Sugi for Kids: August 2009

Welcome Off the Mat!

In sub-Saharan Africa, 11.6 Million children have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS and 1.8 Million children have HIV/AIDS themselves. 42 million children do not have access to basic needs---clean water, healthy food, or education.

You & I can help.

I am teaming with Off the Mat, Into the World to help African children infected/orphaned/affected by HIV/AIDs. I am raising $20,000 & traveling to Africa in February 2010 to work with these children.

With your help, we will provide:

COMFORT: We will buy new mattresses, water filtration system, and supplies for New Hope School and Orphanage, home to 350 HIV orphans.

EDUCATION: We will purchase land and construct a school for 325 children with Building Tomorrow and local villagers.

PREVENTION: With Shanti Uganda, we will build a birthing/vocational center for HIV mothers to prevent mother-to-child-transmission to babies.

PROTECTION: With YouthAIDS we will work to educate youth and prevent further future spread of HIV/AIDs.

Please DONATE to this worthy cause today!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Back-to-School for One-and-All!

It's that time of year when our little ones head back-to-school with new backpacks, lunch-boxes, & crayons, but many children have no school to attend. Building Tomorrow is changing that one school at a time and we can help.

I am heading to Africa to help build a ten-room primary school for 325 orphans. You can help by donating to purchase needed supplies (listed below) at www.sugiforkids.blogspot.com:

Set of pens & pencils for a whole class: $10
Bag of cement: $25
Desk set (seats three kids): $60
Classroom chalkboard: $125
Soccer field: $450
Classroom set of desks: $900
Library: $4500

Together, we can ensure that all children get a chance to go back-to-school!
Megan

Tea in the Company of Cheerful ladies

Last Sunday afternoon, mom & I hosted our fundraising tea for African children affected by HIV. Ladies of all ages (& the neighbor cat) gathered, chatted, ate, & drank LOTs of tea in the shade of my big pine tree. It was not only a lovely afternoon, but a resounding success! Tea-goers and invitees donated $750 for the children's HIV project. Moreover, we each had the pleasure of enjoying an afternoon in the company of cheerful ladies.* Even if you couldn't join us, please consider making a donation to this worthy cause at www.sugiforkids.blogspot.com.

*"In the Company of Cheerful Ladies" was an apt description borrowed from one of Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books, set in Africa and a lovely read.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Let's Have a Tea Party!

My next fundraising activity is fast approaching--a Sunday afternoon Ladies Tea Party, co-hosted with my mama at my little house!

We will be enjoying teas from around the world, coupled with yummy food to complement each tea. There will be green tea from Shizuoka, Japan (where the Sugiyamas live), African red rooibos tea (courtesy of my co-worker from South Africa), & plenty of English tea with scones & cream, too!!

The party is "B.Y.O.T.C." (Bring Your Own Tea Cup) -- guests are bringing their favorite cup to sip from!

This tea will benefit Ugandan children orphaned/infected/or otherwise affected by HIV/AIDs.

Even if you are not able to join us for tea, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to this worthy cause via my project website: www.sugiforkids.blogspot.com

Donors that Rock!