Friday, January 30, 2015

This year (2015) is the 10th Anniversary of ‘Dominican Journeys’.  Since 2006, the group has grown and split twice, kind of like an Amoeba.  All 3 groups continue to travel to the DR at various times in February and March and we occasionally bump into each other during our work travels.  It is hard to know exactly how much money and supplies have been raised during the 10 years, but it is likely in the neighbourhood of $400,000 and over 10 tons of supplies for schools, medical clinics, children’s programs, a senior’s centre, new houses and so forth.  We have funded the building of many houses, a mission house, a row of shops, and contributed to many other projects.  Our teams have spread 100’s of gallons of paint, dug in the dirt, carried cement, bent rebar, bought and delivered food to remote villages, visited seniors and hospital patients, built shelves, taught crocheting and knitting, and took part in numerous other activities.  This year will be my 8th Journey and Bea’s 5th Journey.

In preparation for this year’s trip, Bea and I have been busy fundraising and accumulating supplies.  We have been having ‘Soup Lunches’ after church on many Sundays, which raise about $70 each.  We have also established a group of friends and relatives who contribute money each year.  Dozens of people provide supplies to go with us, including Anita Bergsma who provides soccer uniforms and balls through her organization 'Chance to Play’ https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/evoNb .  Another friend, Sarah Fernandes, has connected us with people who have donated items such as personal care products and medical supplies.  Another friend has donated equipment and supplies for diabetics.  Two ladies, Edythe King and Audrey Douglas have knit hundreds of items over the last few years, including those in the pictures below.

Dresses Knit by Edythe King

Some Contributions

Enjoying a Soup Lunch

Hats Knit by Audrey Douglas