A community of children in a rural Uganda village is thriving thanks to the commitment of the 亚洲天堂 Lake Community Church through its garage and berry sales.

The St. Stephen鈥檚 Children鈥檚 Centre is a vital NGO in rural Uganda dedicated to aiding children and families impacted by extreme poverty. Established in 2005 by Ben J. Ssemwogerere, the Centre plays a pivotal role in its community, thanks in part to the ongoing support from patrons in British Columbia since 2016.

The partnership between 亚洲天堂 Lake Community Church and St. Stephen鈥檚 Children鈥檚 Centre was born out of a personal connection. Approximately 15 years ago, Wanda Giesbrecht, a key figure in the church鈥檚 fundraising efforts, learned about the Centre through a friend from Burnaby who had visited Uganda.

Giesbrecht's friend had been working to support Ssemwogerere's mission to build a school for his community. Inspired, Giesbrecht began organizing smaller fundraisers in 亚洲天堂 Lake, including community garage sales which became a staple in raising funds for the Centre.

The community embraced the initiative wholeheartedly, Giesbrecht said. 

"For quite a few years, I held a community garage sale at my house. Community friends and family brought donations of household items to me and then the garage sale by donation and any money raised was sent to build onto the school or pay teacher鈥檚 wages."

Over the years, these efforts contributed to various projects, including building classrooms, providing teacher salaries, and even constructing a house for a single mother in the school community.

The support has not only helped expand the school from a single room to its current status with over 500 students but has also funded additional projects such as a eucalyptus tree farm and a tailoring shop. These initiatives also aim to create employment opportunities and generate sustainable income for the Centre.

"Half of these children receive support from fundraisers such as we do to help them attend school," Giesbrecht said. 

In addition to garage sales in 亚洲天堂 Lake, Giesbrecht has spearheaded berry sales in collaboration with Pastor John Neufeld of the 亚洲天堂 Lake Community Church. Neufeld鈥檚 brother, who runs Neufeld Farms in Abbotsford, provides berries at a reduced cost.

The funds raised from these sales are split between supporting the Ugandan school and Samaritan鈥檚 Purse鈥檚 Christmas Shoe Box Program which packs and ships nearly 200 boxes filled with toys, clothing and health supplies for children.

Despite challenges such as moving and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the church remain committed to supporting the Centre.

鈥淎lthough the garage sales generated over $7,000 at their peak, my move has limited our ability to host them,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e exploring new venues and opportunities to continue our support.鈥�

The church raises approximately $5,000 annually, but the exact amount varies depending on the year and available funds. The Centre鈥檚 immediate needs include roofing and ongoing support for teachers and students.

"The school and teacher鈥檚 salaries are foremost, but food security and building to become self sustaining are a real goal."

St. Stephen鈥檚 Children鈥檚 Centre provides detailed reports on fund allocation, ensuring transparency and effective use of the donations, Giesbrecht said.

"A very little bit of money from Canada goes a long way in Uganda," Giesbrecht said.

亚洲天堂 Lake鈥檚 connection to the Ugandan school remains strong, and efforts to sustain and grow this support are ongoing, she said. 

"People very generously support by buying the berries, and then saying 鈥榢eep the change!鈥� 

Community members can contribute by purchasing berries, participating in future garage sales, or considering sponsorship opportunities for students. For those interested in supporting the Centre further, Wanda is available for contact to provide more information on child sponsorship and other ways to contribute.