Thursday, January 20, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
A Successful Start to Fundraising
On Thursday, January 13, we had our first formal fundraising event - a Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra Balcony Fundraiser. We sold 171 tickets, which made $855.00 for our Zambia projects!
Besides the fundraising, the Balcony Fundraiser gave us a chance to wear our new team t-shirts, which were really eye-catching. We also were able to set up a booth in the main lobby alongside "Caring Hands", which sells lovely recycled paper jewelery made in Uganda.
At our booth, we promoted our Dinner & Fundraiser with guest speaker, Dr. Janice Stein, which will be held on Thursday, January 27 at the Travelodge Airlane Hotel. We also had available some general information brochures which contained information about what our team will be doing in Zambia, a donation form, and information about Nu-Vision Ministry Canada.
It was wonderful to see how many of our friends, family, co-workers and others came out to support our efforts, and we would like to say "thank you" to everyone who braved the cold and snow to do so. It was a great encouragement for us to keep going in our efforts to raise money for our projects in Zambia.
Besides the fundraising, the Balcony Fundraiser gave us a chance to wear our new team t-shirts, which were really eye-catching. We also were able to set up a booth in the main lobby alongside "Caring Hands", which sells lovely recycled paper jewelery made in Uganda.
At our booth, we promoted our Dinner & Fundraiser with guest speaker, Dr. Janice Stein, which will be held on Thursday, January 27 at the Travelodge Airlane Hotel. We also had available some general information brochures which contained information about what our team will be doing in Zambia, a donation form, and information about Nu-Vision Ministry Canada.
It was wonderful to see how many of our friends, family, co-workers and others came out to support our efforts, and we would like to say "thank you" to everyone who braved the cold and snow to do so. It was a great encouragement for us to keep going in our efforts to raise money for our projects in Zambia.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Our General Information Brochure
Here is a brochure we have made up about our Zambia Workteam 2011, its goals, a donation form, and information about Nu-Vision Ministry. Click on the image to view a larger version.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Fundraising Begins & Tourist Week is Planned
December was a very busy month for our group, as plans started to gel.
First, since we now had seven confirmed members on our team, it was time to look at our tourist week options. Eleanor had suggested to us, having led several teams, that it was a good idea to have some time together following the work to "debrief", as some of the things we would experience might be difficult for us, such as the poverty. Lifesong School for Orphans is targeted at orphaned children, including children who are "single orphans" (i.e. those who have had both parents die), and "double orphans", i.e. those who have not only lost both parents, but who've also experienced the loss of subsequent caregivers. Since HIV and AIDS are so rife throughout Africa, and Zambia has one of the highest rates of infection, this is not an uncommon situation.
Jeanette was tasked with planning the tourist week. Since Zambia shares the spectacular and famous Victoria Falls with Zimbabwe, she decided to include some time there, as well as some time in South Luangwa National Park, which has some of the best game viewing in the country. So, after some discussion and e-mails back and forth with the group members, it was decided that the group would fly down to Livingstone for three days, staying in a bed and breakfast on the Zambezi River, and decide there what activities they would like to do, such as visiting the Falls, a day trip to Chobe in Botswana for game viewing, boat trips on the Zambezi, etc. Then, the group would fly to Mfuwe, via Lusaka, to stay at a safari camp in South Luangwa National Park for three days. There, we would have the opportunity to do both driving and walking safaris from the camp. Most of the group will be staying in luxury safari tents (with en-suite bathrooms, electricity and real beds!) on the banks of the river, and are very excited to experience being "up close and personal" with game, albeit hopefully not too close and personal! Finally, it was decided that, after the safari camp, the group would spend a night at a local village that has opened its doors to tourists, and we will have the opportunity to participate in village life, such as food preparation, fishing, church services and visits to the local clinic.
