It was a little chilly but a great night out for the kids at RISE and employees from the Collette Foundation. Unfortunately, the Paw Sox didn’t prevail – but the kids were able to get out on the field before the game and meet pitcher Kris Johnson. He was kind enough to sign the baseballs that the kids received from Collette!

We sat just behind home plate, enjoyed hot dogs and the great atmosphere! It was a great night  - thanks to all Collette Employees who attended!

Building began just three short weeks ago in Siem Reap, Cambodia on the Journey’s Within Our Community Library! The buy a brick program has been great – and with the support from other donors the construction has taken off. It is amazing what a community working together can accomplish in such a short time!

Learn more about the Collette Foundation and JWOC – click here!

We are thrilled to announce our second funded project at the Culturlaan McAdam O’Fiaich.  We are funding the promotion of the Irish language children’s book, Plura Lura, into rural communities that do not have such a contemporary, culture rich center of their own. We initially funded the publishing of the book which is offered to the community and on sale at the center.   I am so proud to have been there and to have participated in such a profound meaningful project for the children who have been underprivileged  during the political strife of this region.

Last November, I visited the  Foundation site in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Culturlaan McAdam O Fiaich. What a great community based center! Housed in a landmark building, the center is a three storey culture and arts center in a former Presbyterian church. Within the center,  a buzz of activity greets you at the door – enter into its cosy 130 seat restaurant where all the tables are covered with paintings of the famous murals that tell the political history of the city.  The food is wonderful and cheap and offers Irish classics such as the traditional Irish breakfast to snacks and lunch and dinner menus.   Locals were meeting to  chat over a cup of tea and I sat next to a group of Spanish tourists.  I asked them what they were doing in Belfast and they told me they were visiting and looking to take a historical political tour of the city.  The center houses an Irish language bookshop and Irish interest gift shop.  A theatre on the second floor hosts performances from local and national playwright and the local Irish language radio station broadcasts from the building. There is also a TV product company that offers Irish cultural programming for Belfast Community television.   The center is a hive of Irish Language and Culture.  Our clients meet children who benefit from the Irish Language and Irish cultural interests  that are performed and offered at the center. They also have an opportunity to purchase the book that we funded.

It is hard to believe that the 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti over 3 months ago. As the people of Haiti and many organizations have been working diligently to re-build and salvage there is still much to be done.

As many of you know Collette Vacations Employees and the Collette Foundation joined forces on a matching gift campaign which resulted in a grant to Partners in Health.

Partners in Health continues to do a excellent job on the ground in Haiti - to read the latest developments from their great efforts in Haiti – click here.

Exciting new happenings at our site in Cambodia!

Building is underway for the new library which will compliment the JWOC Community Center which was funded by the Collette Foundation in 2009! The  library will drastically enhance the resources that JWOC offers the local community. This library will be a place for people of all ages to come and enjoy learning through books, which they have little or no access to elsewhere in Siem Reap. The new library space will also hold kindergarten classes and other activities for children!

Learn more about our partnership with JWOC – click here.

While we have sent funding to Cambodia there is a need for more! So, the Collette Foundation is supporting JWOC’s Buy a Brick Campaign. For a small donation of $25.00 you can buy 1 brick – more if you would like –  and the Collette Foundation will match the funds. All proceeds (as always) will go directly to JWOC. This is a great way to leave your mark on the new library!

Please click here to download the Buy a Brick Flyer!! Thanks in advance for your support!

“I happened to be Instant Messaging with Tenzin when we both learned of
the Earthquake occuring at 7:49 am on Wednesday, April 14th. It was 9pm Tuesday night EDT (Atlanta) and 9am Wednesday morning in Lhasa.
Lhasa itself did *not* feel tremors and was not directly affected.

The earthquake occurred in the Yushu region of Tibet also
called the Southern Qinghai area of China. Tibetans are flocking to both the Jokhang Temple and the Potala Palace as well as visiting monastaries to say prayers for those affected by this tragedy.

It does not matter is this area is called Yush or Qinghai. Many lives have been lost and many more people are suffering. All that can come from Lhasa are prayers for those in the area.”

Latest News: (4/14/10)
Latest from China Daily: The death toll from a 7.1-magnitude earthquake in northwest China’s Qinghai Province has risen to 760, rescuers said Friday. The latest statistics show that 243 people were missing and 11,477 injured, 1,174 severely, said a spokesman with the rescue headquarters in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu in southern Qinghai.

After 3 years, living through a war, and countless moves from one temporary location to another the race to the finish line draws near. The roof is on the new permanent location for Tenderfeet, and like the sky, it is blue! 

It’s been a long journey for Tenderfeet. Orginially located in Kibera, forced to leave due to the 2007 riots…relocated in Riruta, then operating both locations, we are happy to say that we are nearly there!!

We purchase the land for them what seems like ages ago…after a long search it was finalized June 2009. The land was leveled, a contractor chosen and building began in December. The building has gone up very quickly! They are now installing windows and doors, then electricity and flooring and it’ll be complete! Tenderfeet students from both locations will be attending this school starting in May.

Collette visitors will be able to see the new Tenderfeet Education Center beginning with our departure in June!

To learn more about Tenderfeet – click here!