The respected Canadian Charity, SLEEPING CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD, recently completed a distribution of 5,000 bedkits in the Philippines. As with any distribution, there are memorable events that occur making each exercise very special. One such event occurred in Polangui!
Mr. Ken Graham has served as a travelling volunteer for SLEEPING CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD for many years. This year as he travelled to the Philippines he was very happy to have his daughter, Elaine McDougall as a member of the team.
In Polangui, the Canadian team was assisted by a number of local volunteers. One of the eager helpers was a young man who worked tirelessly to ensure that the Canadian Team always had water on hand. In the extreme heat of the Philippines this act of kindness is essential to the success of the distribution.
When the distribution was completed an inquiry was made to determine if there was anyone present who may have received a bedkit in a previous distribution. One person stepped forward. It was the 16 year old water boy! In the conversation that followed, it was discovered that this young man had received his bedkit 10 years earlier and the man who had placed it in his hands was Ken Graham!
This was a special moment for Elaine. “My father does not cry often, but tears of joy came as he could see the direct result of the gift that he had been privileged to deliver ten years earlier.”
SLEEPING CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD is an exemplary Canadian Charity which from its inception in 1970 has delivered 888,350 bedkits to needy children in 32 different third world countries. Its founders, Murray and Margaret Dryden, parents of hockey legends Dave and Ken Dryden established this Charity in such a way that 100% of all donations go directly to the bedkit. The Toronto Star recently listed this Charity as among its top five!
Each Philippines bedkit contained over 30 items funded by a $30.00 donation. It included such things as:
- mosquito net
- mattress/plastic mat
- t-shirts (3)/shorts(3)
- blanket
- rain coat
- school supplies (6 notebook,10 pencils, pencil sharpener)
For more information please contact Tamara Kaftalovich, Consultant, Maverick Public Relations Inc. @ 416-640-5525 ext, 234.
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