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Unbelievable Donations History
Posted to: Partners For Others by Ray Brosseuk (30), Sat, 24 May 2008 08:44:35 PDT
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Comments: 8 by 1 members
Viewed: 70 times by 18 members
Here is the history of Partners For Others 2005 to 2007
Ray
By Ray Brosseuk (30), Sat, 24 May 2008 09:35:09 PDT
Comment feedback score: 0 +|-
Archive pages 5 to 10
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1334 by 61 members (most recent: 10 hours ago by Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (611)) Viewed: 17282 times by 547 members
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 20 Mar 2005 09:03:19 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
It means, I am the boss around here when Jackie's not home :)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 26 Mar 2005 20:37:07 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I see a little brake coming with my work on the mining equipment, so I think I will be sending a container into the South Pacific in about 2 weeks. As far as the one to Sri Lanka, I have put it on hold until I can confirm that the Government will not hold it up at the wharf.
If I cannot get assurances that it will get through, then we will be looking to send it somewhere else.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 26 Mar 2005 20:48:19 PST Comment feedback score: 3 (* * *)
Got a donation of over 4,000 Advantage bars. They are a chocolate flavored health bar. They are 2 months past there expiry date, So I ate one to see if they were still good and I am still here :) I presume that because they have been stored in a cold warehouse all winter they did not go bad.
I asked the local grocery store how far past the due date stuff like this can go and they said 6 months if kept cold. I don't want to send them to a warm country as they will go bad within two weeks, so I called the Union Gospel Mission in Vancouver and they said they would love to have them as they get over 300 people a night coming in for food and shelter. I will deliver them on this week when I go to Vancouver.
Thanks
Ray
By Joan Boysen (CCAL30) (559), Mon, 28 Mar 2005 17:41:06 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray,
I started reading your posts very early on and then somehow got distracted and haven't escaped from the Crisis in Sudan in months. Your story is certainly one of the most amazing ones I've ever heard and so completely wonderful. Thank you for continuing to share your news. You and your family are real heroes.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 29 Mar 2005 19:47:14 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Thanks Joan, I started sharing our story in the hope of encouraging others to step out and make a differance in this world. The amazing thing is, that by sharing I have started to understand myself like never before. It's strange, you start out thinking your going to help others and you end up really healing yourself.
Thanks
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 02 Apr 2005 21:10:51 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I am still trying to find the time to down load some video of trips to Fiji and to tell you some incredible stories. By the way, it was brought to my attention that I have been giving away points to lots of people here but I have never given Michael any points. I feel like a bit of a dough head :) so I just gave him 10, well deserved points.
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sat, 02 Apr 2005 21:46:42 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
with you being a "dough head" and michael being the "dough boy" and you both are a perfect match. LOL and your oversight is actually quite endearing... i'm sure you showed your appreciation in other ways!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 07 Apr 2005 18:07:30 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Another amazing turn of events. Jackie had a group from Belize come past our warehouse the other day to see if we had any school stuff. They were from Alberta and they had built a school near the Capital of Belize, Belmopan, They built the school first and are now trying to out fit it. Jackie showed them everything we had and they asked if they could have the 6,000 lbs of schoolbooks we have collected. We said yes and then they asked if we had any computers, Jackie said no I'm sorry we don't. When Jackie told me all this she forgot to tell me that they were looking for computers also.
So yesterday I called her and said you would not believe the phone call I got from a guy in the Yukon today. This guy we know in Whitehorse called and asked me if I could use a 100 computers, Pentium 3, 600 to 1gig, of course I said yes and he said he would box them up and ship them to us by May 1st.
All I can say is wow
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 07 Apr 2005 18:13:06 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow, that's so awesome!!! Ray, thank you for sharing these great "coincidences" (NOT) you've got someone smilin' down on you and this is so encouraging to read.... You just never know what is happening "behind the scenes", I like what Thomas has in his profile. "the more faith you have, the more it's tested" and certainly you have a lot of faith, and it's wonderful to see these little tokens of the exercizing of your faith come along so regularly. Thanks for sharing! :)
Carla
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 07 Apr 2005 22:42:53 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks carla, your right, it says if you have enough faith you can move mountains. faith like a little child. I'm learning slowly but I am learning.
Thanks Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 07 Apr 2005 22:49:15 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
doesn't it say if you have as much faith as the size of a mustard seed you can move mountains? mustard seeds are pretty small... so maybe it's "have a little faith, and you'll see great things happen! moutains move!" i'm learning SLOWLY tooooooooo. :)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 07 Apr 2005 22:55:52 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Your right, I just learned a little more.
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Thu, 07 Apr 2005 23:04:05 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray said:
~ ... it says if you have enough faith you can move mountains. faith like a little child. I'm learning slowly but I am learning. ~ And I'm learning from you. Thanks Ray "God doesn't give us tests, he gives us opportunities to strengthen our faith." I don't know who to credit for this one. I've always liked it. Signed, l'il miss quote
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 08 Apr 2005 19:33:14 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
"God doesn't give us tests, he gives us opportunities to strengthen our faith." Wow, I just keep reading it over and over and it just seems to have more and more meaning everytime I read it. Thanks so much Meron.
Ray
By Rose Vines (906), Fri, 08 Apr 2005 20:10:24 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I have come upon this discussion sooooo late, but I'm so glad I've come across it. Beautiful work, Ray, by you and your wife, and by so many other people who have been ignited by your energy. Rose
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 09 Apr 2005 21:32:12 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Rose, I'm glad when what we are doing and sharing encourage people. I know that it's been encouraging to me as I share.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 17 Apr 2005 11:26:18 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Just an update. On the way home Friday I stopped and loaded my truck with a donation of about 1000 pairs of brand new gum boots which were made in Poland. Next week the same guy is going to give me 3 pallets or about 1500 pairs of new rubber gardening boots made in Canada. I will have to ship soon the warehouse is almost full.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 17 Apr 2005 11:46:03 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Jackie and I are selling our house in town and from the money left over we should be able to build a new one out on 33 acres we have outside of town. The acreage is beautiful, there is a nice medium size river running along one side, it that comes strait from a glacier 15 miles up the valley, this will be our new view from our living room window. We are also considering building a new warehouse out there to. The warehouse we rent in town costs us $800 a month and if we built our own it would be twice as big and save us the rent. A new steel building will be about 100ft long by 55ft wide with a 18 ft ceiling. It is going to cost us about $125,000 if I buy it from a dealer. I am going to build it myself as I am a welder and it will only cost $85,000, which is a big savings. I am quite confident that from the sales of mining equipment this year we should be able to do it, I hope.
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Mon, 18 Apr 2005 21:45:25 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
wow, great news about the new donations!!! and great news about your new house... sounds dreamy, make sure to make a little guest house for your o.net friends to come and visit. :) sounds gorgeous... i got to walk on a glacier last year. it was amazing. in alaska... one of the most breathtaking experiences i have ever had...
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 19 Apr 2005 20:44:49 PDT Edited: Wed, 20 Apr 2005 20:40:53 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Funny you should mention the guest house, we plan on putting 4 small log cabins with lofts on the other end of the propery for friends and family to come and stay. Our city just signed a deal to build the largest ski hill in North America bigger than BlackComb/Whistler. It will be the 4th largest in the world opening 2007 finished 2010. We plan on renting them out to. Your more than welcome to come anytime, same with anyone else that would like to. We will put you all to work in the warehouse folding clothes, bailing, and anything else I can think of while you are here :):):) ,we hope to have a least one cabin up by this fall?
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Tue, 19 Apr 2005 20:49:21 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
work??? no, i wanna rest! :) sounds wonderful... i do wanna mine for gold too. i'm certain there's a gold boulder out there somewhere!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 19 Apr 2005 21:03:13 PDT Edited: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 21:32:03 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Ok if you fold clothes for 1/2 day, we'll let you sit by the creek and rest :) Jackie won't let me dig on the farm property for gold so I don't know if there is any there. If you look at www.ac-mine.com you will see why Jackie won't let me start digging a hole, I kind of get carried away and dig the holes a bit big. I always want to reach the bottom, the nuggets are bigger down there :)
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Tue, 19 Apr 2005 21:56:04 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
is that your gold mine?? it's beautiful... wow, what a place!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 19 Apr 2005 22:10:05 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
~? Carla White ?~ said: is that your gold mine?? it's beautiful... wow, what a place! Yes we went up to the Yukon in 2000 with no money and started digging for gold and found it. We have a lot of equipment running but we get $7.00 US from every cu yard of gravel that we wash and it only costs us $1.00 a cu. yard to process. It's an amazing place, Jackie and the kids love it. It is 100 miles from the arctic circle, 400 miles to the nearest city, 38,000 people hardly a city. The lake is full of fish, up to 50 pound trout.
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Tue, 19 Apr 2005 22:35:19 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
sounds amazing!!! 50 pound trout!!! my goodness, never heard of such a thing.
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1334 by 61 members (most recent: 10 hours ago by Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (611)) Viewed: 17283 times by 547 members
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 21 Apr 2005 21:32:35 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Well I am home early this week and I have arranged for a transport truck to bring a container up to us on Sunday and we will load it and send it off to Fiji. Iwill take pictures of the loading and post them for you. It will arrive in about a month and I will go down and distribute it. I have to go to Papua New Guinea at the same time. A company down there has a gold mine and wants me to visit and as they are going to buy more mining machines from me.
One of the guys at the mine asked about our charity work and after a long telephone conversation earlier this week they asked if I could help the little village they are mining beside. So I agreed to repack all kinds of stuff they need, mostly medical supplies once it gets to Fiji and forward it on to Papua New Guinea. It is so cool how after just a few minutes of conversation with someone, you end up connected to a need somewhere in the world and then best of all being able to help with that need. (Thanks Michael)
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 22 Apr 2005 13:10:25 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
You always inspire me Ray. I'm looking forward to meeting with the Carins this weekend, attending their presentation and then us all getting on the phone to call you. : )
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 22 Apr 2005 18:00:59 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Sounds great, I will be in Vancouver most of next week and then California the following week. I have been invited to demo one of my mining machines in northern California. It's for a government orginization that deals with the miners in the USA, if all goes well they may buy several machines. Give me a call anytime, I wouldn't mind meeting with them in person if they want.
Thanks Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 22 Apr 2005 18:37:39 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k said: ~
~ Give me a call anytime, I wouldn't mind meeting with them in person if they want. ~ I think that's a wonderful idea. Once we've got a few other things worked out and you are in Vancouver we'll plan a road ... ummmm make that a ferry trip from this end. Looking forward to meeting you.
Meron
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 24 Apr 2005 07:56:13 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Today is the day 42,000 lbs of stuff to be loaded out for Fiji and Papua New Guinea. The Truck will arrive at 1:00 pm and I hope to have it loaded by 5.00. After I'll need to go soak my sore muscles in the hot tub at our new public swimming pool. Jackie will take pictures and I "she" if I ask nicely :) will post them here.
Thanks Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 24 Apr 2005 13:03:59 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
ask nicely! with a little flower in hand :)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 24 Apr 2005 22:05:06 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
I asked nicely but she said not until maybe tomorrow, I think I worked her to hard today :) It's all done and we loaded 43,500 lbs and we feel like it too. On our way to Vancouver tomorrow, I will take my laptop and try to put up the pictures before the end of the week.
It sure is a great feeling to work this hard and know that its going to help someone somewhere have a better life, I get so charged doing this and thanks to all of you and Michael for helping out. Tell you more later, on my way to bed, soooooo tired :(
Thanks Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 24 Apr 2005 22:48:01 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
sleep well my friend.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 25 Apr 2005 11:02:53 PDT Edited: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 12:47:58 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Here is the bill of lading for the shipment to Fiji PARTNERS FOR OTHERS CONTAINER INFORMATION CANADIAN CONTACT NUMBERS:250-837-6444 Phone FIJI CONTACT 011-679-3361452 Phone CONTAINER NUMBER # MLCU 505564 - 8 SEAL Number: #ML- CA 0221324 DESTINATION DATE LOADED DATE SHIPPED FIJI April 24 2005 April 28 2005 CONTACT PERSONS: RAY BROSSEUK (CANADA) SIMI NAKASAMAI (FIJI) Clothing 22 Bails of Mens Clothing 21 Bails of Womens Clothing 19 Bails of Childrens Clothing 2 Bails of Infants Hospital 7 Bails of Blankets & sheets Toys 4 Bails of Stuffed toys Misc 6 Bails of Curtains, blankets and towels Nails 217 Boxes at 50 lbs each Wheel Chairs 10 Purses 6 Barrels Crutches 45 pairs Sewing machines 2 Walkers & canes 65 Shoes 4 Barrels Medical Supplies, Boxes large 120 Purses 2 Barrels Stroller 1 Belts and Hats 1 Barrels Small Hand saws 400 Misc 2 Barrels of Groceries Tents 287 Misc 1 Bail of 800 small cosmetic bags Leather work Boots 15 Boxes 16 pair to a box Misc 1 Bail of Nylons 6000 pairs Hip Waders 12 Boxes 6 to a box Lanterns 20 Boxes 16 to a box Tracts 329 Boxes
Thanks Ray, Jackie is working on the pictures.
