All remaining works of art were offered to the annual Schools of Africa benefit the following Sunday, where they brought in another $100. Additionally, WFWP member Mrs. Hiroko Melosh worked very hard to make the local event a successful one, and she contributed in buying a few items for her own house.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, Myrna Lapres, co-chairwoman of the Georgia chapter, hosted two yard sales at her home in Roswell — one on Saturday, October 13 and a second on Saturday, November 17.
The WFWP members in Atlanta initially decided to hold a yard sale to raise funds for the Schools of Africa, and ended up doing not one but two separate events thanks to the widespread support. Members first donated whatever they could, from clothing and household items, to books, games, electronics and more, and then donated their time by helping with the yard sales themselves.
“The total that we made for the School of Africa donation is $462.25,” Mrs. Lapres reports. Their yard sale success was two-fold: Funds were raised for those less fortunate in Africa who need basic essentials for their education, and it also a way to clear out unwanted items that others can now put to good use.
Many of us feel drawn to the idea of helping those in need, but don’t always know where to start. It is encouraging to see that sometimes all it takes is some donated items, a few helping hands and your own backyard. You can also give love and hope to African children by donating to our end-of-year fundraiser today and spreading the word!
