On November 28th, we held a benefit show at our St. Albert venue "GFCB's" To raise money to purchase pillows for an orphanage in Burundi, Africa. The Mother organization which GFCB's operates under (Youth Unlimited) runs this orphanage in Gitega, Burundi. A city and country which has a brutal history of war, genocide, aids and poverty. After a short stay and some bad sleeps in the building late last year, it became apparent to one of our directors, James (bloodcrew), that there was no pillows in the entire orphanage... for the kids or workers, so we set out to change that!
We had an incredible evening on the 28th! All of our bands played for free, and all the proceeds from the door went directly to Burundi. We were able to raise over 300 dollars, and were able to purchase a pillow for every child and worker in the orphanage. 49 in total!
Because the pillows that are available in the market there are of poor quality, the staff opted to purchase materials and sew the new brightly colored pillows themselves.
This is the one of the two oldest boys in the home, Thacien, sleeping soundly on his new pillow.
We wanted to thank all the bands that played that night (Vespertine, Capture the hills, Bird Sang Song, & Letters to Elise), and Strange City for donating some merch for our raffle!
and most of all we want to thank everyone that came out and supported this cause! It means so much to us to have been able to do this for the kids in Burundi, and it was only possible because of you guys! We wanted to share these beautiful pictures with you so you would be able to see for yourself where your 5 bucks went that night, and to celebrate with us! Each pillow was just under $5, so everyone that paid for the show bought one of those pillows!!
And also, here is an article about the show and cause that was printed in the Saint City News in St. Albert:
Greetings Everyone!
We are in process of developing new service projects for DROP after our last trip to Burundi in September. If you or your school are interested in participating or have an idea, please contact bill@yfced.com or james@yfced.com for further information about getting involved. We will be focusing on a livestock project (for sustaining life), a medical clinic, a sixth house for the orphanage, and a "project serve" in which will happen in 2009.
Thank you to all of those who have helped us with our DROP project for Burundi Africa.
We filled 3 - 40’ containers for some of the poorest people on the face of this earth, Burundi, Africa.
We’ve managed to collect; generators, a water pump system , school supplies, rice & soup stock, 5 vehicles, clothes, bikes, computers, tools & sewing machines, and so much more. This will help many mission groups, teen prostitutes, child soldiers, orphans, street kids & many more. It will help ease poverty in numerous ways.
This has been made possible by youth actively taking initiatives locally. As well as people of all sorts who have a heart to make a difference in this world.
We believe that this is a powerful way to genuinley show Christ's love.
If you’ve already taken part in this project, we want to thank you. The voiceless Burundians thank you. We were fortunate enough to be speak on local TV & radio, as well as local schools, giving a report.
We are still hoping for some more help with various parts of the project costs.
If you’re interested in helping, please contact me directly at bill@yfced.com or our office at 780-437-3000. Also, you can simply click on the Burundi tab and find out the numerous ways in which you can still contribute.
Feel free to watch the videos and keep visiting this page as we will continue to endeavor to help youth discover their incredible potential!
Watching these videos will help you to get a better understanding of the need in Burundi and what Youth For Christ is doing to help. Our heart is to help the orphaned people in Burundi, and encourage young people in our community Edmonton, to reach out and make a difference in the world. You can get more connected by visiting http://www.myspace.com/dropburundi or by joining the DROP Burundi Facebook Group.
If you would like to support the work we are doing in burundi you can give us your information by phone or email. Please call our offices at 780-437-3000 or email admin@yfced.com for more details
Contact
Please contact Shanan at shan@yfced.com for more information about D.R.O.P.
DROP in the Media!
Bill Rice Executive Director of Youth For Christ Edmonton is Interviewed On CTV for the DROP Burundi Project - Daring To Reach Orphaned People
CTV - Youth For Christ Edmonton, Burundi Clip - July 25th 2008
Living Light News Article - July/August 2008
- Click picture to see a larger version!
Videos About Burundi
These videos were made with one of our youth named Jason that is very involved with MinusNegative. Together we can make a difference to change this world for the better!
Videos Made By YFC Burundi
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this video are those of the author and do not neccesairly reflect the views of Youth For Christ. We disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy, content, or availability of information and or sites that link to found on this video.
Burundi Africa
It seems that everyone knows about the
devastation of genocide in Rwanda. But
most have not heard of the country just
below named Burundi. There is a saying in
that part of the world; When Burundi
sneezes, Rwanda catches a cold.
The tribal conflict, which we have heard
about in Rwanda, actually began in Burundi
and has resulted in a much longer drawn
out civil war that has lasted over 12 years.
This has resulted in catastrophic numbers
of brutal deaths. In it’s wake, it has left a
nation of young people orphaned and in
dire poverty.
Although the war has ceased for the last 2
years, poverty has not. Burundi would explain
itself as being abandoned by the
world community. Much like its orphans.
In January 2008, YFC Edmonton sent a
team to visit YFC Burundi. We saw firsthand
the poverty and devastation. We saw a
country in desperate need of our help,
support and friendship.
We also saw hope. YFC Burundi has many
projects, one of which is an orphanage in
Gitega. The orphanage also includes a
school, a future medical clinic (for the children
as well as the community) and a future
training facility to encourage people in
the community to learn a trade. This orphanage
has a long-term goal of housing
and educating 100 children. The children
will be raised in a loving, nurturing, family
environment. These children are the future
leaders of Burundi!
They are in need of our help!
Edmonton YFC believes that nothing you do
is too small for Burundi. A single DROP can
cause a RIPPLE of hope. Impacting the lives
of many young people
We hope to inspire Canadians in making a
difference in the massive needs around the
world.
How you can help:
*sponsor a child
*sponsor the agricultural project
for the orphanage (includes crops,
livestock, shepherds, farmers, machinery
and training from agricultural specialists.....)
*sponsor the yfc gitega orphanage
building project (includes childrens
housing, medical clinic, school, training
center, workers...)
*sponsor a YFC leader in Burundi
*clean water project for orphanage
*generator (power) for orphanage
