As some of you know Carafe has been involved in the sponsorship of a small orphanage in Africa. Namibia to be exact and the little town of Otjiwarongo to be precise.  This is a town of 15,000 people  (about the size of Dundas)

These children have all been rescued from a life of living in cardboard boxes or under bridges and dining on left over’s and garbage can delights. Most of them have been left alone due to their parents dying from AIDS or aids related complications. Another cause for them being left out is caused by a rather large drug and alcohol problem in the town .Parents just seem to kick kids out rather than deal with the problem personally. That’s where I came in and pledged to do my best to alleviate some of their misery. Trust me, their little faces full of laughter and hope is so inspiring, then hearing their life stories brings me back to reality and gives me the desire to help.

Since they have been at Joy Centre some of them have excelled in their personal lives,  Two of them have graduated with honors from High school and been awarded full scholarships. One at University of Johannesburg and another to the University of Amsterdam. Both Romanus and David have made me very proud. I also know that this works. Give the kids a hand up and they will become our leaders of tomorrow. I dream that one day one of them becomes a nurse or doctor and another becomes a politician (an honest one that actually knows what life on the street can be like and act on their knowledge). Romanus has actually be asked by the State to forgo University for a year and do a country wide talking tour expounding the downfalls of alcohol, drugs and promoting safe sex as well as telling his story and of course its happy ending. I feel so strong that this kid could be the next Nelson Mandalla (without the years in prison).

All of you have been involved in this project unbeknown to you. Through your continued allegiance to Carafe we have personally donated from Carafe 1.00 from every batch of wine made, and matched that with a donation from Professional Show Services. The second is another company I operate in the party rental industry. Along with your help this year I was able to raise enough money, and financed a project to get their courtyard, that is a mud quagmire during the rainy season, covered with interlocking brick.

I recently received an email from them telling me how wonderful it was to celebrate Christmas dinner outside on the “Clean” courtyard. They also asked me to thank all of you for their wonderful gift and gave their blessings to all of us.

I personally want to thank all who added a little extra to the pot by purchasing bricks for the kids. Your donations alone made a huge difference. I will be receiving the copies of the invoices to confirm all the money was spent on this project and proof that it all got to where I wanted it to go. I have also attached a few pictures of the project and will attach a few more along the way of the kids themselves and some of the good times I have spent with them over the last 5-6 years.

Thank you all once again

Dana