Heart To Heart Africa – Penetang

Hi Girls (Angels) Thank-you sooooo much. It’s wonderful to finally be able to read about the wonderful work you have all been doing up in Penetang land. It’s commitment like yours that is commendable and inspiring for others, including myself. What a TEAM ! HEART TO HEART PENETANG. A personal thank-you to Leslie, my grandchildren, Spencer & Jessica, The Foote family; Michelle, Lukas, Mikael & Shawn, Josie, Celine, Lisa/her Yoga Class and the community in Penetang/Midland;Southpaw in Collingwood. Look forward to seeing you all when the snows melt & the sun shines. Love you all ! Mama

Students in Michelle Foote’s grade 7 class at Monsignor Castex, Midland were busy writing a class penpal letter this past winter. They are anxiously awaiting the reply, which will accompany Christine on her return from Tanzania in August.

The second container currently sits in the Foote’s yard and is  full.  Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any more container donations at this time. The container will be shipped sometime in May and is due to arrive in Tanzania with Christine in July. A youth group from the Niagara area is being organized to help unload the container in Tanzania.

St. Louis French Catholic School in Penetang is continuing to raise money for Heart to Heart Africa and is anticipating Christine’s annual June visit. 

Bayview Public School in Midland, Mikael Foote’s school, has asked Christine to speak to their Student Parlaiment about Heart to Heart Africa.  Mikael hopes to encourage his Student Parliament to support Heart to Heart Africa through a fundraising event.

The artist-donated glass oil lamps continue to generate funds and are a big seller. If you have over-stock of unique artistic items, which you are willing to donate, please contact the Penetang group for consideration.

Fundraising efforts have included:

In June 2009, South Paw of Collingwood donated $30,000 worth of merchandise for the container, including hats, t-shirts, pants, and jackets.

In September 2009, Mikael celebrated his 12th birthday party by accepting donations for Heart to Heart Africa in lieu of gifts.  A total of $450 was raised!

O-Grams (candy sales)  from St. Ann’s School, Penetang and Monsignor Castex, Midland raised about $150.

Monsignor Castex grade 7 students in Michelle Foote’s class held an Elvis Presley themed dance that raised about $350.

Michelle Foote held another African Jewellry and Art party that raised $1100. Once again, the Penetang/Midland ladies came out to show their support and a good time was had by all, even in the midst of a power outage!

At the Foote’s annual Christmas party, guests were asked to donate white uniform shirts and/or socks in lieu of hostess gifts.  This was very successful and approximately 75 pairs of socks and 30 shirts were graciously given.

Blown glass oil lamps, donated by a St. Catharines artist, were sold in the Penetang/Midland area, with proceeds of $850 raised.

This winter, Mikael Foote hosted his annual class toboggan party, collecting  28 pairs of socks for the children in Kitonga.

Mikael and Michelle preparing party treats

 

Yoga with Lisa (Lisa O’Driscoll) held a donation-based yoga class in December, raising nearly $1000! 

Dream Kids organized a backpack drive, collecting more than 120 backpacks chock-full of school supplies, clothes, and a personalized letter.  For more information on project “backpack” visit our sponsor, Dream Kids.

If you have any ideas for fundraising in the Midland/Penetang area, we would love to hear from you.  Also, we are looking for items to donate for silent auctions, prizes, etcetera that can be used for future fundraising efforts.