Globetrotters B&B supports
the most vulnerable Tsunami victims
of all - orphaned children
So many lives around the world were devastated when the tsunami hit South Asia in late December 2004. So grand was the need that we were at a loss as to how we could help so many in need. After exploring all the options available to us, we decided we wanted to support orphaned children in Sri Lanka.
When we heard about Kay and Brian Bartley’s home for children, we knew we had found a match. The Bartleys left their comfortable Toronto professional careers in teaching and financial services several years ago to follow what they felt was their true vocation — to manage the Paynter Home. Kay’s grandfather founded this orphanage, school and farm in 1924 in the mountainous tea-growing area of what was then called Ceylon. Kay and Brian travel back and forth between Toronto and Sri Lanka, trying to earn some income here for their own livelihood while following their hearts supporting the destitute children in Sri Lanka. Kay's mother, who is 87, lives at the Home year-round and continues to be involved with this lifelong work.
As a result of the tsunami catastrophe, the Paynter Home was asked to accept many new children from the coastal regions of Sri Lanka who lost all of their relatives, leaving no one to care for them. This is not just about a relief effort, but also about providing a permanent home and a community for the children.
Two current needs are urgent: hands-on help in Toronto to organize a relief effort and, of course, money. In order to care for more children, Kay and Brian need to immediately authorize more beds, food, staff, and possibly build more housing and washroom facilities. Our donations will fund direct support for child victims of this unspeakable disaster. Infrastructure and bureaucracy costs of the Paynter Home are minimal, and even small donations go a very long way for the Paynter Home children. If you are so inclined to add your support to this worthy endeavour, tax-deductible donations can be made to:
St. Thomas Anglican Church NDG
6897 Somerled Ave.
Montreal, Que., H4V 1V2
Clearly mark your cheque "Paynter Home, Sri Lanka." They will be stretching their resources as far as they possibly can, and how many children they will ultimately be able to look after will depend on what they can manage.
They also need help in Toronto. Kay and Brian feel a strong need to have more people around them here to work for the cause on an ongoing basis, and would be happy to talk with anyone who would like to know more. Call 416-977-1825 or send your contact information to brianbartley@csi.com.
For information about the Paynter Home, visit their website at http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/paynterhome. While it is not a great website, the need for a more public-friendly website has been identified, but it is currently low on the priority list. Anyone willing to help them set up a website at little or no cost is most welcome. Volunteer time, expertise, service as well as your prayers are as appreciated as monetary donations.
Donna & Fernando Vieira
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