December was also a busy month firming up fundraising plans and getting them under way. We were fortunate to be able to secure a Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra balcony fundraiser for Thursday, January 13. The idea is, the group sells tickets in the balcony seats for a TBSO concert for $15 each, and for every ticket, the group makes $5. Although we cannot advertise too widely as to compete with regular ticket sales, word-of-mouth is our primary method of promotion, and so far the group has sold a fair number of tickets, and Daphne and Moira have become our "power sellers"! At this concert, we will also have a booth set up in the lobby with information about the Zambia Workteam 2011, with pictures from last year's mission trip, and information about the 2011 project and our future fundraising events, specifically our Dinner & Fundraiser on Thursday, January 27 at the Travelodge Airlane Hotel.
This event was planned at the suggestion of Eleanor, who said that a dinner with a special guest speaker had proven very successful with past teams. We were fortunate to learn, through Daphne and Moira, that Dr. Janice Stein, a well-known television political commentator who is the Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and a University of Toronto professor, would be in Thunder Bay for a conference in late January, and she graciously agreed to give an address at a dinner and fundraiser for us. So, on Thursday, January 27 we will be having this major fundraiser.
Adding to our group promotion is Doug's hard work at designing a team logo and having t-shirts printed up. We are happy to say that they are now ready, and that we will be able to wear them at the TBSO balcony fundraiser on Thu. Jan. 13 and the Dinner & Fundraiser on Thu. Jan. 27. It will be a good, visible way to show our team unity and promote our project.
It has been a busy couple of months, therefore, securing our flights and tourist week activities, planning fundraising events and preparing promotional materials. E-mails have been flying fast and furious between the members of the group as well plan all of these things; we are grateful we live in this age of technology which enables us to be so instantly connected to one another.
After the TBSO balcony fundraiser, we will be having our next planning meeting on Wednesday, January 19th at the Nu-Vision Office at 1171 Oliver Road, primarily to go over final details of our Dinner & Fundraiser the following week. If anyone would like more information on anything, please call our team leader, The Rev. Nancy Ringham, at 939-1103.
First, since we now had seven confirmed members on our team, it was time to look at our tourist week options. Eleanor had suggested to us, having led several teams, that it was a good idea to have some time together following the work to "debrief", as some of the things we would experience might be difficult for us, such as the poverty. Lifesong School for Orphans is targeted at orphaned children, including children who are "single orphans" (i.e. those who have had both parents die), and "double orphans", i.e. those who have not only lost both parents, but who've also experienced the loss of subsequent caregivers. Since HIV and AIDS are so rife throughout Africa, and Zambia has one of the highest rates of infection, this is not an uncommon situation.
Jeanette was tasked with planning the tourist week. Since Zambia shares the spectacular and famous Victoria Falls with Zimbabwe, she decided to include some time there, as well as some time in South Luangwa National Park, which has some of the best game viewing in the country. So, after some discussion and e-mails back and forth with the group members, it was decided that the group would fly down to Livingstone for three days, staying in a bed and breakfast on the Zambezi River, and decide there what activities they would like to do, such as visiting the Falls, a day trip to Chobe in Botswana for game viewing, boat trips on the Zambezi, etc. Then, the group would fly to Mfuwe, via Lusaka, to stay at a safari camp in South Luangwa National Park for three days. There, we would have the opportunity to do both driving and walking safaris from the camp. Most of the group will be staying in luxury safari tents (with en-suite bathrooms, electricity and real beds!) on the banks of the river, and are very excited to experience being "up close and personal" with game, albeit hopefully not too close and personal! Finally, it was decided that, after the safari camp, the group would spend a night at a local village that has opened its doors to tourists, and we will have the opportunity to participate in village life, such as food preparation, fishing, church services and visits to the local clinic.
December was also a busy month firming up fundraising plans and getting them under way. We were fortunate to be able to secure a Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra balcony fundraiser for Thursday, January 13. The idea is, the group sells tickets in the balcony seats for a TBSO concert for $15 each, and for every ticket, the group makes $5. Although we cannot advertise too widely as to compete with regular ticket sales, word-of-mouth is our primary method of promotion, and so far the group has sold a fair number of tickets, and Daphne and Moira have become our "power sellers"! At this concert, we will also have a booth set up in the lobby with information about the Zambia Workteam 2011, with pictures from last year's mission trip, and information about the 2011 project and our future fundraising events, specifically our Dinner & Fundraiser on Thursday, January 27 at the Travelodge Airlane Hotel.
