It turns out that selling lemonade and collecting pop cans can be a lucrative enterprise, especially if the proceeds go to supporting charity.
It turns out that selling lemonade and collecting pop cans can be a lucrative enterprise, especially if the proceeds go to supporting charity. Karen Cook Brooks learned that over the last few weeks as she worked to help her son, Cody Brooks, with his fundraiser for the Nkoaranga ‘Small Things' Orphanage in Tanzania.
With a goal to bring in $20,000 during the month of August, Karen's help reached an incredible $2,100 over last weekend, capping off the fundraiser to a whopping $20,295.
And the bottles are still rolling in, she said.
“It's been amazing, really! Last night, somebody dropped off five more bags. They just keep coming,” she enthused, noting that some people simply gave cash donations.
The month-long Small Things Summer campaign worked to foster support for the facility that works to reunite many of the children with their families. It does this through a variety of measures, including business loans, training, relocation aid, and employment in some cases.
Cody Brooks, the orphanage's development director, noted that the funds would help cover expenses such as education, food, and clothing for the kids, while also contributing to those reunification efforts as well.
“I honestly didn't expect to hit the $20,000 total, let alone surpass it!” he wrote in a direct message from Tanzania.
“It's nice to know that I come from such a giving community. Everyone has been so generous. It's been so exciting to hear updates from my mom about all of the people who have stopped by. I've even heard from a few schools who are interested in joining up to do some fundraising with us. All of these new relationships are very exciting!”
Cook Brooks said that she is quite happy to continue collecting for the cause. People can drop off their bottles and cans into the bin at 179 Kingswood Blvd. or can make arrangements for pickups by calling her at 780-419-2532.
People can learn more about the orphanage by visiting www.thesmallthings.org.
Deacon Memorial Classic ready to play
The second annual Douglas Deacon Memorial Classic is all taped up and limber for an evening of street hockey on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old man was a popular participant in several sports on the local scene before he passed away four years ago. His brother, Daniel, started this ball hockey game as a tribute.
Last year's event saw approximately 40 people come out to play and remember Doug.
“That was a good crowd. They were pretty happy with that,” noted spokesperson Shauna Schellenberg, adding that organizers are hoping for the same or better numbers this time around.
The event is set for the parking lot at Transitions on Carleton Drive from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 8. It's a fine occasion for the game as the day would have been Doug's birthday.
Attendance is free but participants and audience members are encouraged to bring donations for the Special Olympics. There will be drinks and Dilly Bars provided courtesy of Dairy Queen but players need to bring their own sticks if they have them.
“We'll have free hot dogs – just play some ball. It's very inclusive: anyone can play. It'll hopefully be just a really fun and relaxed atmosphere.”
For more information, call Schellenberg at 780-916-2871.
Second hand but with a heart of gold
There's a charity garage sale taking place today with all proceeds going to help support Rainbow for the Future.
Some of the items for sale include a 2007 Hyosung 250 motorbike in great condition, a truck canopy, two gas-powered golf carts, plus tools, office furniture and other household goods.
The event is taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Albert Self Storage, 245 Carnegie Dr.
According to its website, Rainbow for the Future is a Canadian development agency “dedicated to the organization and integration of sustainable development efforts, particularly in Ethiopia.”
People can learn more about the charity by visiting www.rainbowftf.org.
