On 16th December we were fortunate to have a visit from Sister Sandra who is studying Finance in Berlin, but was representing an Institute in Mongu, Zambia where she is involved in a Project to teach local people Life Skills which includes Sewing. This event was hosted by Lions Meg & Tom Wilson, and was a very nice experience for all.
Sister Sandra is a member of the ‘Sisters of the Holy Cross Menzingen.’ who say "As women of Hope we strive to be a ‘Transforming Presence’ and bear witness to Jesus Christ in the reality where we live and work."
Lion Ramor Cragie had raised €184 at a Halloween Event in Glengarriff where he was making Baloon Animals for a donation. This was increased to €200 from the Bantry Bay Lions Charity Account.
We enjoyed a presentation from Sister Sandra about her work in Zambia, and how much this benefits the local people, enabling them to provide a service making and mending clothing. She told us about the school there where many children have to walk 8km from home and 8km back every day. Many of them have not eaten for a few days, so as a result are falling asleep in class from exhaustion. Also many of them have no shoes. There is more here.
Bantry Bay Lions Club were able to present her with the donation of €200 which was augmented by some members to bring the total to €750. We would also like to thank John and Marian Minehane for enabling this contact which has proved most interesting. Although the donations may not seem much, they do go so much further in Zambia than they would here.
We plan to maintain contact with Sister Sandra for the future.