Celebrating African Motherhood - Amref

In February, AMREF in Canada led a donor visit to Ethiopia and Uganda.
The visit was a success, fostering increased support and commitment to
AMREF’s work, including the welcoming of two new Board members and
Can$165,000 in funding for the Atanga Girls School Project in Uganda. A
related co-branded product launch through AG Hair Cosmetics sold out
12,500 packages in two months, raising an extra $50,000.
In May, Toronto’s waterfront came alive with the sights, sounds and tastes
of Africa at the 13th Annual African Marketplace Gala. Brian Stewart, one
of Canada’s best known journalists, shared his experiences of four decades
of reporting from Africa and his insights into the potential of African
communities. Emcee and AMREF supporter Lotte Davis inspired guests
with her fundraising campaign through AG Hair Cosmetics, and AMREF in
Tanzania’s Country Director, Blanche Pitt, talked about the success AMREF
has seen working with communities and governments. The evening was a
great success, raising almost $200,000 for AMREF’s work.
In the fall, Measha Brueggergosman, AMREF in Canada’s Goodwill
Ambassador, gave her fi rst benefi t concert in support of AMREF. During a
live Q&A on stage with top-rated Canadian CBC radio host, Jian Ghomeshi,
Measha brought AMREF’s message to over 400 guests. Following the
concert, AMREF hosted a cocktail reception for VIP guests, raising $20,000.
DENMARK
The Board of AMREF in Denmark welcomed two new members, Mrs Ellen
Bleeg and Mr Morten Hesseldahl.
AMREF in Denmark is awaiting the response of several foundations to
requests for support for the Comprehensive and Integrated Trachoma
Control Project j among g nomadic communities.
Flying Doctors’ Society of Africa
The Flying Doctors’ Society of Africa (FDSA) held a charity Golf Tournament
in March at the Karen Country Club in Nairobi with the aim of raising
Ksh2 million (US$26,000) for Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) surgeries. With
that amount, the Flying Doctors’ society would be able to fund over 100
operations for needy women across the country.
The Organisation of Women in International trade (OWIT), Nairobi,
selected VVF as its fundraising activity for 2009. It organised a movie
night on September 11 to help the FDSA raise funds for VVF. The sponsor,
the Standard Chartered Diva Account, paid the direct costs of the Theatre,
and Nairobi divas were treated to a delightful evening. The event raised
Ksh500,000 (US$6,700).
In October, the Diplomatic Spouses’ Association organised a fundraising Golf
Tournament and Walkathon to raise funds for corrective surgery for fi stula
patients in rural Kenya. The money raised, Ksh1.5 million (US$20,000), will
help 75 women from across Kenya to receive surgical treatment for VVF
during the Kenyatta National Hospital camp to be held in June 2010.
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