UK Registered Charity Number XR97859
3 Somerset Park Coleraine Co Londonderry Northern Ireland BT51 3LH Tel 07980004964 |
Latest News - July 2010
Things are looking up at the orphanage as work on a paddy field to help feed the orphans has been going on for the past few months. The children have been involved in creating it and help maintain the crops. The project will see a large amount of the orphans’ staple diet of rice to be produced at the orphanage.
Willie Orphan Fund has contributed to the work and this has helped the orphanage to develop what will become its main supply of the staple food, rice. Located beside the orphanage the children have all been involved in creating the paddy field from soil specially brought onto the site.
Alyson Parker who works with the orphans told Willie:
“We have used some more of your hard earned cash and we are creating a rice field. This serves a number of purposes. It will provide rice for the kitchen. It teaches the children something fundamental to their lives and it provides work/activity.
“First we cleared a piece of land then we had soil delivered. The soil or rather lack of it in this area means that we can't grow anything without first buying dirt! Many thanks to all the people who help raise money through you wonderful charity, you made this project possible.
“Now I'm sure you've all seen pictures of rice paddies, very very wet!!!!! So once the soil was levelled it had to be made wet and well mixed with the water. It also had to be cleared of stones, twigs and other debris.
“In the old days water buffalo were used for this but we have a large work force here! And I'm sure every one of them enjoyed the work!!
“Please thank all the people who gave something to any of your/our projects.”
The paddy field adds to the already established vegetable gardens and as they mature they will help the orphanage to become more self sufficient in food. The projects also help the children learn about agriculture, an important step in their progress towards self reliance.
Education is one of the main objectives of Willies Orphan Fund and much of the money raised in Northern Ireland goes to support this aspect of the orphans’ lives – and they really appreciate what has been done on their behalf. It is thanks to the continued support of so many people in the area that these orphans are being given the chance to make a better life for themselves. Already some of the older children are moving on to secondary education and learning real skills that will help support them in years to come.
Fundraising in Northern Ireland continues with collection boxes across the area, events such as the fireside quiz and of course all the wonderful people who quietly support our efforts on a regular basis through monthly contributions.
Recent Fundraising
WILLIES Orphan Fund’s greatest supporter has come up trumps again.
Portrush woman Joan Gregg, mother of the charity’s founder Willie Gregg, has been hard at work throughout the winter, running her now famous fireside quiz. The bi-annual fundraiser has this year provided over £450 towards the education of orphans of the Boxing Day Tsunami in Thailand.
Special thanks go to Pat Feeny of the Harbour Bar for all the assistance given to Joan. The winner of the quiz was Paula Thompson.
In another recent event a P7 pupil at Magheralin Primary School, Craigavon, raised £200 for the charity. Ben Sharkey was so touched when he heard about the work carried out by Willies Orphan Fund he decided to do something to help.
School Principal Gillian Napier said: “Due to the efforts of P7 pupil, Ben Sharkey, the school organised a non-uniform day to raise money for Willie’s orphanage. All pupils were involved, bringing a donation towards the project.
“Ben told us about the project some time ago and insisted that we help. It was his suggestion that we hold a non-uniform day at the end of term. The school takes part in many charitable projects and we were only too glad to be able to assist in this one.”
In Thailand, the donations made to the charity continue to enhance the lives of many orphans. Education is the main area of support but there are other associated efforts.