Kenya: Gil Gil
We did our distribution in Gil Gil today. 1200 bedkits in record time; about 5 hours. Included in the group were 60 special needs children. We had lots of local and Rotary volunteers to assist us and they helped immensely with the various stations. We thank them very much.
After the distribution, we visited the Kenya Restart Orphanage. This is a great facility and provides a home for about 150 children from newborn to teenagers. The orphanage also emphasizes teaching and learning for the children to give them a good start on their adult lives. The children put on a great demonstration of dancing and singing for our entertainment.
It was a very satisfying day.
Team Kenya 2016
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Kenya: Distribution Two!
2nd day of distribution; at Nyeri. It was a hot day and started with a little rain with the threat of showers throughout the day, but the rain held off for our distribution. We gave out another 600 bedkits. It was an energetic group of children but well behaved and once the children got the knack of the routine the distribution went very quickly. After the distribution, we had a nice lunch at the Outspan Lodge and visited a Cheese Factory. It was a long day to get in the vicinity of our distribution tomorrow, crossing the equator along the route and passing through the Great Rift Valley.
Team Kenya
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| Children Anticipation |
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| Lovely Serenade of Thanks |
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| Doug and his three bedkit recipients |
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| Great Rift Valley |
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| At the Equator |
Kenya: Day 2
On the road by 6:30 am and 4 hours journey leading to our first distribution on the hospital grounds across the road from the Makindu Sikh Temple. We had a Sikh prayer to begin the distribution and handed out 600 bedkits. The children were well behaved and very appreciative of the bedkits. We spent the night nearby. Ate lots of vegetarian food.
The next morning we headed Emali to visit the children who received bedkits last year. It was a rugged hour drive up the mountain to their school. The children of the school of 350 students were very excited to see us white folk and swarmed to the group about as fast as we could exit the vehicle. From the school we walked a small path up and down the hill to visit some of the children's homes. The previous year's bedkits were being very well used and the children and their parents expressed great appreciation for our gift. It was a bit of a climb back to the school that let us know that we're not all athletic cross-country runners, with the exception of 2 of our group. Kim had some excitement with Army ants but was fine.
The headmaster noted that the student's marks had improved appreciably since the period before the bedkits were distributed. This was some solid evidence of the positive effect of the bedkits and improved sleep on the children's learning and great news.
All in all it was a great couple of days and the time with the children was very moving.
Team Kenya 2016
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The next morning we headed Emali to visit the children who received bedkits last year. It was a rugged hour drive up the mountain to their school. The children of the school of 350 students were very excited to see us white folk and swarmed to the group about as fast as we could exit the vehicle. From the school we walked a small path up and down the hill to visit some of the children's homes. The previous year's bedkits were being very well used and the children and their parents expressed great appreciation for our gift. It was a bit of a climb back to the school that let us know that we're not all athletic cross-country runners, with the exception of 2 of our group. Kim had some excitement with Army ants but was fine.
The headmaster noted that the student's marks had improved appreciably since the period before the bedkits were distributed. This was some solid evidence of the positive effect of the bedkits and improved sleep on the children's learning and great news.
All in all it was a great couple of days and the time with the children was very moving.
Team Kenya 2016
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Kenya: The Team is Travelling!
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| Dennis Baxter, Kim Baxter, Doug Cunningham, Bob Barclay, Alison Verkuyl, Darrell Verkuyl, Clarence Deyoung |
Team Kenya 2016
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Kenya 2016: Post Your Comments Here
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Belgaum: Final Mission!
Today is one of mixed emotions for our team.
A time of great satisfaction as we completed our mission of distributing 4000 bed kits, the last of which was completed without a hitch today in Hubi. A small distribution by SCAW standards of only 200 kits.
A time of joy as we saw the delighted children going home with a bundle sometimes bigger than they are of much needed items.
1A time of sadness as this life altering experience will end with a wrap up meeting tonight.
A time of appreciation and respect for our team leader Sue Orr who lead us to success with more obstacles than should have occurred including intermittent reduced numbers to help with the distribution due to illness.
Above all an intimate knowledge of the value of the work that SCAW does with the help of committed volunteers
at home and abroad.
