By Joslyn Walker & Sarina Condello | Fundraising Manager
The Big Little Caravan of Joy hits South Africa !
In July Sarina Condello from Toronto Canada spent 4 weeks volunteering at 4 individual Noah projects. She brought joy, laughter, dance, music, inspiration and art to children made vulnerable ny the AIDS pandemic. The following is an extract from Sarina's newsletter to her supporters. I hope this extract inspires more volunteers to get involved and make a difference in the lives of children affected by AIDS:
"I have just returned from one of the most inspirational and successful international trips that I have created to date! With the help of hundreds of friends, performing arts and dance students and supportive contributors from across Canada, I was able to do the following with the $14,500 that we as a loving and generous community raised for Noah:
Facilitated four summer arts camps for over 600 of Noah's children in total, ages 4 - 18, for 5 - 6 days. Directed and produced three theatrical productions, casts ranging from 40 -130 children, from three townships in and around Durban. Lotus FM radio did an hour special on my program as it was chosen to be part of Nelson Mandela's Birthday Celebration and his mandate for the entire country to volunteer 67 minutes of their life to a cause. Facilitated three Volunteer Appreciation Days for the fifty women, many of them grandmothers, from nearby villages who help the orphans daily. Creative movement, salsa lessons, T-shirts and running shoes were given to each woman involved at Noah's Arks. Hired, trained and collaborated with five amazing Zulu artists. (Circus Artists: Bongiwe, Busi, Mr. Fish and Musical Artists: Sibonile, Stmebiso) Supported a rural FC Team Mates soccer team who had no equipment whatsoever - bought 5 balls, team uniforms, goalie equipment, carrying cases and water bottles so as to pay-it-forward and honour Margaret, Gavin and Jamie who geneorusly put me up for three weeks! Bought art and circus supplies, cake, prizes for all the campers, staff and volunteers, this included stilts, masks, parachute etc. Rented a van (and drove that van South African style - whew!) that took us and all of our supplies into the townships and rural regions of Durban.
Please check out my youtube slideshow that captures The Big Little Caravan of Joy's adventure in South Africa!
In the summer of 2010 I will return to South Africa with The Big Little Caravan of Joy for two months and will do another 4 week placement at Noah to be followed with a two week journey to Swaziland. I am open to any fund raising suggestions and guidance from any of you to help make this happen. Thank you for your support and guiding light.
With gratitude and love, Sarina Condello
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