By Jackie B (CCAL30) (622), Mon, 25 Apr 2005 13:15:44 PDT Edited: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 13:20:06 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hi Everyone,
Here are a few of the pictures.. I have put the rest in my webshots album so that you can all watch them there as a slide show and read the captions.
Jackie
WebShots Album URL: http://community.webshots.com/al bum/331045534nzcnjr
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Mon, 25 Apr 2005 13:56:15 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Just enjoyed the slide show while I ate my lunch. Thanks!!! Awesome pictures; hard work; : ) you had help. Be well.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 26 Apr 2005 22:15:35 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Yes, my dad came up to help, even tho he's 74 he still can work hard.
Jackie's best friend and her husband came over for the last hour and really pitched in.
The lady I hire to help fold clothes came and brought two of her freinds they worked harder than two other guys that came to help. I think these guys show up just because Jackie makes them all lunch :):) They work slow but eat lots :)
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Tue, 26 Apr 2005 22:17:27 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
that's really cool! great photos... when i show up for my vacation, i'll fold for 1/2 a day if that includes lunch before i go sit by the creek... can i swim in the creek or is it too cold?
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 26 Apr 2005 22:34:24 PDT Edited: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 22:35:16 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
You've got a deal, 1/2 day work, lunch and a brief swim in the glacier water. It's only possible in Aug if you are part polar bear :) The kids try it but they come out pretty quick. I'm a real chicken being raised in the tropics, as soon as my toes touch the water I lose my breath :)
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Tue, 26 Apr 2005 22:39:46 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
well on that note, maybe we should just tag a long to fiji, work 1/2 day there, lunch, then BEACH!!!! i've always wanted to go to fiji, ever since i was a little girl.
one way or another, you'll get a half day's work out of me! LOL...
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 26 Apr 2005 22:43:22 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Now your pushing it. I would require no less than 3/4 days work, no lunch (ok a Banana) and swimming only during low tide :)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 30 Apr 2005 20:59:15 PDT Edited: Sat, 30 Apr 2005 21:11:01 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
We're all off to California this week to demo one of our HPC 10 mining machines. The US Bureau of Land Management has asked us to demonstrate the abilities of the machine and if they like it they will place some orders. This would really give us a good boost financially, so we're hoping it goes well.
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sat, 30 Apr 2005 23:26:35 PDT Edited: Sat, 30 Apr 2005 23:27:02 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand. Remember to have some fun while you are in California!!! Safe journey to you both.
Meron
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Tue, 03 May 2005 08:27:20 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Just spoke to Ray and Jackie. They are on the road, just north of the California border ... happy and excited!!! They'll be home next Sunday.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 05 May 2005 21:13:15 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
High guys, we’re in the town of Williams, California. We finished our demo of the machine for Bureau of Land Management and it went fantastic. The test site was just outside of Nevada City at an old mine site. When we arrived the BLM guys asked us to process the first sample of gravel they had dug up and put into buckets. We ran the buckets and got about $5 worth of gold, which surprised them, they did not expect to see that much gold out of 42 buckets, which was about 2/3 of a cu yard. One of the BLM guys put 6 lead shotgun pellets into the buckets without telling anyone. When I cleaned the machine after the first test the pellets were in with the gold, only then did he tell us he put them in the buckets to see if the machine would catch them. He was really impressed as lead is half the weight of gold, therefore more difficult to catch.
Overall the whole thing was a success, they said they would be contacting us shortly to place orders. The machine we took down was sold to a guy who came up from Arizon,a he was there during the whole test and was really happy with what he saw. He took the machine and headed home to dig for gold :)
Thanks Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Thu, 05 May 2005 21:25:21 PDT Edited: Thu, 05 May 2005 21:36:40 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray that's awesome news! I'm so happy for you. This has been a wonderful day for happy news, you & Jackie, Carla, Terry, hey even I got a great offer today. We so ROCK!!!
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 05 May 2005 21:26:16 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
HURRAY FOR RAY!!!! awesome news... i just know you're gonna find a bouldler one day... :D
By Niny Khor (1415), Thu, 05 May 2005 21:30:29 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hey Ray - congratulations!! Meron: what's this about offer and multiple offers? :) Are you going to tell us? Is this about bookkeeping now? :)
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Thu, 05 May 2005 22:45:58 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Niny Khor said:
~ Meron: what's this about offer and multiple offers? :) Are you going to tell us? Is this about bookkeeping now? :) Ummmm, maybe ; )
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 28 May 2005 20:18:39 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Hi everyone sorry I have been gone so long I have taken on a lot this year and its been keeping me hopping. I am remodeling our whole house so we can sell it and move out to our farm and at the same time I am starting to work on our land build a large workshop for the manufacturing of our mining equipment and the charity stuff. Building our new home, plus fencing ECT. In the interim I have set up a machine shop in half of the warehouse we are renting in town for building our mining machines and working in the other half on our charity stuff. Some of you may have heard that my wife Jackie was hit with Bells Palsy last week. It was quite a scare; we thought at first she was having a stroke as the left side of her face became paralyzed. I rushed her up to the hospital and after some testing they explained to us that it was not a stroke but Bells Palsy. Jackie is handling it really well there was a few days at first with lots of tears but she is a strong woman with deep faith, I love her so much. The doctors say that it should go away in 3 to 6 months usually with no long term side affects. I will keep you posted on her progress.
Well to fill you in on the rest of the story. The container arrived in Fiji and everyone there is so grateful for all the items that we have sent. I should update you on the story about the land we are buying there. We are purchasing land on a hill over looking the bay in Suva the main city in Fiji. We are planning on building a dental and diabetes clinic also we will build a warehouse to store and distribute from. Two years ago I paid the tribe $22,000 so they had the money necessary to subdivide 60 one acre lots. They notified me that all the subdividing is complete and that they are ready to give us title for three lots so its time to pay the last 46,000 U.S. then to start building.
We have not been able to work out the bugs with the government of Sri Lanka to send in a container and I have heard that many charities are pulling out their support as they to are having the same problems. I received the list for the school project by Meron's friends and we are turning our attention to this, in place of Sri Lanka. Some amazing things have happened on this project in the last week.
I printed out the list and put it in my brief case, I must apologize that I have not given it any time, as I have been so busy. Here is were it gets amazing. I was in Kamloops 2 months ago looking at a large steel building to copy and build on our land when I met a guy from Vernon who asked why I was building such a large building, so I shared with him all the charity work we are doing and that is why we need such a large building and that was the end of it, until he called this week. I answered the phone and this guy said remember me I met you in Kamloops. He then told me that his son in law had passed away and his daughter was taking care of sorting out his affairs and that she had some stuff in a warehouse to get rid of and he remembered talking to me about our charity.
He gave me her number and said please call or go and see her, so I was driving through Vernon three days ago and stopped to see this lady and she took me down to a huge warehouse to show me what she had to donate. Her is Meron’s list and the list of thing that have been donated.
100 meal trays, Not yet 100 spoons, yes 100s of spoons 100 cups, yes 100s of cups 2 big pots, yes 1 big frying pan, yes 1 ladle, yes 2 big rice steamers, not yet 1 big knife, yes several knives of different sizes 2 chopping boards, yes 4 big white boards, not yet 100 desks, yes more than a 150 :) 100 chairs, yes 100 pencils, yes 100s 100 exercise books, not yet 50 packs of crayons, yes even more Toys, yes we always have lots 100 pillows, not yet 10 mats, not yet 100 toothbrushes, yes 100s 10 plastic bowls, yes even more 2 water coolers, yes 1 water tank, not yet Twenty 4ft x 8ft black boards with aluminum base I don’t know about any of you but I know SOMEONE else was working on that list in my brief case even though I was to busy to :):):)
Get ready Meron a container is coming your way soon. I have stopped manufacturing our mining equipment in Vancouver as the commute was becoming too tiresome every week. This will allow me to spend more time with Jackie and the kids :). I hired two welders to work in half of our warehouse in town to manufacture the mining machines, this will really take a load off and they will start on Monday as we need to build ten immediately.
I canceled my trip to New Guinea and Fiji to stay home with Jackie.
Thanks
Ray
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1334 by 61 members (most recent: 10 hours ago by Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (611)) Viewed: 17284 times by 547 members
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sat, 28 May 2005 20:33:27 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
AMAZING!!!!! WOW, can't believe it... just wanna say, Praise the Lord for that!!! unbelieveable! wow.... :)
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sat, 28 May 2005 20:34:57 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
in my excitement, i forgot to say, i am thinking of and praying for jackie... please send her my love. thanks.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 28 May 2005 21:03:37 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I forgot to tell you that we recieved the donation of 85 computers on Friday. We are sending 40 to Belize to a new school starting there by some people we know in Alberta. The rest will go to Fiji, unless they could use them somewhere else Meron ? :)
Thanks
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sat, 28 May 2005 22:36:07 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
pressed down shaken together, running over...
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sun, 29 May 2005 00:07:49 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, you and Jackie are truly unbelievable. There really is no other word for it. I'm speachless at the moment, and I can't see to type ... not through the tears anyways. You are a blessing.
Please give my best to Jackie. My thoughts, heart and prayers are with you both. Meron
PS: I'll ask about the computers.
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 29 May 2005 10:33:03 PDT Comment feedback score: 3 (* * *) +|- (net 0 from me)
I have been thinking about this thread and how amazing it really is and has been to see unfold. there are so many lessons to be learned here... i don't want to get all weird on you all but thing about how amazing this is and how much it teaches us... · ask and you shall receive · seek and you will find · knock and the door will be openend · jump and the net will appear · god can steer a moving vehicle easier than getting a vehicle moving. · miracles happen :) I just love the way that this whole thread was built on "doing" before all the "how's", "what's", "where's", were all in place. born out of compassion, love and giving. i'm so honored to have been able to see all this unfold. meron, you must be freakin' right now... isn't this amazing? we need to celebrate!
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sun, 29 May 2005 11:09:56 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Carla said:
~ I just love the way that this whole thread was built on "doing" before all the "how's", "what's", "where's", were all in place. ~
Michelle said · Road maps may be easier to follow, but you tend not to go off and explore new territories · it's ok to let things unfold before deciding we already know the answer ~ meron, you must be freakin' right now... isn't this amazing? ~ Carla, freakin' barley describes it! Absolutely amazing! :D
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 29 May 2005 11:18:02 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
A mentor of mine always talks about having a vision, goal, etc... so in this case it would be "getting resources to people abroad" that is the vision, goal, what many people miss out on it trying to control the "process", they settle for much less... this is an entirely different concept from the loosy goosie "we don't what we're doing, we're just doing something..." that many try to get us to buy into... you must have a purpose... but arriving there is much more fun when you don't have it all mapped out... leaves room for "happy accidents and miracles"
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 29 May 2005 22:31:21 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks to all of you for your insight on this, it is really wonderful having a clear and defined goal of helping others. As Carla said the fun is the journey seeing what is around the next corner or over the next hill. The most incredible part is seeing some insurmountable object like a hill or a river and no way over, around or across and then out of know where we are on the other side, it's so cool. Sometimes I feel like the Red sea has parted, it is so amazing.
I will be going to pick up two loads this week and I can't wait to see what is coming next???? Keep you posted
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 29 May 2005 22:33:00 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
What's next???? I vote for the gold boulder ;)
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 29 May 2005 22:34:49 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
like this one!
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 29 May 2005 22:37:38 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
or this???
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (611), Sun, 29 May 2005 22:52:32 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow, this thread is amazing! Can you say "Easy and Spontaneous Philanthropy" without a smile? :)) I can't.......lol I love what you guys are doing. Such fun!!!!
Michael.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 29 May 2005 23:24:52 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Carla, if we ever found the big nugget in the first picture, none of us on here would ever have to work again, we could just have fun chipping off pieces the size of sugar cubes ($500 worth) and giving it away :):)
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 29 May 2005 23:30:18 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
sounds "sweet" to me!
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sun, 29 May 2005 23:47:02 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray and Carla, you two are just too cute. Your exchanges always make me smile. :D
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 03 Jun 2005 20:35:17 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Hi, I went and picked up 90 Desks, 26-4x8ft Black boards and 60 small chairs. this was only about 1/3 of what was donated. I will be getting the rest over the next two weeks. It is only about two hours from where I live so it's not to bad of a drive. I took some pictures and I will ask Jackie to post them here.
