Team Reports |
What's in a Name?Ken Graham -- Hillsburgh, ON
Each of us has a name by which others know us. We have friends and acquaintances whose names mean a great deal to us. When we hear that name, it reminds us of them. There are also place names that bring back memories of locations we have lived or visited. Names like Antipolo, Santa Ana, Calasio, or Bauang may not mean anything to you. These are the names of towns and villages, along with fourteen others, in the Philippines, where bedkit distributions took place this year for Sleeping Children Around the World [SCAW]. As a result, the 6,000 children who received a bedkit and their families now know and will remember the name Sleeping Children Around the World. 
Look closely at the photo you received with this newsletter. It names the site where your child received his or her bedkit. I'm sure you won't remember that name but you can be assured that your gift through Sleeping Children Around the World will be remembered and cherished for many years to come. This was confirmed one evening as we were checking into our hotel room in Angeles. A young man working at the hotel recognized Sleeping Children Around the World on one of our t-shirts and told us that he vividly remembered receiving a bedkit when he was ten years old. He is now thirty-one and gainfully employed. What a testament to you, the people who really care. Thank you. At each location, two parents or guardians were interviewed to see if the contents of the bedkit were appropriate for their needs. (See list at right.) The overwhelming response was, "Yes." They were also asked for their suggestions with respect to other items that would be more beneficial. We also asked when their child started school and what age they will likely finish their education. Most parents hope their child will be fortunate enough to go to college. This is a good indication that providing a bedkit that contains things for a good night's sleep, suitable clothing for school, and school supplies is helping not only the child but the whole family. They want these things for their children but find it impossible to afford these items as well as food. |
