A Burnaby volunteer is inviting anyone who’s stuck on what to get that hard to buy for person to donate to an orphanage in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A gift of $250 will cover the cost of a years’ worth of school supplies and school fees for a child, according to Shelagh Armour-Godbolt.
“Unfortunately, the need is great,” she told the NOW, noting education is not free in the Congo. “It would be wonderful if we could garner three or four more sponsorships, and of course, if people wanted to make smaller donations, there’s several ways those can be used.”
Armour-Godbolt is raising the money on behalf of Shiloh Place Orphanage, the brainchild of Chantal Kasongo.
Kasongo, a Coquitlam resident who immigrated to Canada from the DRC more than two decades ago, started her passion project in 2010. She bought the land in the Congo with her own money and, through support from family, friends, co-workers and other volunteers, has raised more funds to build and furnish the first of four cottages.
“This has been part of my heart for more than 20 years, since I was still in my country. I wanted to do it, to help,” said Kasongo, adding she tries to visit her home country every year. “When I see on TV children, women, they don’t have anyone to help them. It really breaks my heart.”
Once finished, the cottages will be home to widowed mothers, who will each care for up to eight orphans.
Next to the cottages is an unfinished building that will serve as a community centre and chapel. It has a roof but no windows and doors. Kasongo envisions using the building to teach skill development classes to adults, like sewing, construction, agriculture, literacy and health education.
Once the community centre is complete, her goal is to establish a safe drinking water supply. In all, the whole complex is estimated to cost $250,000.
Orphanages like Shiloh Place are desperately needed in the DRC, Kasongo said because “there’s no place where people can go for learning.”
“We lack knowledge, and as a result, people are dying,” she added. “There is no one to help. These kids want to go to school but there is no one to help them.”
Armour-Godbolt said she’s been amazed at her friend’s commitment, enthusiasm and patience over the years.
“The fact that she’s in it for the long term really inspires me. If we are turned down for a grant, she says, ‘Well that wasn’t meant to be but we’ll try somewhere else,’” the Burnaby resident said.
To donate to the orphanage, visit www.shilohplace.ca (donations are eligible for a tax-deductible receipt). Payment can be made in the form of cheque or with a credit card through Pay Pal. Make cheques payable to Umoja Operation Compassion Society; write on the memo line if it is for a Shiloh Place student sponsorship, the building fund, or the well, and mail to Shiloh Place c/o #211 – 615 North Rd., Coquitlam, B.C., V3J 1P1.
