Zimbabwe Project on Our Okanagan:

The Zimbabwe Project is a collaboration of people in Western Canada who traveled to Zimbabwe to build a feeding centre for orphans in August 2007 and Sonrise Church in Surrey, BC who sent a group shortly after, who learned more about the situation there and decided to continue to help.

We can barely keep up with what is happening there because it changes so quickly, for the worse, but here is a quick run-down. About 80% of the people are living in poverty and are unemployed. Many people die of aids, malaria, and other diseases because it is difficult to get to a clinic, and even if they do most don’t have the necessary medication. There are an estimated 1.4 million orphans (23% of children). The average life expectancy of adults is 34 to 37 years old, down from age 60 in 1990.

We are working with Rev. Emmanuel Zihove and his team from Harare, Zimbabwe, to work on ongoing projects to help the people of Zimbabwe. They have purchased 2 acres of land in the rural area of Musana - approximately 45 minutes from the capital city - where their vision is to construct another feeding centre (one is already in operation and feeding over 120 kids), a boarding house & school for orphans, a medical clinic, and a church, where they can meet the needs of the villagers and many beyond. They also provide continuing orphan care and support to families who have taken in orphans, and currently feed approximately 400 children through the six feeding centres already functioning throughout the area.

We are so fortunate in Canada that we feel we should help others in need.

For more information or to make a donation please stop by Curves Vernon, call 250-503-1129 or visit www.zimbabweproject.com.

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