This article is from page 29 of the 2007-10-23 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 29 JPG
THE fifth annual sponsored slim-in in aid of orphans in Belarus will be launched in Ennis this week.
This unique fundraiser invites participants to lose weight over an eight -week period, from October 24 to December 12, in order to raise money for a Belarussian orphanage. The event will be launched at the West County Hotel.
Anyone looking to take up the challenge can raise money from sponsorship cards by agreeing to lose a certain amount of weight over the eight-week period.
Around 40 people take part each year and organisers are hoping to build on that number for this year’s event. A guest speaker will address participants each week on a wide range of topics including health is- sues, beauty and alternative rem- re Behe
All funds raised from previous events have gone directly towards improving the living conditions of children living in orphanages in BYor-VabESE
The money raised this year will be brought directly to Belarus by mem- bers of the Chernobyl Orphanage Development Programme.
A spokesperson for the organisa- tion urged people to get involved SUNN Noon O01
“These children have no parents and live in appalling conditions, so let’s show them we care,” she said.
The group will also spread Christ- mas cheer by taking Santa to chil- dren who have nothing.
The efforts of the Chernobyl Or- phanage Development Programme is targeted at the 13,000 orphans who live in 57 orphanages across Belarus, often without access to even basic facilities such as toilets or showers.
Most recently, the programme has taken on the redevelopment of
Besangovichi Orphanage in the north of the country. The orphanage, which is in the worst condition of any in the country, is home to 164 children with special needs.
Having already replaced the beds and furniture, restocked the medi- cal clinic and library, renovated the laundry and put in a new playground, the programme 1s hoping to put a new roof on the orphanage. This project will cost up to £100,000.
People are urged to get their friends involved with the slim-in or seek sponsorship from pubs and clubs.
For more information, contact Mary on 087 6438764.