This event was planned at the suggestion of Eleanor, who said that a dinner with a special guest speaker had proven very successful with past teams. We were fortunate to learn, through Daphne and Moira, that Dr. Janice Stein, a well-known television political commentator who is the Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and a University of Toronto professor, would be in Thunder Bay for a conference in late January, and she graciously agreed to give an address at a dinner and fundraiser for us. So, on Thursday, January 27 we will be having this major fundraiser.
Adding to our group promotion is Doug's hard work at designing a team logo and having t-shirts printed up. We are happy to say that they are now ready, and that we will be able to wear them at the TBSO balcony fundraiser on Thu. Jan. 13 and the Dinner & Fundraiser on Thu. Jan. 27. It will be a good, visible way to show our team unity and promote our project.
Our team leader, The Rev. Nancy Ringham,has begun to make connections with the Anglican Church in Zambia through the Anglican Church of Canada Global Partners office. Having been in Rwanda a few years ago and meeting the Primate of Rwanda Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini at the very end of her trip there, she was asked by him, "What took you so long to get here? You could have been visiting Rwandan Anglicans." The Cathedral of the Northern Diocese of Zambia is in Kitwe, so making links now will ensure we have some personal contact while we are in Zambia.
It has been a busy couple of months, therefore, securing our flights and tourist week activities, planning fundraising events and preparing promotional materials. E-mails have been flying fast and furious between the members of the group as well plan all of these things; we are grateful we live in this age of technology which enables us to be so instantly connected to one another.
After the TBSO balcony fundraiser, we will be having our next planning meeting on Wednesday, January 19th at the Nu-Vision Office at 1171 Oliver Road, primarily to go over final details of our Dinner & Fundraiser the following week. If anyone would like more information on anything, please call our team leader, The Rev. Nancy Ringham, at 939-1103.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Plans Are Coming Together Now
The Zambia 2011 Workteam had a meeting on Thursday, November 18th. Eleanor Dunn shared with us that our travel agent, Jasminka, had been researching our flights for us. However, the news was not good at first, as she was not able to secure a seat sale, and according to her estimates, the round-trip tickets from Thunder Bay to Ndola were going to cost $3,500 when routed through London.
We also discussed fundraising opportunities at the meeting, specifically a TBSO balcony fundraiser, and bringing in a guest speaker for a breakfast and/or dinner. Finally, Doug went over the design for the Team t-shirts and brought some samples and prices for the group to consider.
A couple of days later, Jasminka had found a much better airfare, and tentatively booked us some flights with the routing through Iceland, and the time had come to make a commitment to go to Zambia. On Monday, November 29th, we had an "emergency" meeting to have a conference call with Jasminka and ask her any questions about the flights, insurance, etc. We had a lot to think about before our deadline of the following day!
After prayerful consideration, seven people made the commitment and purchased their airfare to Zambia: Ted, Jean, Doug, Jeanette, Moira, Daphne, and our leader, The Rev. Nancy Ringham. There are still some spots available on the team, so anyone who is still interested in joining the team still has lots of time.
Our next meeting will be Friday, December 10th at 5:00 pm at the Nu-Vision office at 1171 Oliver Road, across from the Northwestern Veterinary Hospital (click here for directions).
We also discussed fundraising opportunities at the meeting, specifically a TBSO balcony fundraiser, and bringing in a guest speaker for a breakfast and/or dinner. Finally, Doug went over the design for the Team t-shirts and brought some samples and prices for the group to consider.
A couple of days later, Jasminka had found a much better airfare, and tentatively booked us some flights with the routing through Iceland, and the time had come to make a commitment to go to Zambia. On Monday, November 29th, we had an "emergency" meeting to have a conference call with Jasminka and ask her any questions about the flights, insurance, etc. We had a lot to think about before our deadline of the following day!
After prayerful consideration, seven people made the commitment and purchased their airfare to Zambia: Ted, Jean, Doug, Jeanette, Moira, Daphne, and our leader, The Rev. Nancy Ringham. There are still some spots available on the team, so anyone who is still interested in joining the team still has lots of time.