Thanks Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 03 Jun 2005 21:29:45 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Ray said: ~
~ It is only about two hours from where I live so it's not to bad of a drive. ~ Ray you blow me away!!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 04 Jun 2005 20:27:46 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Here is some Pictures of the first load of School supplies.
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sat, 04 Jun 2005 20:34:44 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
ray, that is so amazing. thank you once again for letting us share in the joy of your giving and receiving... meron is going to flip when she sees this!!! thanks again and love to jackie!
carla
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 04 Jun 2005 20:36:22 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I had to buy another truck as the white one had over 200,000 klm on it. I paid $16,000 two years ago and put 150,000 klm on it and then I was able to sell it for $15,400. Then I went back to the dealer auction were I have a license to buy and I bought this one two years newer with only 125,000 klm on it for $13,500 I should be able to use it for a year then sell it for a little more than I paid for it.
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sat, 04 Jun 2005 20:39:37 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
YOU ROCK RAY wow that's amazing too! so you're not only generous, but smart too :)
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sun, 05 Jun 2005 02:04:45 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
You're right Carla ... I'm flippin'. Thanks for sharing the pictures Ray!!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 15 Jun 2005 21:35:37 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Going to pick up more desks and school supplies tomorrow. Meron let me know how things are going on at your end.
Thanks Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Thu, 16 Jun 2005 00:14:07 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
K Ray. Didn't want to bug you while you were on that other mission. It was awesome to watch you in action btw.
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1334 by 61 members (most recent: 10 hours ago by Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (611)) Viewed: 17285 times by 547 members
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 16 Jun 2005 23:12:53 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray,
My son's school was given 400 boxes of cool lollipops. Each box contains 1200 lollipops. They are having a hard time getting rid of them and I suggested they donate some to your work. Would you want some of them? I think they'd donate 10 boxes, which could put a lot of smiles on a lot of kids faces. They aren't ordinary lollipops, but ones with a 12 inch plastic tube stick, and a colorful candy shape tied in gold. Let me know what ya think. they kinda look like this, but with 12 inch sticks.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 16 Jun 2005 23:24:36 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
That would be so cool, how big are the boxes and I would try and find an address in Washington state to have them sent to as it would be alot cheaper. I have friends that live in seattle that could work.
Thanks Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 16 Jun 2005 23:44:45 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I'll find out and let ya know!!! 12,000 lollipops!!! you said you were donated toothbrushes too hun?
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 17 Jun 2005 07:16:10 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Two ways to do this, tooth brushes or ration them out or one per kid ?
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 24 Jun 2005 19:42:11 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I went to Vancouver this week to meet and demonstrate one of my mining machines with potential customers from Tanzania, South Africa, Oklahoma and Washington State. The guys from Africa were interested in the mining equipment and placed orders for 1 HPC 10 and 2, HPC 40 and want a license to be our reps in Tanzania, Congo and Mozambique.
The guys from Oklahoma and Washington are interested in purchasing my gold mine and some large HPC machines. They flew on to the Yukon for the weekend were they hired a helicopter to take them out to the mine and they will be making me an offer later next week.
I am excited with the contact in Tanzania the guy I met lives in Dar Es Salaam and I will be manufacturing a machine for him and shipping it to Tanzania and then in Oct or Nov he will pay for me to go over and set it up and I want to stop and see the orphanage while I am there and hopefully by then be able to help even a little more.
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 24 Jun 2005 19:47:08 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, you must have horseshoes you know where ; ). Welcome back!!!
It's alway encouraging to read your good news. I am thrilled for you. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Give Jackie a hug from me. Oh, what the heck, just go ahead and kiss her! :D
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 24 Jun 2005 20:13:44 PDT Edited: Fri, 24 Jun 2005 20:19:26 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I was driving home today and called a friend to tell him all the stories of what has been happening and after sitting on the side of the road and talking for over an hour he asked me if I was sending any more containers. I told him that there was enough stuff in the warehouse to fill two containers but only enough money to send one and that we are trying to send a container to Fiji and to Bande Acheh to rebuild a school. That led to the whole story about the unbelievable events surrounding the desks and blackboards and so on. After telling him the whole story he said go ahead Ray get ready to send both containers and I will send you $5,300 U.S. Yahoo
So get ready Meron start the tin cup if you haven’t already. With half of the new money and what is left over from Michael we can send the next Fiji container. With the other half of the new money I want to put up the same offer as we did for Toye.
I will match all donations up to half the shipping costs for Meron’s shipment. I’m so happy :):):). How about you Meron?
I am so wired about this whole thing, it’s so amazing.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 24 Jun 2005 20:16:38 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I prefer Gold nuggets "you know where" not horseshoes:)
Ray
By Jackie B (CCAL30) (622), Fri, 24 Jun 2005 20:49:30 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
O.K. you two, this is so funny to me, because I was talking to Carla this week about people (me) who edit themselves, and people who post with confidence...LOL LOL you two have a lotta nerve! LOl LOl Lol LOl and you're very very funny. Mind you, ray's post looks pretty strange in "What's New" I'm not acknowledging my association with him tonight :) giggling,
Jackie
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 24 Jun 2005 21:02:05 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray,
You are UNBELIEVABLE!!! I am speachless at the moment and that's not easy to do, just look at the most frequent poster list. I so love you guys!!! ~ and gals ; )
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Fri, 24 Jun 2005 21:19:34 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
oh my goodness... what a delightful and amazing and wonderfully phenomenal piece of news. i give this a big
PRAISE THE LORD and throw in a HALLELUJAH. wow, i'm so proud to know all of you and so thankful to see all this happen. if i get MY way (and i do want my way in this, i'll say it LOUD and clear) all the kids in that school will have their own musicland band coloring books, stickers, videos? (put a video player on that list please) cd, (add a cd player too) and musical instruments....
ray, i am so happy about the gold mine and the machines. i KNEW you'd find a boulder!!! we gotta party!!! too bad we all live so far from each other!!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 24 Jun 2005 21:21:57 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
No Meron, collectively we are all fortunate to be a part of something unbelievable to be a part of making a difference in this world. Again it is more blessed to give than to receive. I don’t know how it’s possible but I feel like I’m getting more happiness than the people who will receive these gifts:)
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 24 Jun 2005 21:23:40 PDT Edited: Fri, 24 Jun 2005 21:26:17 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, I just found this is there any way we can continue to use it and just change the description? Carla said: too bad we all live so far from each other!!! It never ceases to amaze me how close we all really are : ) And Carla, Carla, Carla your list musicland band coloring books, stickers, videos? (put a video player on that list please) cd, (add a cd player too) and musical instruments.... I'm grinning from ear to ear. And to think that earlier today I was feeling discouraged, y'all have just lifted me up ~ higher and higher!!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 24 Jun 2005 21:30:24 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I don't think we can reset it to Zero? Also when Michael's money was sent to us we posted that that this tin cup was completed Also we were unable to send to Sri Lanka due to customs in that country so we shipped to Fiji instead.
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 24 Jun 2005 21:34:44 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Okay, it was just a thought. I'm on the phone with Carla, she's gonna' set up a conference call.
By Jackie B (CCAL30) (622), Fri, 24 Jun 2005 21:43:56 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving --large or small-- it will be used to measure what is given back to you." Luke 6:38 NLT
Jackie
By Toye T. Wigley (52), Sat, 25 Jun 2005 06:30:12 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hello everyone~ I am just joining this discussion. I read something about a vcr player. I have one to donate if it is still needed. The only issue is that it will probably require an adaptor, but other than that I can send it ASAP. Please just let me know where to send it. Hope everyone is well. -Toye
Carla W-h-i-t-e said:
oh my goodness... what a delightful and amazing and wonderfully phenomenal piece of news. i give this a big PRAISE THE LORD and throw in a HALLELUJAH. wow, i'm so proud to know all of you and so thankful to see all this happen. if i get MY way (and i do want my way in this, i'll say it LOUD and clear) all the kids in that school will have their own musicland band coloring books, stickers, videos? (put a video player on that list please) cd, (add a cd player too) and musical instruments.... ray, i am so happy about the gold mine and the machines. i KNEW you'd find a boulder!!! we gotta party!!! too bad we all live so far from each other!!!
By Cynthia Gentry (CCAL30) (1880), Sat, 25 Jun 2005 12:32:44 PDT Edited: Sat, 25 Jun 2005 12:33:11 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Sometimes life fills me with such joy I think I'm going to pop! This is such grand news!! Thanks for the inspiration and for walking the walk. :-) As soon as I get these digital murals developed I'll be adding them in for the school walls.
Thanks for pointing me over here, Carla.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 25 Jun 2005 19:45:12 PDT Comment feedback score: 3 (* * *)
After reading this, some of you may think I am a little retarded but I’ll post it anyways. I was feeling a bit down today and then I read this to Jackie and thought what is wrong with you Ray? “When temptations assail you, when care, perplexity, and darkness seem to surround your soul, look to the place where you last saw the light”. Wow how cracked we are sometimes as humans, I was thinking where did you last see the light Ray? then I felt stupid, as I only had to look back a few hrs to the gift of $5,300 that will help in the rebuilding the school project and back a few days more and what happened for the children in Moshi.
I usually wouldn’t tell you all this but I feel that maybe one of you out there is feeling a bit down to and need to read this and have it help you look back and see were you last saw the light and receive encouragement from it, as I have.
I read this to, “Good deeds are twice a blessing, benefiting both the giver and the receiver of the kindness. The consciousness of right-doing is one of the best medicines for diseased bodies and minds. When the mind is free and happy from a sense of duty well done and the satisfaction of giving happiness to others, the cheering, uplifting influence brings new life to the whole being”. So I hope this helps someone as it did me today:):):):)
Thanks Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sat, 25 Jun 2005 20:22:30 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
thanks ray... it's good to hear that others, who seem to keep having miracles happen get down too :) we're all in this together and we're more the same than different hun?
thanks for sharing.
By Toye T. Wigley (52), Sat, 25 Jun 2005 22:10:23 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hello Ray~
Just so you know, I've been a bit down for the past week and beyond as a result of several misfortunes which recently occurred in my life (one being losing my mom in January), so your entry was very insightful. I was speaking to a confidant yesterday about how I feel super guilty about feeling down in lieu of all that the Lord has blessed me with. I guess it's what "they" call spiritual warfare. Sending the donations out was a major light and I don't think I will ever be able to thank you, thank you, thank you enough. Thx...Toye
Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k said:
After reading this, some of you may think I am a little retarded but I’ll post it anyways. I was feeling a bit down today and then I read this to Jackie and thought what is wrong with you Ray? “When temptations assail you, when care, perplexity, and darkness seem to surround your soul, look to the place where you last saw the light”. Wow how cracked we are sometimes as humans, I was thinking where did you last see the light Ray? then I felt stupid, as I only had to look back a few hrs to the gift of $5,300 that will help in the rebuilding the school project and back a few days more and what happened for the children in Moshi.
I usually wouldn’t tell you all this but I feel that maybe one of you out there is feeling a bit down to and need to read this and have it help you look back and see were you last saw the light and receive encouragement from it, as I have.
I read this to, “Good deeds are twice a blessing, benefiting both the giver and the receiver of the kindness. The consciousness of right-doing is one of the best medicines for diseased bodies and minds. When the mind is free and happy from a sense of duty well done and the satisfaction of giving happiness to others, the cheering, uplifting influence brings new life to the whole being”. So I hope this helps someone as it did me today:):):):)
Thanks Ray
By sooner (565), Sun, 26 Jun 2005 05:37:32 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
These last few posts about feeling down remind me of an article in Parade a while back about Dana Reeves. I posted about it in health http://www.omidyar.net/group/iss ues-health/news/50/ but this quote is what I'm thinking about: "There's a formula Chris and I used all the time. When you least feel like it, do something for someone else. You forget about your own situation. It gives you a purpose, as opposed being sorrowful and lonely. It makes me feel better when things are too hard for me."
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 26 Jun 2005 10:47:51 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I remember her saying that on Oprah too.... hmm i should try it sometime :) thanks terry for sharing that. when i'm down the LAST thing i want to do is something for someone else. it's me, me, me.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 26 Jun 2005 16:11:37 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I was working in the yard today and I feel alot better after being outside. Then I came in and read your posts and I feel even better thanks:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 26 Jun 2005 16:17:11 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I will get a quote from my shipping agent on the shipment for the school supplies. Meron do you know the info on which port we need to ship to? I will be gone tomorrow to pick up Vadym the kid that is coming from the Ukraine. He is going to help me this summer so he can earn some money for his third year of medical school.