Team Belgaum 2016
Hubli - penultimate distribution
Today in Hubli we did our penultimate distribution. We
gave out 700 bed kits today and have just 200 to do tomorrow. There was a
greater percentage of kids with disabilities at Hubli. A couple of little kids were quite alarmed by the whole process
and were crying for their mothers by the time they got to the photo shoot. Sue waited until they stopped crying before
taking the pictures!
Donna Crossan for
Team Belgaum
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| Rotarians had special shirts made for Hubli distribution |
The kids are seated and waiting patiently to be called to get their bed kits and have their pictures taken.
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After taking some kids' pictures, Sue high fived them as they left! Such energy on Sue's part and such fun for the kids too. |
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| This picture shows pretty clearly how challenging it is to arrange 10 children for a group shot in the order you want them when there is no common language. It's amazing that the pictures look as good as they do. |
Belgaum - 800 children!
Yesterday was the largest distribution - 800 bedkits and
it was one of the hottest days so far.
Luckily it was in Belgaum so we did not have to travel out of the
city. The children were bused in
staggered lots so all 800 did not arrive at once. The children were fed a meal consisting of a
sandwich, banana, juice box, and a piece of chocolate provided by one of the
Rotarians who has done this for the last 17 years.
After we had photographed approximately 250 kids
everything ground to a halt as VIP's came to visit- we
had the police commissioner from the district, the district deputy governor and
even the monk from a temple we visited
last week. We resumed after an hour or
so and at the end of the day we balanced so all was good!
Lita Fearon
for Team Belgaum
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Photo op
Girls comparing their outfits 
The wives of the Rotarians feeding the children
Ramdurg - 400 more children receive bedkits!
Our distribution of 400 bed kits at Ramdurg went very
smoothly.
The site was compact and efficient. Canopies in the
schoolyard protected all from the very warm sun. Again the Rotarians greeted us
with flowers, this time necklaces of marigolds which were much heavier than one
would think.
The children were all quietly waiting for us to arrive .
Upon our arrival excitement reigned .
Again the women of the Inner Wheel and the young people
in training to be Rotarians were there eagerly assisting. Some kids gathered on
the roof of the school to watch the event.
Sue was ready at the camera for picture taking and the
team members organized the children for their picture"
Children lined up for their shoes, sweaters, school
supplies, raincoat and bed kits.
As they left they had a very full and heavy bag and were
extremely happy!
Parents and /or friends often greeted them and assisted
in carrying their bags.
Here in India many farm animals run free range. As you
can see pigs were hanging out in the
school yard.
This area of the country is a farming area and more green
than some other areas we have been to likely due to irrigation.
On the way back to the hotel we had the opportunity to
visit a most impressive World Heritage Site.
Nancy Mongeon
for Team Belgaum
Day 4 - Gokak. A Perfect Distribution Day!
The four steps to a perfect distribution day:
1. After a
relatively short 1 hour drive, arrive in the village of Gokak and be greeted by
200 eager faces.
2. Be given the
opportunity to take the SCAW photos. No pressure - the sign is visible, the
children are facing forward, encourage them to smile and then click. Easy as
1-2-3-4.
3. Watch your
fellow team members meet, greet, count and escort these precious children
through the process.
4. See the joy in
your Team Leader's face as she hands the children the bedkit bag.
for Team Belgaum
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| Kerry revels in her role as photographer! |
Family Day in Harugiri and Ugar
When we arrived in Harugiri about 10:30 this morning,
these children were patiently waiting for us--boys on one side shown here and
girls on the other. They applauded our arrival and then applauded each of the
27 items in the bed kit as we showed them what they would be getting. Such
excitement!
All in all, a very successful day with 590 bed kits delivered to 590 children through the SCAW family on Family Day in Ontario.
Donna Crossan for Team Belgaum
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| Boy & Girls waiting. |
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| After an exceptionally smooth distribution at Harugiri, we got back on the bus to go to Ugar to deliver another 300 bed kits. This colourful picture shows the women who helped deliver the sweaters, raincoats and bed kits there. |
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These young men worked very hard at the actual distribution of the bed kits. Since many of the smaller children could not lift the kits, these willing volunteers carried a total of 290 bed kits from this area to the exit to be reunited with their parents. |
Nipani - 400 bedkits!
