Return to HOPE Enterprises

The much anticipated event - our return to Hope Enterprises to spend the money YOU so generously donated!



The purpose of this trip was two-fold. Firstly, and most importantly, to formally donate more than $2000US (almost 40,000 Ethiopian Birr) to HOPE's program that provides meals for the street kids in Addis.



Secondly, to take part in serving breakfast to literally hundreds of these hungry kids.





This may not look like YOUR typical breakfast, but for these kids it is huge...two white buns, one banana and a cup of warm, powdered milk. The kids entered in small groups - mostly boys from 8 - 15 years old. After washing their hands (and in some cases their faces too), they approached our table and politely reached for their breakfast. We handed them their plates and shared a smile. They ate quickly and were off in a flash - many to a special educational program emphasizing basic life skills. It was a bit like a revolving door; kids coming and kids leaving. It was a well oiled and pretty much flawless system. Impressive.

Here are a couple of shots of the kids....








We ran out of plates a few times, so there was always someone washing dishes (usually Nancy).



Not wanting to feel left out, my boys helped wash the cups....



Taking photos at this event was a bit awkward. I wanted to snap more shots, but found myself feeling the same way I do whenever I take a picture of someone less fortunate. They are not some tourist attraction or novelty act. They are people, just like you and me. They deserve some dignity and respect.

Thank you all again for making this possible. Thanks to YOU, 800 street kids in Addis will eat breakfast for almost a month straight. HOPE is funded entirely by private donations, so they rely heavily on outside contributions such as ours! I believe this to be an honest and transparent organization that will carefully put our cash to good use! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

P.S. Just a reminder to those who have emailed me with your amount but not yet mailed me your cheque. Please do so as soon as possible as I will (hopefully) be returning soon to deposit them all!