Ray
Unbelievable Donation Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1334 by 61 members (most recent: 10 hours ago by Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (611)) Viewed: 17286 times by 547 members
By Toye T. Wigley (52), Sun, 26 Jun 2005 19:30:02 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Well I can definitely say the Emmanuel Center blessing was great therapy. Thanks for the quote. -Toye
Terry Fritts said:
These last few posts about feeling down remind me of an article in Parade a while back about Dana Reeves. I posted about it in health http://www.omidyar.net/group/iss ues-health/news/50/ but this quote is what I'm thinking about: "There's a formula Chris and I used all the time. When you least feel like it, do something for someone else. You forget about your own situation. It gives you a purpose, as opposed being sorrowful and lonely. It makes me feel better when things are too hard for me."
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sun, 26 Jun 2005 19:40:35 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Ray asked: ~
~ Meron do you know the info on which port we need to ship to? ~
I'll email the question right now and should have an answer by morning.
Thanks : )
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 30 Jun 2005 19:08:50 PDT Comment feedback score: 2 (* *)
I have 4 big boxes of stuffed animals and toys, is this what they are looking for. The boxes are 3ftx3ftx6ft
Desks
Boxes of shoes, rubber boots, and things called ducks? and 1000s of shoe laces ?????
4 Big aluminium pots one inside the other, large frying pan, 12 bowl, 288 cups, 200 spoons, 200 forks, Large iron skillet, 2 large cutting boards
By Vinnie "Breast Cancer 3-day" Sorce (252), Thu, 30 Jun 2005 20:54:04 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me) Ray that's just amazing!
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 30 Jun 2005 20:56:11 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
YEAH!!! so amazing...
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Thu, 30 Jun 2005 22:38:43 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Ray asked: is this what they are looking for? ~ YES! YES! YES! and YES! :D
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 01 Jul 2005 08:47:22 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
That's great Meron I will put aside heaps of it. Any news on what port to ship to and when??? I am running out of room in the warehouse, what a terrible thing to have happen eh? :):)
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 01 Jul 2005 09:06:38 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Ray said: ~
~ I am running out of room in the warehouse, what a terrible thing to have happen eh? :):) ~ That's just horrible! We'll have to fix that ; ).
~ Any news on what port to ship to and when??? ~ I emailed pictures of the the stuff you posted to Tom last night and asked him to get back to us on the best port ASAP. I'll post the answer when I get it. Also, last night, I sent Jackie a description for the Drop Cash Campagin, please encourage her to work it over before seeting it up ; ). I'm otta' here for the day, I get to be the Candy Floss Lady for our Canada Day celebrations ... hmmm, I'm sure there's a Personal Pages Story in there somewhere LOL!!!
Happy Canada D'eh to you, Jackie and your family!!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 01 Jul 2005 09:27:50 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Have fun, Candy Floss Lady??????? Remember children will be present:):)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 03 Jul 2005 19:54:04 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I am done teaching myself how to edit the first video from my 8mm camera to Movie Maker. Now I need to figure out how to put it at a host site so you guys can watch it? The stories I'm writing will be about my life as a kid growing up in foreign countries and more from 1995 and on with videos accompanying them.
Then I will post them here on a new thread and then hopefully I can figure out how to place a link on the thread so you can go to watch the video after reading the story.
It's been a bit hard but I am determined to do it. I hope you guys find it ok and I hope most of all it encourages people.
Thanks
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 03 Jul 2005 20:30:59 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
ask sue braiden!!! she knows all about that techie stuff, and she's not even a guy!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 03 Jul 2005 22:53:40 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Easy on me now Carla, If you promise don't tell anyone, I've been asking Jackie to help me once and a while:):)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 27 Jul 2005 08:18:34 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Just got home and I picked up the 120 pillows needed for Meron's shipment to Thailand. I was also given another barrel of dehydrated soup mix and 4 barrels of dehydrated apples. The place that does this is all volunteers, they were chopping onions when I was there. They were given 80,000 lbs of onions this week to dehydrate. All summer long they do different vegetables and store them in barrels, then in the winter they mix them all together to make the soup mix. They donate the barrels of soup mix to organizations that are working on the ground mostly in African countries. It is truly an amazing work that reaches starving people that are in desperate need.
I think they shipped over 3 million cups of soup last year. The owner mentioned to me that the work they are doing is growing so rapidly that they are looking at buying some adjacent land to expand. They are looking for donations to help them do this, around $250,000 U.S.
As I was about to leave he asked if there was a food bank in our town I said yes and he gave me 5 sacks of onions to deliver to them.
Thanks
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Wed, 27 Jul 2005 08:36:27 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
That's awesome. So great!!!! wow, the smell of 80,000 pounds of onions... I can imagine the tears... ;)
By Vinnie "Breast Cancer 3-day" Sorce (252), Wed, 27 Jul 2005 08:42:00 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray I'd like to be you just for one day to see what it feels like.
By Jackie B (CCAL30) (622), Wed, 27 Jul 2005 18:59:37 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Oh Vinnie, It's exhausting just being his wife!!!! Can't imagine being him...but he just thrives on all the activity...crazy man that he is. :) :) Can't blame him though, making a difference is invigorating!!! Explains why we're all here eh? :) Never a dull moment.... LOL
jackie
By Vinnie "Breast Cancer 3-day" Sorce (252), Wed, 27 Jul 2005 19:28:38 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
ROFL, ;-)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 02 Aug 2005 20:51:12 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Well some bad news today. The building we are renting to do our charity work and mining equipment manufacturing in was sold and the new owner came over today to give us an eviction notice. He has asked us to leave as he is setting up his own business in the building. This is sure going to be a bit of a struggle as we have more than three container loads of stuff stacked up in there ready to ship out to Thailand for Meron and the others to the south Pacific. I guess this is the good news hidden in the bad news:)
I have been working like a dog building mining equipment to make the money we need to build the new shop. In the last 30 days we sent two machines to Mexico one to California and another to Africa. We've been trying to make enough money to be able to build the new building out on our land but were not quite there yet, we have $50,000 set aside already but I think it will take $80k or more to pull this off, especially with a time constraint, it throws the whole plan in to a bit of a crisis mode. I guess I'm always telling you guys to go for it and it will work out, so here it goes chin up and with a smile on my face I’ll start building next week. :):) See I’m smiling
I hope the shipping strike is over soon Meron, We really need to ship now.
Thanks
Ray
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2031), Tue, 02 Aug 2005 21:12:38 PDT Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *) +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, something tells me there will be a way for us to help bridge the gap. It's a big one, but when looking back on the journey that's been taken in this thread, it makes me hopeful that another miracle is simply waiting in the wings. Perhaps we can do some brainstorming around the kinds of people and organizations that might be natural allies to help make this happen?
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 02 Aug 2005 21:42:37 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks for the encouragment Sue, you are right all I have to do is look back over the past few months and that should be evidence enough.
Thanks
Ray
By Vinnie "Breast Cancer 3-day" Sorce (252), Tue, 02 Aug 2005 22:13:21 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray what are the chances of renting a truck(s) and doing it ourselves? I'll make the time and find the money to come up and help.
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Wed, 03 Aug 2005 01:27:16 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
ray, there a big miracle on the way... "keep looking up, it's what we live for"
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 03 Aug 2005 08:06:19 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks a million for the offer Vinnie but it's not that easy, I have a friend who would haul it for us but there are two problems, under a new rule the containers need to be hauled on a special transport truck trailer and not on a regular transport truck deck. Second the strike is with the truck drivers who have the license to move containers on their special trailers in and out of the wharf and they are the only ones allowed. We may be able to get it from my place to Vancouver with an independent truck with the special trailer but there would be no place to put it down in Vancouver as the storage yards are full.
You see it's a bit twisted down there one trucker gets to take it 300 miles from us to a place outside the docks then another truck comes outside the docks and picks it up and takes it inside union rules? This is where the problem lies the last mile.
Ray
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2031), Wed, 03 Aug 2005 08:35:43 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, let me start by asking the question "What do you need most right now?" It sounds like shipping is an issue (and this sounds like the situation is about to get a lot worse there, and a lot more drawn out from what I'm hearing at CBC), and it sounds like you've now got a significant facilities issue. If you can share a "wish list", we can all do some thinking about who we know, and what resources we can draw on from our personal networks.
By Vinnie "Breast Cancer 3-day" Sorce (252), Wed, 03 Aug 2005 08:59:53 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Maybe if you told the whole story to everybody, landlord, truckers, shippers, etc, they would make an exception?
topBy Ray Brosseuk (30), Sat, 24 May 2008 21:09:21 PDT
Comment feedback score: 0 +|-
Archive Pages 10 to 15
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1334 by 61 members (most recent: yesterday by Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614)) Viewed: 17293 times by 547 members
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 03 Aug 2005 14:14:45 PDT Edited: Wed, 03 Aug 2005 14:21:05 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Well, I don’t even know where to start??
Carla said: ray, there a big miracle on the way... "keep looking up, it's what we live for" Carla you were so right.
Sue said: Ray, let me start by asking the question "What do you need most right now?" It sounds like shipping is an issue (and this sounds like the situation is about to get a lot worse there, and a lot more drawn out from what I'm hearing at CBC), and it sounds like you've now got a significant facilities issue. If you can share a "wish list", we can all do some thinking about who we know, and what resources we can draw on from our personal networks. And Vinnie said: Maybe if you told the whole story to everybody, landlord, truckers, shippers, etc, they would make an exception?
Well here’s what has happened this morning before I had even read your posts.
I called everyone Vinnie and it went like this: I showed and told the landlord everything about the Thailand project and the previous work we have done. He said ok I will try and give you more time to vacate the building. He said he will be renting his current building out while it is up for sale, so he would try and arrange it so the new renters of his old building would wait a while allowing him to stay in the building longer, He said maybe as long as 4 or 5 months:)
Then I got on the phone and talked to the truckers and shippers told them the whole story and said please. Well the trucker said OK I will bring you a container this Sunday and deliver it back to the wharf, I said how and he said there was a court injunction today allowing the port authorities to give a liscence to independent truckers despite the strike. This is a bit risk for them but he is willing to do it for us.(I here you Carla you were right:) Then I called my shipping agent and hit a bit of a wall there, he is shutting down for a week holiday and said sorry can’t help you for a least 2 weeks and maybe longer if the strike doesn’t end. I said please, is there anything you can do. He paused for a minute and said ok call a friend of mine in Vancouver and he might help you. So I call the friend and he said, I would but I am going on holidays too, you know there is a strike on and nothing’s moving, so a good time for a holiday. So I said please:) And he said well, if you already have a trucker willing to move the load for you then I will take my lap top with me on vacation and I will have you a shipping release number in the morning so the trucker can pick up the container and deliver it to you and then back to the wharf :):):):):) So that leaves the remaining items on the list Meron ? and then it’s a go.
We're down to: 120 meal trays 2 big rice steamers 120 exercise books 50 packs of crayons 120 packs of pencil crayons paints 20 mats 2 water tanks (500 litres) With the landlord trying to help us out here, giving us as much time as he can. I think we will be able to sell enough mining machines in the next month or so to be able to pull it all off.
Well Sue I guess the wish list was almost taken care of before we even had to write it:)
Thanks
Ray
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2031), Wed, 03 Aug 2005 14:35:32 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Why am I not surprised :^) You are a constant source of inspiration and renewed faith.
By Vinnie "Breast Cancer 3-day" Sorce (252), Wed, 03 Aug 2005 14:56:37 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
My hero pulls it off again! Ray if I was a women I'd be fighting Jackie for you. ;-)
By Jackie B (CCAL30) (622), Wed, 03 Aug 2005 15:15:54 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hey Hey Now!!!
Oh well, you'd never win anyways...LOL LOL LOL We Irish girls are pretty darn tough... LOL LOL LOL 10.
By Vinnie "Breast Cancer 3-day" Sorce (252), Wed, 03 Aug 2005 15:19:11 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I'm half German and Italian, it would be a good fight, lol.
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1561), Wed, 03 Aug 2005 15:20:08 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
here's to the Irish! slainte`
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Wed, 03 Aug 2005 15:20:57 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
ray, praise the lord!!!! and a woo hoo, thank you god!!! i'm doing the happy dance... i also like how you, "asked", "seeked", and "found"... you could have just given up, but your faith was tested, you stepped out, explored possibilites, used the "power of requests" and "ta da".... now if i could only believe for myself the way i did for you.... ;) love ya....
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Wed, 03 Aug 2005 20:11:17 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I just got home. How about if I just don't unpack ...
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 03 Aug 2005 21:55:19 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Sounds good Meron, I will confirm every thing as soon as I can in the morning.