Belgaum Distribution Day 1
The team of 2 left the hotel for the 2 1/2 hour drive to Athani - the other 4 members being left behind in sickbay. We arrived on site to a large gym amid the cheering and clapping of 300 children which sounded like a beehive. The local Rotarians had the gym cordoned off for easy flow of children. Sue snapped the pics and I gave out the bed kits with the help of a few Rotarians. Smooth distribution and Sue passed the test with flying colours.
Lita Fearon for the Team
Pre distribution days in Belgaum
Although our distributions have not yet begun, we have been spending time getting to know our Rotarian OVP's here in Belgaum and learning about all the behind the scenes work that goes into getting the bedkits ready.
We were honoured to be invited to the home of Sonal, one of the Rotarians, for a lovely traditional Indian breakfast on Thursday. We learned so much not only about Indian cuisine, but many of their family and cultural traditions.
We then went through the markets to the place where the clothing is made for the bedkits. Each little girl receives two colourful frocks and a petticoat and the boys two shirts and shorts. The material is of very high quality as is the workmanship. The tailor here even attends each distribution is case there are any adjustments needed to the clothing. Wonderful dedication!
Next we visited the sweater factory and met the elderly gentleman who started the establishment many years ago. They make all the sweaters for the local school uniforms, yet always find time to make sweaters for the SCAW bedkits as well. Again, the quality and workmanship are top notch.
Finally we were honoured to be taken to the Rotary Sports Centre, to visit the swimming pool where 1000 children, including many who are disabled and underprivileged are offered lessons daily. It was inspiring to see how the Rotarians of Belgaum are helping all these children, in addition to the 4000 we will be giving bedkits to, starting tomorrow!
We were honoured to be invited to the home of Sonal, one of the Rotarians, for a lovely traditional Indian breakfast on Thursday. We learned so much not only about Indian cuisine, but many of their family and cultural traditions.
We then went through the markets to the place where the clothing is made for the bedkits. Each little girl receives two colourful frocks and a petticoat and the boys two shirts and shorts. The material is of very high quality as is the workmanship. The tailor here even attends each distribution is case there are any adjustments needed to the clothing. Wonderful dedication!
Next we visited the sweater factory and met the elderly gentleman who started the establishment many years ago. They make all the sweaters for the local school uniforms, yet always find time to make sweaters for the SCAW bedkits as well. Again, the quality and workmanship are top notch.
Finally we were honoured to be taken to the Rotary Sports Centre, to visit the swimming pool where 1000 children, including many who are disabled and underprivileged are offered lessons daily. It was inspiring to see how the Rotarians of Belgaum are helping all these children, in addition to the 4000 we will be giving bedkits to, starting tomorrow!
Chennai: Team finishes up in Andaman Islands
The last day of distribution on January 30th saw the completion of 5,000 bedkits. 1,000 of those were distributed in three locations in the Andaman Islands. In partnership with The Rotary Club of Ambattur and The Rotary Club of Port Blair, the final 450 bedkits were handed out to some very happy children. The distribution in the Andamans happens every two years and involves a lot of travel (plane, boat, and van). But, the need is there and our Rotary Partners are a joy to work with. Wifi has been intermittent over the last few days so our blogs have been delayed.
Today, February 4th, we say Good-bye to our Rotary Partners who have been gracious, generous and very hospitable. We take this opportunity to say "Thank You" to the donors of the 5,000 bedkits that we had the pleasure and privilege of presenting them to 5,000 very beautiful and happy children.
Murray's Dream is intact in Chennai (over 105,000 bedkits distributed through the Rotary Club of Ambattur since 1987).
Belgaum: A Look Back At Day Two!!
We worked very well as a team and the distribution went smoothly. Each of us experienced a touching moment (or 5) that made a profound difference. We all thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to interview families and hear of their appreciation of what we are doing.
After the distribution we were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit a home in a small village of one the recipients. When we arrived were greeted by numerous children whom had received a bedkit earlier in the day. We quickly realized the impact on this small village. We were moved by the love and sense of family that exists in these challenging conditions.
Team Belgaum 2016
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Kolkata: Our Last Day!
