“Thank you Campbell River,” was the first thing that Arelene Leduc had to say when asked about her trip to Malawi Africa. “The $800 donation by the community made the world of difference as I was able to buy 50 pairs of shoes which meant that 50 more children where able to attend school.”
When Leduc first arrived at the Agape Earth Angels Orphanage she was shocked by what she saw.
“Only four children had shoes so the orphans would take turns leaving their shoes at the front door, rotating and sharing their footwear so that they could go to school that day.”
She already had one pair to bring with her, Morgan Hayward’s. Hayward is 11 years old and after hearing about Arelene’s trip to Africa he decided to donate his best school shoes to the cause. “It was really hard to pick one boy who would be so lucky to have Morgan’s shoes. I remember the look in Reese’s eyes when I brought them out of the suitcase, never had I experienced someone so thankful for something, it truly warmed my heart to know that one boy had Morgan’s special shoes!”
Malawi is the poorest country in Africa located in the southeast portion of the continent where Leduc volunteered for just over a month at the Agape Earth Angels Orphanage. Leduc explained how little each child has and how the jerseys, toothbrushes and art supplies graciously donated by the community made such an impact on the everyday lives of the orphans.
“They were so thankful for even just a toothbrush, their kindness and graciousness was overwhelming.”
Leduc was shocked that the children had never had a snack to take to school before as she has spent many years packing her own two children’s lunches.
“I baked over 100 Vita Meal chocolate muffins. The children at the orphanage were all chanting, they were so overwhelmed by something as simple as a muffin. You would think I gave them gold! Their smiles and thank yous warmed my heart. There are no words to describe the feeling to know that I could supply them with a muffin to bring to school. Their appreciation brought tears to my eyes.”
Vita Meal is specially formulated with 25 essential vitamins, minerals, as well as a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat and fibre.
The orphanage was founded in 2000 by another Canadian named Dianne Block from Stony Plain, Alberta. Leduc spent her time at the orphanage assisting Block who had run the orphanage for 11 years on her own.
“I was her right hand woman. I was their gift; my time, my kindness, and my unconditional love for the children.”
Block asked Leduc if she plans on returning to Malawi, Africa.
“I am already half packed, counting down the months, six to be exact.”
Leduc has big plans for the Agape Earth Angels Orphanage.
“Thirteen acres of land is already being surveyed, my vision is to create a self contained compound to Feed, Heal and Educate the children.”
Currently our main goal is to have sponsors for all 69 of the children for just $65 a month.
“Only $2 dollars a day, the equivalent of a Tim Hortons coffee and you can sponsor a child in need.”
A heartfelt Thank You to the community of Campbell River for your overwhelming kindness and support. Working together to help the children and make our world a better place.”
To sponsor a child call Arelene Leduc 250-286-3356 /250-202-2699 helpedthechildren@hotmail.com
For more information visit: www.agapeorphans.com