With the two playgrounds completed, the 5 member team had a chance to explore some other ways in which the people of the South Okanagan are making a difference to lives over here. Clothes that have been “gently” used and which you have donated to one of the charities, and in the case of Oliver it is the Hospital Auxiliary, are put on sale and if don’t sell within a specified time period are moved on to Bob Ellis and his charity organization, For the Least of These. The clothes are bundled and sorted in upstairs space donated by Beyond Bliss, compressed, baled and stored in enclosed shed space donated by Jeff Crowley, awaiting shipment by container to Transnistria.

We were on hand to see the warehouse where the bundles are opened and clothes sorted according to season and needs of the 10 thrift stores located throughout the break away region from Moldova.

The proceeds from the sale of clothes that find their way here support employment of some 25 locals, and pay for the shipping of future containers. The charity on the receiving  end, Help the Children, is very much a self help organization, who stretch every dollar received.

Where the rubber meets the road.  Bales of clothing arrive at the warehouse operated by the charity Help the Children. Ina from the charity is on hand to direct the “rookies” for the day, team members George Peters and Bob Dyck as to how to sort the clothes in a way that is useful for the stores. Oliver’s shipments were accorded high scores for the quality of clothing, its suitability for the Transnistrian climate, cleanliness and pre sorting.

Bob and Susan Dyck  meet with one of the shop assistants who has a job, thanks to the generous donations of Oliverites and others. Anna , our translator and guide is far right and was an invaluable resource for the duration of our stay.

Proof positive that the goods get through. Team member, Jeff Crowley was browsing the racks in one of the three thrift stores we toured and low and behold came across this well known local branded tee shirt. We saw plenty of Okanagan labeled product at prices comparable to what we would find back home. The director of the charity, Mark Faschefsky, has used some of the marketing strategies that the hospital auxiliary use, such as “bag sale” day to encourage shoppers. With incomes one tenth that of Canadian workers, and a region in desperate need of support, those who donate can be well satisfied that they are “making a difference”.

The team leaves Tiraspol Sunday for Chisinau, then depart their separate ways en route back to Canada, on Monday. It has a been an eye opening, emotional experience for all team members: Russell Work, Jeff Crowley, Bob and Susan Dyck, and George Peters.