Hard to believe that we have come to the end of our distribution! At the start, 5,000 bedkits seemed a high number - and how do you deal with that? It is one child at a time.
Being mindful of their nervousness, excitement, disbelief that they are getting all these goodies and then the TOTAL JOY in knowing that they are.
Team Kolkata came to "give out bedkits". WE have been given so much more! We have learned about a different culture, tried exotic new foods, met the most amazing, dedicated people who do all in their power to help the children - and have grown in the process.
The Rotary Club of Dum Dum is celebrating their 50 th anniversary. Yesterday we gave out their 100,000 th bedkit. It was the anniversary of Murray's passing. All momentous occasions that were honoured in our farewell dinner. Judy recognized the huge contribution that the Dum Dum club has made to SCAW and gave them family photos of the Dryden family, their Pinehurst home and a copy of Murray's book, inscribed by Dave with a special message.
It has become a tradition that the SCAW team do a song for our hosts - so last night with Don as our choir director, we did "The 12 days of distribution" ( with apologies to "The 12 days of Christmas"). They roared - as did we at our attempts.
And then - almost everyone was on the dance floor and we went crazy dancing to disco, Abba, YMCA and Bollywood - That was the most fun! So at 11:00pm we went to bed and are now packing...!
Thanks for following our adventures and we hope you have enjoyed our experiences as much as we have. THANK you donors for enabling us to help these beautiful children.
Team Kolkata 2016
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Being mindful of their nervousness, excitement, disbelief that they are getting all these goodies and then the TOTAL JOY in knowing that they are.
Team Kolkata came to "give out bedkits". WE have been given so much more! We have learned about a different culture, tried exotic new foods, met the most amazing, dedicated people who do all in their power to help the children - and have grown in the process.
The Rotary Club of Dum Dum is celebrating their 50 th anniversary. Yesterday we gave out their 100,000 th bedkit. It was the anniversary of Murray's passing. All momentous occasions that were honoured in our farewell dinner. Judy recognized the huge contribution that the Dum Dum club has made to SCAW and gave them family photos of the Dryden family, their Pinehurst home and a copy of Murray's book, inscribed by Dave with a special message.
It has become a tradition that the SCAW team do a song for our hosts - so last night with Don as our choir director, we did "The 12 days of distribution" ( with apologies to "The 12 days of Christmas"). They roared - as did we at our attempts.
And then - almost everyone was on the dance floor and we went crazy dancing to disco, Abba, YMCA and Bollywood - That was the most fun! So at 11:00pm we went to bed and are now packing...!
Thanks for following our adventures and we hope you have enjoyed our experiences as much as we have. THANK you donors for enabling us to help these beautiful children.
Team Kolkata 2016
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Belgaum: Mission Accomplished!
Mission accomplished!! We distributed our final 1000 bedkits for grand total of 3,000 kits in 3 days. Today we traveled 71 km to a village in the jungle of Karnataka.
The children traveled from outside villages as far as 70km. We noticed that they seemed more timid & reserved than children from the previous 2 days, we made sure we quickly changed that feeling by playfully interacting with balloons, beach balls and stickers.
These children and families who seem to have nothing have no wants because they don't know what there is to want. They are very appreciative and thankful for our gift.
Once again it was a moving experience. We are with mixed emotions that the we have complete our objective but we are comforted that 3,000 children will sleep well.
We thank the numerous local volunteers who spent the past 3 days helping us with logistics and organization to successfully distributing the bedkits.
This trip would not have been possible without the support of our family, friends and associates from Raymond James for allowing us this gift of giving.
Team Belgaum 2016
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The children traveled from outside villages as far as 70km. We noticed that they seemed more timid & reserved than children from the previous 2 days, we made sure we quickly changed that feeling by playfully interacting with balloons, beach balls and stickers.
These children and families who seem to have nothing have no wants because they don't know what there is to want. They are very appreciative and thankful for our gift.
Once again it was a moving experience. We are with mixed emotions that the we have complete our objective but we are comforted that 3,000 children will sleep well.
We thank the numerous local volunteers who spent the past 3 days helping us with logistics and organization to successfully distributing the bedkits.
This trip would not have been possible without the support of our family, friends and associates from Raymond James for allowing us this gift of giving.
Team Belgaum 2016
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