By the way on the CBC radio news at five, I heard that half of the 50 striking companies agreed to the deal and signed it. They will be back to work on Fri. If the other half don't sign, they figure it will take them 6 weeks to clear the backlog of contaniers.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 04 Aug 2005 12:40:01 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Carla it is official we will be loading the container on Sunday and away it goes to make little children Happy. I get happy just thinking about it, must be my feminine side leaking out:):)
Ray
By Jackie B (CCAL30) (622), Thu, 04 Aug 2005 12:41:09 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
It's not your feminine side honey, it's just that you are still a big kid and you're never going to grow up... It's what I love about you!!! 10.
By Jackie B (CCAL30) (622), Thu, 04 Aug 2005 12:52:23 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Just a little window into Ray's mind... Here are the lyrics to his favorite song. :) :)
I Believe in Angels I have a dream, a song to sing To help me cope with anything If you see the wonder of a fairy tale You can take the future even if you fail I believe in angels Something good in everything I see I believe in angels When I know the time is right for me I’ll cross the stream - I have a dream I have a dream, a fantasy To help me through reality And my destination makes it worth the while Pushing through the darkness still another mile I believe in angels Something good in everything I see I believe in angels When I know the time is right for me I’ll cross the stream - I have a dream I have a dream, a song to sing To help me cope with anything If you see the wonder of a fairy tale You can take the future even if you fail I believe in angels Something good in everything I see I believe in angels When I know the time is right for me I’ll cross the stream - I have a dream 10.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 04 Aug 2005 21:55:51 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I new I shouldn't have told Jackie about this place, My reputation has declined dramatically since you girls met and you to Vinnie and to think it's my own fault:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 04 Aug 2005 22:08:08 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Sue Braiden said:
Ray, something tells me there will be a way for us to help bridge the gap. It's a big one, but when looking back on the journey that's been taken in this thread, it makes me hopeful that another miracle is simply waiting in the wings. Perhaps we can do some brainstorming around the kinds of people and organizations that might be natural allies to help make this happen?
Sue Well I was working today, I was thinking, I do that some times:) I'm pretty sure everything will work out but I have one concern what will I do with the stuff in the warehouse that does not get shipped before we have to move out and what about the constant stream of goods coming in while I am building the new place.
I'm thinking that answer is that I should buy a couple of empty contanier and put them out on our land, I will be able to continue collecting the charity stuff and store it in them. As I fill them I will just ship them. I think this would work well till the building is complete hopefully before winter.
The containers cost about $1,900 each Canadian and I think two is enough so this is what I will be working towards.
Thanks Sue
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 04 Aug 2005 23:19:12 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
ray uh, i think your rep. has gone up... contrary to your statement... women love and strong man with a soft heart... can't get any better than that. so chin up buddy.
By Vinnie "Breast Cancer 3-day" Sorce (252), Fri, 05 Aug 2005 10:14:56 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I'm with Carla, your rep is way up in my eyes.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 05 Aug 2005 15:37:47 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Oh I'm comfortable with my rep as a strong guy with a soft heart, It's the one about this guy "I have a dream, a fantasy To help me through reality" Do you think he may be a few bricks short of a load:)
Ray
By Jackie B (CCAL30) (622), Fri, 05 Aug 2005 15:43:33 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
my two-bits worth: Reality sucks! Seriously though, reality sometimes gets in the way of progress, we can look at the world and never try new things because others say they are impossible...think Columbus and the flat earth...that was reality in those days...thank goodness he had a dream/fantasy.
I think we are forging ahead here in Onet land in a bit of a fantasy mode...I'm all for it....great and unexpected things are going to happen... luv, 10.
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Fri, 05 Aug 2005 16:53:28 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
lol, i see what you mean ray... doesn't quite work, but with a melody it may not sound so gay. (gay meaning stupid) lol
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 12 Aug 2005 08:27:02 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
I have to share with you the biggest unbelievable donation ever. You all know the building we are in is sold and we have to move out. I think I told you all that we are going to have to build a new one out on our land 8 miles out of town which is what we were eventually planning to do. The approximate cost was going to be around $50,000 plus $15,000 for a 15 ton overhead crane but Jackie and I have only been able to secure about half that so far. Well I went to the local fish and tackle store in town yesterday and the guy there who I know quite well, said how are you doing, I heard you shipped a container to Thailand on Sunday.
I said yea it was great. He said I heard your building sold and you have to move out, what are you going to do. I said I have to build a new one out on our farm. He said wow that’s not cheap and I said no and I have to do it before winter sets in. Now this is the part I can hardly believe. He looked at me and said you know the government sent me a notice to say that I have to take down a building I own 60 miles north of town, it's on government land as I put it there ten years ago for a logging operation I used to run, maybe I'll sell it to you real cheap. It also has a 20 ton over head crane in it to bigger than what I need. Do you want to go and look at it?
Well we were in the truck and off to look at it immediately. I cannot tell you how perfect the building is, its 70ft x 110 ft and I was planning on building 100ft x 55ft so bigger than I need. It has a 30 ft high ceiling, it is just perfect.
Then I asked him how much and He said well I paid $25,000 for the over head crane and I would like to get my money back for it but you can have the building for free. It will take me a month and cost $6,000 to disassemble it and reassemble it, plus $2,000 for 4 truckloads to haul it to our farm.
Can you belive this, I am just so high right now:):):) I am off to Vancouver in an hour, so got to run, will tell you what happens later. Oh here is a picture.
The first one is the main part 60ft wide and 50ft deep the 20ft wings or extensions have already been taken off and very nicely put inside.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005-1/938053/ShopBuilding002.jpg http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005-1/938053/ShopBuilding008.jpg
A very happy Ray
I offered him $15,000, I hope it's no more than $17,000, then we can pay for it next week.
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 12 Aug 2005 08:30:48 PDT Edited: Fri, 12 Aug 2005 08:39:30 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, you are now up to 3 horse shoes ... ; ) A very happy Meron PS: did you see this?
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sat, 13 Aug 2005 00:52:29 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
AWESOME.... i can't believe it, but i felt a miracle was coming... can he throw in a forklift??? ;)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 13 Aug 2005 22:47:09 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Carla, I think with that 20 ton over head crane inside the building I will be able to make do without a fork lift for a while.
It doesn't help in loading a container, but it will sure help moving thing around inside.
Ray
By Vinnie "Breast Cancer 3-day" Sorce (252), Sat, 13 Aug 2005 23:08:22 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Holy crap Ray, you're like the energizer bunny, you just keep going and going and going......
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 14 Aug 2005 16:53:47 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Vinnie I'll take that as a compliment:) I fly off to the Yukon tonight to show my gold mine to some buyer.
I hope things work out, it would sure free up the capital I need to build mining equipment, send more contaniers, build the new shop and even build our new house if we sell the one in town.
Talk to you when I return on Wednesday.
Ray
Unbelievable Donation Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1334 by 61 members (most recent: yesterday by Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614)) Viewed: 17294 times by 547 members
By Vinnie "Breast Cancer 3-day" Sorce (252), Sun, 14 Aug 2005 18:42:45 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
We'll be waiting!
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Mon, 15 Aug 2005 11:02:29 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
go ray go
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 16 Aug 2005 14:23:43 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Well I am back in Vancouver on my way home in the morning. Things went well and I hope to get an offer from them soon.
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Tue, 16 Aug 2005 21:35:51 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
hurray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 20 Aug 2005 16:23:49 PDT Comment feedback score: 2 (* *)
Update on the building Things did not go so well with the used building north of town. When I got back from the Yukon, I called the guy and said will you sell me the building for the $15,000 I offered, he said no, I have thought about it and I need $28,600. This is a bit more then he had first mentioned and he said he won't move on the price. Well I thought about it and ran some more numbers and it’s not a deal at that price so I called him back and said thanks but it’s to much.
When you add it all together, it will end up costing me as much as a new one. $28,600 plus $4,000 to truck it to town and $10,000 to have it reassembled and $12,000 for the concrete foundation and slab.
Total $54,600
I have gone over the cost analyses on a new one again and it will cost approximately the same, except the over head crane which I can build my self for $5,000, so I will have to go this route.
Bit of a bummer, but I won’t get discouraged I will just keep looking forward and remembering how it has always worked out in the past:)
Thanks
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sat, 20 Aug 2005 20:00:12 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
well, that building didn't come with a forklift, so i never liked it anyway... ;) miracle still coming...
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 05 Sep 2005 08:37:00 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Well the Chinese guys I took north to the gold mine did not come through with anything good:( It,s not all bad though some more people out of Alberta are interested and I have been negotiating with them for a couple of weeks now, it really looks promising. More news on the building in a bit.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 05 Sep 2005 15:47:24 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Well the time is fast approaching were I have to vacate the building I am in and I have been working like a mad man to get it all done. This is what I have been trying to get done in the past few weeks. Building more mining machines (doing) Build 800 meters of new road into our land (Done) Clear the trees and brush for the new building (Done) Start pouring the concrete foundation (not yet) Put up the building (not yet) I need to clean out the old building which entails two containers of stuff to go out to the South Pacific, all my welding and fabricating equipment plus all the steel to be moved.
The whole job seemed so insurmountable that about two weeks ago I was thinking there is no way I can do all this before the end of September. So I decided to call around town and see if I could find a temporary building to move into for a while.
Well I called everyone I could and there was nothing anywhere, so I resorted to the fact that I just had to try and do it. I’ve been working 18 hr day, welding machines together, building road and just trying to get it all done. Needless to say I was starting to feel a bit burned out. Then on Friday morning Jackie said why don’t you try again to see if there is any temporary building for rent in town, I am a bit ashamed to say, but I turned and said with a bit of frustration in my voice there is NONE I tried already! Well about two hours later just after lunch I was driving back to the shop and it all started to happen. Sorry, I will be back in a bit to finish.
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Mon, 05 Sep 2005 18:48:38 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Now there's a cliff hanger!!!
Hurry back, Ray!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 05 Sep 2005 20:08:56 PDT Comment feedback score: 6 (* * * * * *)
Sorry I'm back
The first thing that happened is there is a group of students from Africa here, for some kind of exchange program and they called and said they would love to help load the next container. I said thank you very much and I will call you when I am ready to load, but I am thinking in my head, I can’t afford one, let alone two, right now. Then a few minutes later I was talking to a business guy I know and I was telling him about the whole situation and he said I can help, I will pay for one of those containers so he is sending $5,180.00 US to ADRA Canada for the shipping So I am organizing the African kids to load out one container on Sept 18th :):):)
Then about ten minutes later I was talking to another guy I know in town and he said, call this guy in Alberta I think he has a building in town he may want to rent out. I quickly called and the guy’s wife answered and said her husband was away, here is his cell number. I called and he said yea I have a building I’ll rent and I am in town now, come meet me in 15 minutes.
Jackie and I went to see it and we just about fainted when we walked in, it used to be a machine shop complete with an overhead crane:) absolutely perfect.
I quickly looked around and was thinking this is to good to be true and I probably won’t be able to afford the rent; I was thinking that it could be as high as $3000 a month. The elderly owner was quick to tell us that he doesn’t want to rent it out for less than a five year lease, I looked at Jackie and shook my head, this is not going to work out. We still looked around and talked for a while and explained our situation. When we were done the owner turned and said you know what, I’ll rent it to you for the 8 month you need, at $2,000 a month, and you can stay longer if you want.
Then he continued and said, I will even sell you the building if you want for $185,000 Canadian and I will credit you three months rent to the purchase price if you decide to buy it. He even gave this option to purchase, in writing.
I was in shock, not only was the rent cheap, but the price too. The building I am currently in is slightly bigger and it sold for over $400,000. So by the end of Friday, one of two containers was fully paid for.
The help is here to load the container. We have a new building to move into, taking the financial and physical presser off to have to build the new one right now.
The possibility to be able to buy the building, hopefully I can figure out how to do this in the next three months. Well once again I have been shown, that when I think it’s not possible and I am out of my own answers, it comes together in a miraculous way.
It goes to show you, we may not always have the answers but we need to press ahead if we know that it is the right thing to do and it will come together. Jackie just put a little saying on the fridge that I like, it says:
Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go….
Thanks
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Mon, 05 Sep 2005 20:24:21 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go… ~ I like it ... (although it can be a little scary when used in the same sentance as teenager :S)
Way to go Ray!!!
