We did good!!!

And many thanks to the tireless efforts of Grace!

Having listened with horror to the story of Majengo and the challenges they face - I thought I (we) could help a bit with some food and soap. Never in my wildest dreams would I have guessed that 18 thoughtful souls would find the time and resources to dig deep and send some extra cash this way. Together we raised about $2000 dollars that will provide essential goods for a number of families who live in these desperate times.  The kindness shown by all of you is a tribute to an enduring human spirit that seeks to care for those among us who are unable, at times, to care for themselves.

Thank you so much!!!

We bought Soap - Face Masks - Cloth Bags - Rice and Beans and sent those goods into the slum. Grace (our contact in the slum) talked to each motorcycle rider who carried the goods -- to explain the panya route (rat route) to get around the barricades. With each shipment we waited on pins and needles hoping that the riders would not be caught and our goodies confiscated by the Popo. Great job Grace and riders!!  getting all the shipments in. Imagine those motorcycles with bags of rice slung across the seat snaking through tiny alleyways with goats and kids scrambling out of the way as they pass. :) Love it!

In all this week, we spent $316 CDN and provided essential goods to 100 families who greatly appreciated the effort. The soap and masks will help with preventing the spread of Covid19 -- while the food will at least help a bit in chasing hunger away. We'll continue working with Grace in the weeks ahead to double down on the shipments with a goal reaching 200 families a week for the next few weeks.

Of note - I bargained ruthlessly for each item - finding the lowest price and ensuring that each dollar entrusted with me was well spent. Not a penny was wasted.

It's likely that the barricades and curfews with lift in the coming weeks allowing people to get back to earning a living and feeding their families. Not wanting to "chill the mood" but have to note that many who didn't receive were left crying hoping to be helped next time. We'll do our best to help those folks this week!!

Grace was able to mobilize a number of volunteers to fill the bags and helped with distribution to the community. Again - her efforts to help out her in her community are inspiring.

Grace and helpers hard at it!

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead.

Sonny was no help at all!

Thanks for reading ....Layno!!!

.... and hey don't forget to wash your hands!