From myself and on behalf of the underprivileged children of Bulgaria, and the Star of Hope team (Sofia), a very big thank you for your support and encouragement in making this years summer camp for orphans and underprivileged children in Bulgaria a big success. In total this year 50 abandoned children age 616 were taken to a town called Velingrad in the Bulgarian Mountains. There was a mixture of children, mostly abandoned children who live in institutions/orphanages; (one of which I've been to and they're not pleasant places). Some special needs children also abandoned and living in institutions and some children from poor families, children who are neglected or abused. The camp is organised by The Star of Hope Foundation based in Sofia. Star of Hope Foundation is a Bulgarian registered foundation, which was started in September 1999. It is registered as a non-profit, non-government organisation, which offers a variety of social services to underprivileged people in Bulgaria with the purpose to assist in maximising their quality of life. They carry out a range of programs all year. The camp is just one of those programs that I have the privilege of being part of. Basically for one week we aim to show the children that someone cares and loves them, as well as trying to teach them that they are special. We did all sorts of activities, football, swimming, walks in the forest, making necklaces, drawing, apple bobbing and other party games plus lots more. We did a drama called "You are Special" based on a story by "Max Lucardo". (Check it out it's a great story) Judging by the tears at the end of the camp the children enjoyed the week, even the children who at the beginning of the week I though were going to be difficult to handle. Proving that even in one week we can make a difference. Its hoped they will apply some of the lessons learned to help them get through the situations they face back in the homes. I had a great time to, with your support I was able to contribute in two ways, £100 was given to help pay for the children to go to the camp. With the other £100 I was assigned to be the organiser of fun activities, "fun man". Which was brilliant. So I bought ice cream for 50 children and a few volunteers, twice. A go for everyone on the bouncy castle, two huge cakes and 8 large bottles of fizzy pop for the last night party, also some inflatable rings for the swimming pool I even had money left over to buy snacks and drinks for the children's journey home, which for some was 5 hours in a hot mini bus. Belive it or not even then there was a little money left over which I gave to the Director of Star of Hope who will buy gifts for the children at Christmas. The Star of Hope's motto is "Together we can make a Difference" I believe with you support we did make a difference. Thanks (looking forward to next year already) Brian Sumpton |
Roman Orphanage 2006 This year 'Poetic Hours' has given a donation of £200 to help the children of the Roman Orphanage in Bulgaria. The money was sent with Brian Sumpton, a voluteeer with the Star of Hope charity and he has sent us this report of how your money was spent. |
"everyone had a turn on the bouncy castle...." |
Brian Sumpton - "the fun man !" |
Toys for the children arrive |
laughter |
"two huge cakes.." |
"the last night party" |
The Star of Hope team |
other donations |
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