:D
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Mon, 05 Sep 2005 20:24:59 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
what great news to read ray. thank you so much for sharing it!!! wow, i am so encouraged... what can i say???? thank god!!!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 06 Sep 2005 08:37:18 PDT Comment feedback score: 2 (* *)
It's confirmed more blessings will be on there way to people in need. I just orginized a contanier to be loaded and shipped on sunday September 18th:):):) One more contanier to go before the end of the month. Meron is your son craving dehydrated apples ???? :)
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Tue, 06 Sep 2005 08:55:12 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Ray said: ~
~ Meron is your son craving dehydrated apples ???? :) ~ Yes, as a matter of fact he is. He finished off the other lot some time ago but I don't know if he's craving them THAT much ... LOL!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 06 Sep 2005 11:08:26 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Well, you know where we keep them and we have lots and we give them away free to anyone who wants, for only 5 hrs of labour:)
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Tue, 06 Sep 2005 11:11:59 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hey Ray, you know if I was closer I would so be there helping you ... kids too! $bag'o dried apples/5hr labour or not ; )
:D
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 06 Sep 2005 11:29:20 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I know and if I wasn't getting help from the African kids I would be crying and begging right now :)
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Wed, 07 Sep 2005 07:33:32 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, just a thought, what about sending that last shipment south to LA?
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Wed, 07 Sep 2005 14:44:58 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Meron s'Mor'z ; ) said: ~
~ Ray, just a thought, what about sending that last shipment south to LA? ~ The other thought I had around this was we could send the shipment to Baton Rouge to Rose & Lillie for distribution.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 07 Sep 2005 17:58:51 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I spoke to ADRA Canada the other day about this and they are working in the hurricane area of Louisiana, they have already taken in containers of clothing and other stuff. He said because people are being transferred out to other parts of the country there is no longer one central place to hand it out, people are receiving clothes and other items from local people in the state where they are being taken. He says it's all about cash now.
Your thought about Rose receiving it and distributing may be something that could work very well; Lets follow this up and see how it could work.
Thanks
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Thu, 08 Sep 2005 09:07:08 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray,
How much do you figure it would cost to ship a container to the south? Do you have a list of what you have on hand to ship?
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 11 Sep 2005 15:51:39 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I don't know what the cost would be, I will ask my shipping agent.
I won't know what is left over in the warehouse until after I ship to Fiji this month.
Thanks Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sun, 11 Sep 2005 16:26:11 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I did PM Rose about this. With the situation such as it is and with her and Lillie having to relocate to Houston shortly she didn't feel she would be available to do any distributing. Here is her message, in part:
~ I think it'd be great if Ray could ship some supplies here for distribution, but they really need to go through one of the established networks, I think, such as Catholic Charities (which distributes to all poor, not just Catholic) or the American Friends Service Committee. Lillie and I have no resources at all to handle a truckload of goods. We don't know when we'll be in Houston and we have no possessions or community back up there, nor phone or anything else yet, so we wouldn't be able to handle it. But I'm sure there's an on-the-ground organisation which could. Baton Rouge is really crying out for supplies and assistance. Another organisation here is the Baton Rouge Area Foundation.
~ Love, Rose
Just thought it might have been a good connect ...
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 11 Sep 2005 16:50:47 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Thats ok Meron ADRA Canada is really doing a lot of work down there and I know they will reach the little guy.
Thanks Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 12 Sep 2005 17:53:53 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
The kids from Africa that are going to help load the container asked me to postpone loading by one week. I called the shipping company today and rearranged the dates so we won't be loading now until Sept 25th. I am actually releived, as I didn't think I was going to be ready for the 18th.
Ray
Unbelievable Donation Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1334 by 61 members (most recent: yesterday by Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614)) Viewed: 17295 times by 547 members
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 16 Sep 2005 16:03:55 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Some people from Alberta came by today with a cube van to pick up 40 computers for a school they have built in Belize. They were just thrilled to see school desks, so we loaded them up with 50 of them:)
Jackie talks on the internet with a lady that runs an orphanage in Belize called The Kings Childrens Home, so we asked if they would take four 100 pound bails of childrens clothes and give them to the orphanage for us and they said yes they would be glad to.
Again it is wonderfull to connect with people who are trying to do good things and work together with them to help make it happen.
Thanks
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Fri, 16 Sep 2005 18:27:58 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
very very cool ray!!!! wtg. miss ya, miss jackie, tell her hello! miss miss s'mores too.... can't wait for SD.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 17 Sep 2005 20:08:19 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Carla it's getting cool here, winters coming there is new snow on the mountains already, Jackie and I are already trying to think of how we can get to Southern California. I am delivering a small machine to Mexico on Oct 10th to 14th so I will get a little warm weather.
Then in Dec I need to deliver a bigger one to the same place. I think I will bring the whole family and set them up at Desert Hotsprings in the RV park while I am in Mexico then Jackie can get a bit of a vacation. Maybe we can see you then Carla?
Thanks Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sat, 17 Sep 2005 21:29:47 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
sounds great to me!!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 18 Sep 2005 19:33:28 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Ok Carla, we will be a calling when and if we head south:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 26 Sep 2005 21:10:26 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Some of you may remember what happened back on the 5th. We received a donation, that paid for one container to be shipped on the 25th (now moved to the 30th), and no money for the other one that needed to be sent,
Well today was the day of more wonderful things. I received a call from the guy I buy containers from, he said he sold 3 empty containers to a mining operation in Africa and he asked the guy buying the containers if it would be ok to put some things in the containers for the local villagers and would he give it to them when the containers arrived.
The guy said sure, I am only putting a few things in one of the containers, so you can fill two of them, if you want. Well he thought to himself, now where can I get some stuff, so he called me and asked if I could spare a few things? I told him about the sale of our building and that I was sending a container to Fiji this Friday and that I had another container full, but no place to send it.
He could not believe his ears, he had collected enough stuff to fill one container and now through us he can fill the second one.
This is just what we needed (and I am sure the people in Africa too) we have to be out of the building by the end of the month and I have no place to put the stuff that won't fit in the Fiji container and now it gets to go to Africa. He will send the container up this Sunday and we will load it, I am happy and sad all at the same time, as loading two containers in 3 days is a bit tiring, but I have help for the first container from the world youth group, half of them are from Africa and I know they know how to work:) the second one I will have to do myself :( Meron and Carla. He also said he will sell me a 48ft long by 8 ft wide by 9ft high Aluminum container to put beside my new shop so we can continue to collect stuff and send it overseas. He will sell it to me at his cost, $2,000 U.S dollars. anyone have some spare change, Jackie and I are running on fumes this month :)
I am sure glad to be able to continue to share these things with everyone.
Thanks Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 29 Sep 2005 08:09:56 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Ok the time is finally confirmed and set in stone, I hope. Friday is still loading day for Fiji but instead of Sunday for the container to Africa, it's now Monday. I should have mentioned this earlier the stuff is going to West Africa to the country of Ghana. Just a little info on the country
Ghana is located in West Africa near the equator and on the Greenwich meridian. It is bounded on the north and north west by Burkina Faso (Upper Volta), on the east by Togo, on the south by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the west by La Cote D'Ivoire (known as the Ivory Coast).
Ghana's total area is 238,537 sq. km (92,100 sq. miles) its capital city is Accra. Other cities are Kumasi, Tema, Tamale and Sekondi-Takoradi. The terrain is composed of plains and scrubland, rain forest and savanna. Ghana has a tropical climate and has a population of about 17.7 million (estimated in 1997).
Thanks
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 30 Sep 2005 21:43:36 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Well it's done.
It's now 9:30pm and the truck has left with a 44,000 lb load for Fiji. I will post some pictures in the next few days and a list of all the cool stuff that went into the container.
Really tired so good night.
Ray
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1561), Fri, 30 Sep 2005 23:25:32 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow, Ray...thanks so much for keeping us tuned in to your recent activities. You are such an inspiration...
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 01 Oct 2005 21:40:39 PDT Edited: Fri, 07 Oct 2005 13:47:44 PDT Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
Here are the photos
Loading the last of the desks, I will tell you an amazing story about this.
300 bails of Clothes for Fiji 30,000lbs
My help
40 computers
9ft high container this time instead of 8ft, it's hard to put boxes of school books up high
My best helper, from New Brunswick
7:30 pm and loaded to the max as allways:) holding in the last bails as the truck moved ahead to close the doors
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 01 Oct 2005 22:07:36 PDT Comment feedback score: 6 (* * * * * *)
Here is the amazing story behind the desks. I called Fiji on Wednesday night and talked to Makalesi Nakasamai the wife of Simi, my best friend who I went to school with in the early 70s, they help distribute all the stuff when it arrives.
Well in our conversation she asked if there was any school books because she just visited a primary school that has over a hundred kids and they just lost there financial support and were told they were on their own. The teachers asked her if she could find them some schoolbooks. She told me that she felt so sad for the kids because they were taking the 2x8 benches out of the church during the week and putting them in the school and the kids would kneel down on the floor in a row and use the benches as desks to write on.
I felt a joy well up in me and I said, “Ma would you like some desks” and she said “oh yeah” please, do you have some? I was so happy to tell her that we had 100 desks and 50 chairs and 133 banana boxes of school boxes all sorted and ready to load.
Another amazing thing is, I had no chairs a few weeks ago only desks, I had made calls but couldn't find any until one day I went to the local dump and there they were just freshly dump in a pile, so I loaded them up and now I know why, there was some little kids out there that needed them :)
Thanks
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 01 Oct 2005 22:29:46 PDT Edited: Mon, 03 Oct 2005 21:11:56 PDT Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
Here is a list of all the amazing things that went into the Fiji container. 100 Desks 50 little Chairs 40 Computers,monitors and key boards 18 school chalk boards 4ft x 8ft 133 Banana boxes of school books 1 Box of chalk and pencils 85 Bails of clothes, 100lbs each 87 loose Bags of clothes 57 Big boxes of new rubber boots and shoes. 8 Barrels of used shoes, purses and belts 3 pallets of ceramic tile, morter mix and grout 5 Barrels of dehydrated apples 4 Barrels of Dehydrated Soup mix 5 boxes of Baseball bats and equipment 3 Boxes of kitchen wares 75, fifty pound boxes of construction nails 5 Baby strollers 3 Infant car seats Kitchen Table and 8 chairs for Simi and his wife 25 windows and 3 sliding glass doors out of my house. I had just put new ones in last week and Simi is building a new house and is going to use my old wondows for his new house. I gave him all the measurements on the phone, so he can build to make them fit. TOTAL 44,000 lbs of iteams and lots of LOVE
Thanks
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 03 Oct 2005 16:01:30 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Well it's Monday afternoon and we just finished loading another contanier with 40,000 lbs of stuff headed for Ghana west Africa.
I will post some pictures after I go and soak my aching body for a while :(
Thanks
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 03 Oct 2005 20:53:37 PDT Edited: Mon, 03 Oct 2005 21:14:42 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
List of Items sent to Ghana West Africa 67 Bales of womens clothes 21 Bales of mens clothes 7 Bales of boys clothes 8 Bales of girls clothes 2 Bales of Infants clothes 171 Bales of unsorted clothes 94 Loose Bags of clothes 3 Boxes of stuffed toys 1 Box of hats 1 Box of shoes 32 Crutches 27 Medical walkers 52 Walking canes 6 Boxes of school books 1 Wheel chair 1 Black board 4 x 10 10 Garden tools 1 Box of kitchen utensils 2 Boxes of dishes 6 Adult bicycles 11 Youth bicycles 373 fifty lb boxes of construction nails
Thanks
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Tue, 04 Oct 2005 06:22:16 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
ray, this is so awesome!!!!!! i am so glad to took the time to post all this wonderful news! as usual, miracles happen as you move out to touch people and it's such an inspirtation.
wow, i just can't believe it! thanks again for sharing all this! so... what's next? ha ha... btw, i hope the "fumes" you and jackie are living on turn to more than that very soon. let us know if you need anything please.
how can we help with the 2k? any ideas? still need that? let's do it!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 04 Oct 2005 07:39:30 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Hi Carla
I have to run, but I will post a little later, I have something to tell you:)
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Tue, 04 Oct 2005 07:57:45 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
can't wait!!!! holds breath
By Lars Hasselblad Torres (3517), Tue, 04 Oct 2005 08:06:47 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
alot of amazing work going into these containers! congratulations on all the support you are proving to communities around the world. it would be wonderful if you could set up a blog where receipt and use can be posted. let me know if you'd like help doing that! thanks always for everything you do!
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1561), Tue, 04 Oct 2005 10:23:27 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Great idea from Lars about the blog. you're doing amazing work, Ray...
Thanks for sharing with us...
By Antony wachira (54), Tue, 04 Oct 2005 10:41:58 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Thankyou very much for the assistance to fiji.It is through this network and these actions that returns us home here in Africa.If the hearts of people are like this, then no one could be missing heaven.GOD BLESS YOU.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 05 Oct 2005 08:10:43 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Sorry for the delay Carla. It was way later than I thought before I was done work last night but here's what I was going to share with you.
