A Port Coquitlam charity that runs a safe haven for orphans and others in Uganda is calling for donations.
Classrooms for Africa, which operates the 10-acre Abetavu village outside of Kampala, is making a public plea for cash and supplies.
Co-founder Carli Travers, a graduate of BC Christian Academy in PoCo and Douglas College in Coquitlam, said her husband, Robert Birungi, is now in the African country and recently installed solar power after Global Change for Kids granted $10,000 to the organization.
"We are beyond thankful and in awe of how big of a resource and help this is for us," Travers wrote in her monthly newsletter to supporters.
In December, Travers and their children plan to reunite with Birungi and the Abetavu community after a five-year absence.
Besides about $7,000 in cash for 150 foam mattresses and a Christmas party for 200 kids, the family is asking for new or gently used donations that can be packed in their 16 pieces of luggage.
The following supplies are sought by Oct. 31:
Gently used items
- Large suitcases and hockey bags (for packing)
- Women’s shoes size 8 to 9 (sandals/running shoes)
- Men's shoes size 8 to 10 (sandals/running shoes)
- Twin-size bed sheets (fitted and top)
- School backpacks
- Kids toys for all ages
- Soccer cleats (youth sizes 6 to adult size 11)
New items
- Gift card to Dollar Tree for misc. items
- Large bottle of Extra Strength Tylenol
- Large bottle of Children’s Tylenol
- Large bottle of Baby Tylenol
- Large bottle of Emergency Vitamin C
- Portable chargers
- Flashlights and headlamps
- Soccer balls (size 5)
- Nail clippers
- Boys underwear (size 10 to 12)
- Men’s boxers (size small and medium)
Supplies for Abetavu can be dropped off at 1339 Windsor Ave. in Port Coquitlam. Email [email protected] to arrange a time.
To make a donation to the charity’s Fund-a-Need, go to https://linktr.ee/abetavu (when making a donation, where it says FUND, scroll down to Abetavu). Tax receipts will be issued under Canadian Charity Classrooms for Africa.
