It’s official. Penrith, you have a ‘big heart’ when it comes to children.
The city has been "overwhelmingly generous" in giving to the Watoto Project, which rescues Africa’s ‘child soldiers’ from the ravages of war in Uganda.
Leading business people, financial planners, solicitors, doctors, restaurant and café owners, schools, community groups and others have "pitched in" alongside organisers from Riverlands Christian Church to raise funds.
As part of its commitment to the Watoto Project, Riverlands Christian Church will be holding a Charity Ball at the Riverlands Function Centre, Level 1, 535 High Street, Penrith, at 6.30pm on October 27. Tickets are $100 per person. Bookings should be made by October 7. All profits will go to the Watoto Project. Phone (02) 4722 6422. It will be a great night of entertainment with a four-course meal and a charity auction. Dress for the evening is formal.
"The response from Penrith businesses, community groups and individuals has been overwhelming and very encouraging," according to local church pastor Mick Wrotniak believes the people of Penrith can save many children in war-torn Africa.
"Those who have responded to our call include leading business people, solicitors, financial planners, doctors, restaurant and café owners, schools, community groups.
"The need in Uganda is very great. More than 30,000 children have been abducted and forced to serve as child soldiers and sex slaves. Surprisingly, we can make a difference – if only we have a mind to act," Pastor Wrotniak said.
"The rebellion in Uganda has forced 1.6 million Ugandans – half of them children – to flee the squalid and overcrowded camps in order to escape attacks and killings. This is a war fought by children on children. They make up almost 90 per cent of the rebel forces. Every night, 40,000 ‘night commuters’ sleep wherever they can find a safe space – in schools, hospital courtyards, etc, to avoid death, injury and kidnapping.
The city has been "overwhelmingly generous" in giving to the Watoto Project, which rescues Africa’s ‘child soldiers’ from the ravages of war in Uganda.
Leading business people, financial planners, solicitors, doctors, restaurant and café owners, schools, community groups and others have "pitched in" alongside organisers from Riverlands Christian Church to raise funds.
As part of its commitment to the Watoto Project, Riverlands Christian Church will be holding a Charity Ball at the Riverlands Function Centre, Level 1, 535 High Street, Penrith, at 6.30pm on October 27. Tickets are $100 per person. Bookings should be made by October 7. All profits will go to the Watoto Project. Phone (02) 4722 6422. It will be a great night of entertainment with a four-course meal and a charity auction. Dress for the evening is formal.
"The response from Penrith businesses, community groups and individuals has been overwhelming and very encouraging," according to local church pastor Mick Wrotniak believes the people of Penrith can save many children in war-torn Africa.
"Those who have responded to our call include leading business people, solicitors, financial planners, doctors, restaurant and café owners, schools, community groups.
"The need in Uganda is very great. More than 30,000 children have been abducted and forced to serve as child soldiers and sex slaves. Surprisingly, we can make a difference – if only we have a mind to act," Pastor Wrotniak said.
"The rebellion in Uganda has forced 1.6 million Ugandans – half of them children – to flee the squalid and overcrowded camps in order to escape attacks and killings. This is a war fought by children on children. They make up almost 90 per cent of the rebel forces. Every night, 40,000 ‘night commuters’ sleep wherever they can find a safe space – in schools, hospital courtyards, etc, to avoid death, injury and kidnapping.
"We have decided to be part of the answer, bringing parentless children together with mothers who have lost their children or who are widowed, and settling them as new ‘families’ of eight children and one adult in a new home in new communities near Watoto. With others, we hope eventually to build 100 homes, a medical clinic, a school, a church, a water project, and an agricultural project and provide electrical power.
"A typical response is: what can I do? The answer is: a great deal, if we do it together as a community. Come on and join us."
First stage of Riverlands Christian Church’s plan is to raise $38,000 - enough to set up one complete "house package" in Gulu, northern Uganda. A house package consists of a three-bedroom brick, concrete and steel home for eight children and one adult, a home worth $19,000, and infrastructure (land, electricity, plumbing, and water) worth $19,000.
"Many of us have seen the famous Watoto Children’s Choir on Sydney TV programs such as Today and the Kerrie-Anne Kennerley Show, and local newspapers have also reported on the Watoto Project," Pastor Wrotniak said. "Well, those children in the choir provide a glimpse of how we can turn these young lives around."
The Watoto Project places mothers who have lost children with children who have lost families in the rebel war, provides them with a new home, schooling, and life mentorship. For more information on the Watoto Project, visit www.watoto.com.au/.
For more information, contact Riverlands Christian Church on (02) 4722 6422.