Our next meeting will be Friday, December 10th at 5:00 pm at the Nu-Vision office at 1171 Oliver Road, across from the Northwestern Veterinary Hospital (click here for directions).
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Knitted Hats for Lifesong School
We are getting the information out there about our mission next year, and people are starting to come forward with ways to help out. Alison, a member of the Parish of West Thunder Bay, is spearheading a project to knit hats for the students at the Lifesong School:
In July 2011, a team from the Thunder Bay area, under the leadership of Rev. Nancy Ringham, will be travelling to the town of Kitwe in Zambia to work at Lifesong School. This school provides education to about 200 orphaned children - some of thesechildren live in the community, but many of them live and are cared for at the school.
Check out their website: http://www.lifesongfororphans.org.
The hope is to bring 200 knitted hats to give to the children.
A couple of simple patterns are available. Once you are done knitting mitts and hats for the Christmas Cheer program, please consider knitting a hat or two for this project!
All hats collected will be pinned to our "Knitted Hats for Lifesong School" banner hanging in the basement of St. Mark's Church.
Help us fill the banner with 200 hats by July 2011.
Please contact Alison Hart at 935-2324 or ajhart@tbaytel.net for the patterns for the knitted hats shown below, or for more information.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Our Third Meeting
Our third information meeting was held last night at St. Mark's Anglican Church. Along with our team leader, the Rev. Nancy Ringham, there were five other people in attendance. Some had been to previous meetings, but others were attending for the first time. After opening in prayer, Nancy welcomed everyone and we all introduced ourselves and said why we were interested in going to Zambia.
Nancy started by saying that she had ordered a study guide on short-term missions for the group, and that we would begin in November. Nancy also informed us that our travel agent had not heard anything about special fares being released in December, but said that she would keep us up to date. After that, Doug presented two options for a logo. We agreed that it would be a good idea to have team t-shirts, and also ones available for team supporters. Doug said that he would look further into costs to have these made up.
After that, Jeanette presented her idea for the "tourist week" at the end of our time in Zambia, to enjoy a safari and spend some time at Victoria Falls. She prepared a cost estimate and some information on the two lodges she thought would showcase the best of Zambia's natural wonders, both the wildlife and the beautiful countryside. She said that she would look into the possibility of using charter planes, as our group might be large enough to make it cost effective, and it may also cut down the travel time to get around the country.
We then tossed out ideas for fund-raising again, and the idea of hosting a coffee house was met with enthusiasm, as well as hosting a spaghetti supper, perhaps in January, and lining up a guest speaker. Nancy said that she had also applied to the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra for two balcony fundraisers for Spring 2011.
At the close of the meeting, it was decided that Thursday evenings would work better for people, so the next meeting will be on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at St. Mark's Anglican Church.
Nancy started by saying that she had ordered a study guide on short-term missions for the group, and that we would begin in November. Nancy also informed us that our travel agent had not heard anything about special fares being released in December, but said that she would keep us up to date. After that, Doug presented two options for a logo. We agreed that it would be a good idea to have team t-shirts, and also ones available for team supporters. Doug said that he would look further into costs to have these made up.
After that, Jeanette presented her idea for the "tourist week" at the end of our time in Zambia, to enjoy a safari and spend some time at Victoria Falls. She prepared a cost estimate and some information on the two lodges she thought would showcase the best of Zambia's natural wonders, both the wildlife and the beautiful countryside. She said that she would look into the possibility of using charter planes, as our group might be large enough to make it cost effective, and it may also cut down the travel time to get around the country.
We then tossed out ideas for fund-raising again, and the idea of hosting a coffee house was met with enthusiasm, as well as hosting a spaghetti supper, perhaps in January, and lining up a guest speaker. Nancy said that she had also applied to the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra for two balcony fundraisers for Spring 2011.
At the close of the meeting, it was decided that Thursday evenings would work better for people, so the next meeting will be on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at St. Mark's Anglican Church.
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