Everything in the old warehouse is empty except 4 pallets of nails and 19 bails of clothes. We have moved them to the new shop even though there’s not much room. You asked "What's next?"
Well the thrift store called yesterday morning and they are full again with 300 garbage bags of clothes :). So I decided even though we don’t have the room I will just keep picking them up, sorting them and baling them as always, cause I know there is someone out there somewhere that desperately needs them.
As far as where I am going to put all the stuff for the next year? Well yesterday morning I talked to ADRA Canada and they said if people send them money earmarked for Partners For Others they will pay for a storage container for us to put things in, so I am going to call around and see if I can get people to donate to ADRA and get a tax deductible receipt.
If people here want to help too, that would be great. ADRA gives tax receipts that are accepted by both Canada and the U.S.
In the interim the guy who I buy containers from called late yesterday and said he repainted an aluminum 48ft x 8ft x8ft container yesterday and he will send it up right away. I told him the situation regarding the money and asked if he could please hold it for a while and he said don’t worry, I know you will pay for it, so I will send it anyway:) All I could say is thanks and assure him I would. So the little miracles keep coming Carla
Thanks
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 05 Oct 2005 08:27:46 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Lars Hasselblad Torres said:
alot of amazing work going into these containers! congratulations on all the support you are proving to communities around the world. it would be wonderful if you could set up a blog where receipt and use can be posted. let me know if you'd like help doing that! thanks always for everything you do!
Lars
Sorry but I have to admit I don't know what a blog really is.
If you have a moment and you don't mind, could you give me an idea of how it works and how I would go about setting it up.
Thanks
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 05 Oct 2005 17:10:10 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I am still working on the pictures of loading the contanier to Africa. I hope to get it done tonight.
Thanks
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 07 Oct 2005 13:15:08 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
After a week of choas, We are back in the charity business again!
The 48 ft x 8ft x 8ft storage contanier arrived at 7 am today and we unloaded it beside the new shop. Now we can go to the thrift store and pick up the clothes and start sorting and baling again:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 07 Oct 2005 13:46:20 PDT Edited: Fri, 07 Oct 2005 17:42:55 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Here are the photos
I wonder who the goon was that made this big fat 130lb bale ????.
Cramming in as much as we can
Inventory Boy, Kyle
School and Childrens story books
I think I can get it in up here?
No Ray, you can't get anymore stuff in, Yes I can, get me one more bale, No No NO, ok I will get it myself.
See it fit right up here:)
All my wonderfull volunteers, who I could not do this without
Opps, maybe that last bale was too fat! Push, Push harder, ok I think it's closing? Yea we did it.
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1334 by 61 members (most recent: yesterday by Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614)) Viewed: 17297 times by 547 members
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1561), Fri, 07 Oct 2005 17:58:39 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
You guys rock, honestly....it's so great to see so many selfless folks putting so much time and energy into helping others.
Thanks for all that you do to make this world a better place.
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 07 Oct 2005 20:33:42 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Ray said: I wonder who the goon was that made this big fat 130lb bale ????. ~
Bet I could make a really good guess at who that was ; ) Don't know how this fell off my radar. Thanks for sharing all the pictures and your story Ray, takes me back to a couple of months ago. You are awesome and doing such wonderful things. Appreciate, very much, everything you do. Hope to one day get back there and help you out again and this time, for sure, I'll bring Thing 1 and Thing 2. Love to you, Jackie, Cassie and Kyle. It's been said many times before but I'll say it again, you people ROCK!!!
By Steve "LOVE LIFE" Fugate (271), Fri, 07 Oct 2005 21:08:59 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, thank you so very much for inspiring me by your wonderful example! I look at what you've done...and I know that I can make my vision of "Trail Therapy", a reality. You work at it really hard! Thanks, Steve "LOVE LIFE" Fugate
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 09 Oct 2005 20:37:00 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Steve for your kind words. Besides doing the hands on stuff, I am also trying to share some inspiration here, and I am glad you felt it.
Thanks
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 09 Oct 2005 20:46:12 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Meron, I think your guess would be close to right. I don't know how it happens, I must be daydreaming when I am making those things and I sure pay for it when it's time to put them in the container.
I took the day off today and went paintballing with the kids, now I am really sore, Kyle had me in his sights all day and he managed to get me real good a few times:( I think it will take a couple of months to gather enough stuff together before we can ship again but I will let you and Thing 1 and Thing 2 know when its time:)
Thanks
Ray
By Rory Turner (CCAL30) (1114), Tue, 18 Oct 2005 05:37:21 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray,
I am thinking about getting a campaign to send children's shoes to a village of a friend on Ghana. I am guessing you know a lot about shipping costs. I don't think I can get a whole container together, but do you know anything about sending crates, say a 4' x 4' x 4' crate? It would be neat to have a little workspace up here with some "how tos" for people like me who in some small way want to imitate your extraordinary service.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 18 Oct 2005 07:52:14 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Where would you be sending the shipment from? Let me know and I will find out how much. Good idea on the "how to work space" I will see if I can find the time to do something like that.
Thanks Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 18 Oct 2005 07:54:07 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
An update on the Fiji shipment. The contanier is scheduled to arrive in Fiji on November 17th.
Ray
By Rory Turner (CCAL30) (1114), Tue, 18 Oct 2005 12:49:12 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I'm sending from Baltimore. I did a little research on line and came up with a price tag of around $700 for a 4'X4'X4' box, which seems like a lot. 70 lbs by surface mail from the USPS is around $150. This seems do-able. I think I can fit a lot of shoes into a package of 70 lbs!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Oct 2005 18:08:28 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Yes the UPS sounds like a resonable way to go. I think it only makes sense to ship with a broker when you are shipping large amount, like half a contanier or more.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 22 Oct 2005 15:43:42 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Back on Oct 9th I said, "I think it will take a couple of months to gather enough stuff together before we can ship again"
Well I was wrong, I received a call yesterday from Surplus Herbies in Kamloops BC, he has been donating surplus items to us for a year now and he said he has a huge load of supplies for me to pick up again enough to fill my truck and 18ft trailer. We already have 40 bales (4000 lbs) of clothes ready to go and another 6,000lbs to sort and bale, so I think by the end of next week we will have at least half a container:) The clothing from the thrift store is coming in at an unbelievable rate, they call me every week and I go there and pick up about 130 garbage bags full, around 3,000 lbs.
Ray
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1561), Sun, 23 Oct 2005 11:20:04 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Sounds like donations keep pouring in, Ray!! Where is this shipment going?
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 23 Oct 2005 18:30:56 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
RAY, YOU ROCK... miracles keep on coming... and with them i hope very soon a forklift!!! we need to keep you working for many years to come!!! Dear God, please send ray a forklift in the to help with the next container... thank you.... ;)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 23 Oct 2005 19:24:30 PDT Comment feedback score: 10 (* * * * * * * * * *)
No idea were the next one will go, but I am thinking if Gabriel finds a contact on the ground in Darfur, then we can send it there.
I think this would be a real cool thing to do, to team up as Omidyar members supporting other members in their work and really make a big splash, just a thought.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 23 Oct 2005 19:33:33 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks for the prayer Carla, I really need a fork lift now, more than ever, because at the old shop we had a ramp and we could use hand pulled pallet jacks to run things up the ramp and into the container.
In the new shop there is no ramp, so the only way we will be able to load a container now is to hand pick up each item and lift it up into the back of the truck:( So lets see what time will bring:)
Thanks
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Mon, 24 Oct 2005 07:20:24 PDT Edited: Mon, 24 Oct 2005 07:21:48 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
i realize there are only so many hours in a day and so much bandwidth that one can devote to any cause, but ray, i so believe in what you are doing because, ·
1. you're "doing" it ·
2. you'll "do" it ·
3. take the step to do it before you see the resources this is very exciting, and just think of how many people would NOT have been helped had you "waited" for everthing to "come to you" before moving ahead? thousands of people have been cared for because of your faith and action, so why not believe a forklift is coming too? how can i help? i am willing to do whatever... to bad i don't have any friends at John Deere... don't they make forklifts?
Perhaps, to get the ball rolling, you can let us know how much one would be, what your needs are, and then, let's get the word out and get this puppy!!! I KNOW WE CAN DO IT.. how? i don't know, but I KNOW WE CAN.. this thread to me has been like the hidden treasure in o.net.. no fanfare, no hype, just humble action... so, maybe it's time to let others know about what you've been up to and call upon this vast group of great people and put our thinking caps on and see how we get this done.... you've shown great comittment to keeping those containers going, and obviously, you are a channel that many give to... so there's no worries there... so my plan... ·
- find out how much, what kind, etc.
·
- let's get the word out and see how others can help
·
- let us know what color you'd like!!
I'm willing to devote bandwidth to this... so let's do it... and uh, remember, when i come to load... i get to drive and you're back to the ground buddy ;_ love ya,
carla
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 24 Oct 2005 08:59:46 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I don't know what to say Carla except a huge thanks for your kind words and prayers. You were on a roll with that post and all I can do is say thanks. Any brand will do, used is just fine Propane first or Electric second that will lift 4,000 to 5,000 lbs as the heaviest stuff we lift is nails 2,000 to 4,000 lbs
I have been watching the Ritchie Brothers action sales were they sell alot of used fork lifts and the ones that would work for us have been selling for around the $5,000 dollar mark.
And yes you can run the fork lift when you come:)
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Mon, 24 Oct 2005 10:00:20 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
ray, is that 5k canadian? or us?... that's really reachable... i though they were much more... let me know the USD amount and let's get you a dern forklift BEFORE the next crate has to be loaded... or... nevermind... ;)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 24 Oct 2005 14:08:01 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Carla, at todays exchange rate 1.17 that is $4,273.50 Real money:) New ones are alot more, but a good used one is all we need as we will only use it a few times a month.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 24 Oct 2005 20:14:05 PDT Comment feedback score: 8 (* * * * * * * *)
I want to share something here with everyone, not to brag in anyway, but to encourage and share what can happen if you just step out and move forward to help someone even if you can't see how it’s going to be done. I was sitting down tonight to put together a video presentation I was asked to give tomorrow night at the hospital auxiliary meeting.
They asked me to put together a short video and some numbers on how much clothing they have donated in the past 3 years and boy was I shocked and amazed.
October 25th 2005
At first I would like to thank the Hospital Auxiliary group for the generous support of clothing and other items to our organization. It has been absolutely amazing to see how much has been donated in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
I have put together a summary of just the items donated to us by the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store.
March 23rd 2003 Three containers to Fiji
550 bales of clothing weighing approximately 75 lbs each for a total weight of 41,250 lbs. 326 garbage bags of loose clothing weighing approximately 20 lbs each for a total weight of 6,520 lbs. Total weight 47,770 lbs
Each bale consisted of approximately 175 articles of clothing for a total of 96,250 articles. Each bag consisting of approximately 30 items for a total of 9,780 items
Total items 106,030
11 bails of stuffed toys, each bale had approximately 200 items for a Total of 2,200 toys Plus children’s books, hard toys, purses, belts and medical supplies
April 15th 2003 One container to Fiji
204 garbage bags of loose clothing weighing approximately 20 lbs each for a total weight of 4,080 lbs.
Total weight 4,080 lbs
Each bag consisting of approximately 30 items for a total of 6,120 items
Total items 6,120
Medical supplies
May 15 2004 Two containers to Fiji
263 bales of clothing weighing approximately 75 lbs each for a total weight of 19,725 lbs. 102 garbage bags of loose clothing weighing approximately 20 lbs each for a total weight of 2,040 lbs.
Total weight 21,765 lbs
Each bale consisted of approximately 175 articles of clothing for a total of 46,025 articles. Each bag consisting of approximately 30 items for a total of 3,060 items
Total items 49,085
20 bails of stuffed toys, each bale had approximately 200 items for a Total of 4,000 toys Plus medical supplies, purses, shoes and belts
July 18th 2004 One container to Fiji
223 bales of clothing weighing approximately 75 lbs each for a total weight of 16,725 lbs. 9 garbage bags of loose clothing weighing approximately 20 lbs each for a total weight of 180 lbs.
Total weight 16,905 lbs
Each bale consisted of approximately 175 articles of clothing for a total of 39,025 articles. Each bag consisting of approximately 30 items for a total of 270 items
Total items 39,295
3 bails of stuffed toys, each bale had approximately 200 items for a Total of 600 toys Plus school books, medical supplies, purses, shoes and belts
October 29th 2004 One container to Grenada
221 bales of clothing weighing approximately 75 lbs each for a total weight of 16,575 lbs. 82 garbage bags of loose clothing weighing approximately 20 lbs each for a total weight of 1,640 lbs.
