Rotary Club Project – The second half
Hello from 10 time zones east of Oliver- Moldova, well a break away part called Transnitria to be exact. Located between Romania and the Ukraine if you need a little more assistance with your geography.
In January of this year, the Rotary club sponsored the construction of two sets of playground equipment for two orphanages in Transnistria. Through a joint collaboration with the charities, For the Least of These, in Oliver, and Help the Children in Transnistria, this project is coming to fruition.
Five locals are over here, me, Russell Work from the Rotary club, Jeff Crowley, Bob and Susan Dyck and George Peters. Bob Ellis from For the Least of These was scheduled to accompany and lead us, but a very last minute family health issue prevented him from leaving.
The container filled with the two kits of playground, sports equipment donated and purchased by Jeff Crowley, soup mix from the Gleaners, blinds from Underfoot flooring and some 40,000 clothing items from the thrift stores locally, were shipped in June and arrived two weeks ago. We, as a group have been here since Tuesday and completed the re- construction of the first structure. It took nine hours of tough slog on Friday and 5 today to get the job done. I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story. A follow-up item to follow when we tackle the second.
Fear and excitement at the prospect of being the first of 250 orphans to go down the slide for the first time in your life. Jeff Crowley offers words of encouragement to this youngster, who made an impression on him after he saw her being pushed out the way by bigger boys and girls while trying to use the swing earlier.
Jeff at the bottom to assist her as she emerges from the tunnel, all smiles and ready to do it again. What made the whole trip worthwile! Changing the lives of others and bringing a smile to those less fortunate.
While pandemonium rains all around, the group takes our hats off for a job well done. Left to right, Jeff Crowley, Susan and Bob Dyck, George Peters and Russell Work
Photos and story by Russell Work