Total weight 18,215 lbs
Each bale consisted of approximately 175 articles of clothing for a total of 38,675 articles. Each bag consisting of approximately 30 items for a total of 2,460 items
Total items 41,135
4 bails of stuffed toys, each bale had approximately 200 items for a Total of 800 toys Plus medical supplies, toys, purses, shoes and belts
April 18 2004 One container to Fiji
57 bales of clothing weighing approximately 75 lbs each for a total weight of 4,275 lbs.
Total weight 4,275 lbs
Each bale consisted of approximately 175 articles of clothing for a total of 9,975 articles.
Total items 9,975
4 bails of stuffed toys, each bale had approximately 200 items for a Total of 800 toys Plus medical supplies, toys, purses, shoes, belts and hats
July 18th 2004 One container to Thailand
97 bales of clothing weighing approximately 75 lbs each for a total weight of 7,275 lbs. 185 garbage bags of loose clothing weighing approximately 20 lbs each for a total weight of 3,700 lbs.
Total weight 10,975 lbs
Each bale consisted of approximately 175 articles of clothing for a total of 16,975 articles. Each bag consisting of approximately 30 items for a total of 5,550 items
Total items 22,525
12 bails of stuffed toys, each bale had approximately 200 items for a Total of 2400 toys Plus books, toys and purses
October 3rd 2005 One container to Ghana West Africa
276 bales of clothing weighing approximately 75 lbs each for a total weight of 20,700 lbs. 94 garbage bags of loose clothing weighing approximately 20 lbs each for a total weight of 1,880 lbs.
Total weight 22,580 lbs
Each bale consisted of approximately 175 articles of clothing for a total of 48,300 articles. Each bag consisting of approximately 30 items for a total of 2,820 items
Total items 51,120
3 big boxes of stuffed toys, for an approximate Total of 200 toys Plus medical supplies, toys, hats, purses, shoes and children’s books
October 6th 2005 One container to Fiji
75 bales of clothing weighing approximately 75 lbs each for a total weight of 5,625 lbs. 71 garbage bags of loose clothing weighing approximately 20 lbs each for a total weight of 1,420 lbs.
Total weight 7,045 lbs
Each bale consisted of approximately 175 articles of clothing for a total of 13,125 articles. Each bag consisting of approximately 30 items for a total of 2,130 items
Total items 17,385
Plus medical supplies, shoes and books.
In the past three years Total number of bales of clothing sent 1,762 Total weight 132,150 lbs
Total number of loose bags of clothing sent 1,073 Total weight 21,460 lbs
Total weight of clothing from the Hospital Auxiliary store. 153,610 lbs or 76.8 Tons
Total number of articles of clothing 342,670
We expect another 20,000 lbs to be shipped before the end of 2005
We extend our warmest thanks on behalf of all the needy people around the world you have so generously helped.
Yours truly,
Ray Brosseuk
Partners For Others.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 25 Oct 2005 07:43:33 PDT Edited: Tue, 25 Oct 2005 07:46:26 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Here are two photos of the new shop.
Mine is the office space on the left and the big bay in the middle, there is another big bay at the back. A tire repair place is next to me on the far right.
Building the HPC 40 ton per hour machine, for delivery to Mexico December 9th 05. I will try and take a Photo of the new storage container and put it up too.
Thanks Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Tue, 25 Oct 2005 09:40:50 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
RAY THAT IS MIND BLOWING TO ME THAT PRETTY MUCH SINGLE HANDEDLY YOU DID ALL THAT can we clone you????
i am really blown away, obviously you are a trusted chanel for those who wish to donate items to get to those who really need them. i am SOOOO happy to follow this thread and you really inspire me... wow, i'm sort of speechless... but very honored to have met you... AND, don't forget my little corner of the island in fiji!!! you know since we know each other and are whatever we are... ;)
ok, let find a way to get you this dern forklift!!!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 25 Oct 2005 18:23:24 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Yes, that's why I posted that, it blew me away too. I would have never have even guessed half that amount was sent if they had not asked me for the numbers for the meeting tonight.
You know what I have learned here, is if you just carry on day-by-day doing what you know is right in your heart, then amazing things do happen and you don’t even realize the full extent of it till afterwards. Thinking about it right now, I guess we will never know how far reaching this is and who’s lives have been touched and changed for good. And, yes Carla, since we know each other, there is a nice stretch of sandy beach just for you and your family:)
Ray
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1561), Tue, 25 Oct 2005 19:15:33 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow, that's quite an accomplishment over the last few years! Thanks for putting this all down for us to see. When people work together and have a heartfelt vision, good things really do happen.
Thanks, Ray!
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Tue, 25 Oct 2005 19:26:05 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Ray said: ~
~ And, yes Carla, since we know each other, there is a nice stretch of sandy beach just for you and your family:) ~ ummm, Ahem ? ... :D
By Ray Brosseuk (30), Sat, 24 May 2008 21:40:42 PDT
Comment feedback score: 0 +|-
Archive Pages 15 to 20
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1334 by 61 members (most recent: yesterday by Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614)) Viewed: 17298 times by 547 members
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 25 Oct 2005 21:44:04 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Oops, sorry Meron, You know we love ya and there's lots of beach for you too. oh ya, you can run the fork lift too:) Oh just a minute, what if you and Carla show up at the same time, who gets to run the fork lift????? Oh well I won't worry about that, I will leave it up to you girls to sort out:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 25 Oct 2005 22:05:07 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
I just came back from the Hospital Aux meeting. There was about 40 ladies present, they were absolutely blown away by what's happened. They set aside 20 minutes for me to talk and they ended up asking me to talk and show video for over an hour.
It was a real encouragement to all the ladies who volunteer their time at the thrift store, they were able to see that the work they are doing is really important and is making a difference not only in the local community, but abroad.
Ray
Hospital Auxillary Meeting.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 26 Oct 2005 10:07:05 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I have great news to share with everyone, sorry I have to go to work right now, but I will post later and tell you the whole thing:)
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Wed, 26 Oct 2005 17:41:49 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ggeeeeese, Ray! You and your cliff hangers!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 26 Oct 2005 19:50:27 PDT Comment feedback score: 26 (* * * * * * * * * *)
Well I am completely blown away today. I received an email last night that brought the family to tears, tears of joy. As many of you may be aware our charity is running on faith and we just try and move forward believing that helping people less fortunate than ourselves is a duty we should all have as we go through this life on earth. We try to live on a philosophy of not just talking about what we should do, but doing it.
Sometimes, No, I should say almost all the time, we collect donated items and sort and organize stuff ready for shipping and the funding necessary to send it is not in the bank. It seems to never fail, but every time a container is ready to go the finances arrive and today is one of those days, except the funds have arrived even before the container is full:)
We have been blessed with a $10,000 dollar donation from the Omidyar group to be used in our charity, Partners For Others.
I want to send my sincere thanks to the all of you in the community for supporting the work we are trying to do. It is because of the community support, your support, that we have received this gift, so this is why I want to thank the community members as well as the actual $ donors.
As some of you may know, there has been a long-standing need for a forklift to help in loading the 40,000lbs that go into a container. It seems that the need for the forklift has always taken second place behind the need to ship. Well today there is enough to ship at least one more, maybe two containers and still buy that desperately needed fork lift:)
On behalf of all the people who will be helped from this donation,
I want to say Thank You, from all of our HEARTS. I will keep you posted on the forklift pictures and all:)
Thanks
Ray & Jackie and Family
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Wed, 26 Oct 2005 21:08:58 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
HURRAY!!!!**
I knew that dern forklift was on it's way!!! Wow, I am so happy, can you see my big giant smile??? It's from ear to ear....
Ray, I can't tell you just how stoked I am about this... I felt it in my bones that you NEEDED and DESERVED a forklift and what can I say, but thank God that this money can help you as you help others.
You are so amazing and so inspirational to me and I can't wait to get to Fiji... I am believing for an airconditioned little shack on the beach with little seahorses and dolphins and of course this is my OWN private beach full of sea shells to find and yes.... that's it!!!
Great news Ray and Jackie!!!
Thanks Omidyar Network for knowing a good thing when you see it!
And of course, all the credit must go to... THOMAS!! he gets all the blame... why not all the credit ;)
By Thomas Kriese (CCAL30) (2290), Wed, 26 Oct 2005 22:37:47 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me) c•a•r•l•a (white) said:
Thanks Omidyar Network for knowing a good thing when you see it! And of course, all the credit must go to... THOMAS!!
Actually, none of the credit should come my way (although I appreciate the gesture).
The credit goes to Ray and to Jackie and the way they've engaged all of us in the community not for the purpose of raising money, but as a way to share what they're doing, why they're doing and how they're doing what they do. When folks are as passionate as Ray and Jackie, it's really difficult for any of us to sit on the sidelines.
A big thanks to all of you who've participated in the discussions Ray's held here on omidyar.net, and a tip of the hat to Susan Megy for her diligent work behind the scenes to make this funding possible.
Keep up the great work everyone.
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Wed, 26 Oct 2005 22:44:45 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Thomas said: ~
~ The credit goes to Ray and to Jackie and the way they've engaged all of us in the community not for the purpose of raising money, but as a way to share what they're doing, why they're doing and how they're doing what they do. When folks are as passionate as Ray and Jackie, it's really difficult for any of us to sit on the sidelines. ~ DITTO!!! :D
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Thu, 27 Oct 2005 00:26:34 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Great news, I love it !! Bravo to all involved !! :)))
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 27 Oct 2005 05:52:54 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
i was kidding i hope by now you all know my sense of humor!!!! of course the credit goes to Ray & Jackie!!!! should i edit my post to be more straight???? ;)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 27 Oct 2005 07:59:16 PDT Comment feedback score: 4 (* * * *)
No Carla, no sensorship allowed on this thread:) we like you the way you are.
I keep telling Jackie this, If you talk and write from the heart don't sensor yourself later, otherwise your not being true to yourself, the same goes for all of us. Thanks for all the kind words Thomas, Meron, Michael and now a special thanks to Susan Megy for whatever your doing behind the scenes.
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 27 Oct 2005 08:52:04 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
hurray!!! so we can continue to blame thomas for everything then??? cool ;)
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2031), Thu, 27 Oct 2005 11:36:02 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me) Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k said:
We have been blessed with a $10,000 dollar donation from the Omidyar group to be used in our charity, Partners For Others.
This is really quite incredible! Ray and Jackie, you are both such capable and trusted ambassadors, and it's good to know that this forklift will finally make the path a little easier along the way. Kudos on this investment of faith in your work, and thank you, Susan Megy, for helping to make it happen.
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1561), Thu, 27 Oct 2005 13:15:18 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
double DITTO! Ray and Jackie truly deserve Kudos as well as the rest of you in the community (you know who you are) who have offered your unwaivering support and encouragement. Meron s'Mor'z ; ) said:
~ Thomas said: ~
~ The credit goes to Ray and to Jackie and the way they've engaged all of us in the community not for the purpose of raising money, but as a way to share what they're doing, why they're doing and how they're doing what they do. When folks are as passionate as Ray and Jackie, it's really difficult for any of us to sit on the sidelines. ~ DITTO!!! :D
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1561), Thu, 27 Oct 2005 13:21:58 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
(...and one more more thing) Sue put it best, Ray and Jackie are true Ambassadors of making good things happen.
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Thu, 27 Oct 2005 13:48:57 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I'll DITTO that all over again Susan !! :))
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 27 Oct 2005 19:15:31 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I posted this on the Shipping supplies to Phuket thread, but I thought I should put it here too. Just to let everyone know we have been having difficulty trying to get the shipment released from customs in Thailand.
As usual the customs agents don't want to let it go, unless they get some money.
I am trying to get the appropriate numbers so I can call over there and see how much money they want to let it go. Keep you posted
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 27 Oct 2005 21:44:33 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I just spoke to 5 different people in Thailand. The one who spoke the best English and seem to be able to help direct me the best, was a lady at the Thai Fellowship church, she said she was the wife of Mr. Inpan ?
Anyways she is getting me the names and numbers of the customs agents so I can talk to them directly. Will keep you posted as the story unfolds?
Ray
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1561), Thu, 27 Oct 2005 22:45:43 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Sorry to hear the shipment is being stalled at customs. Ack. I hope you hear some good news soon.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 29 Oct 2005 08:35:08 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
I want to remind as many people as possible to buy an i ACT... Now Raffle ticket today it's the last day.
Please Ray
By Rory Turner (CCAL30) (1114), Tue, 01 Nov 2005 08:27:30 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Just checked in on this 10,000 gift. To all involved, you inspire me!!!!!!!!!!
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Tue, 01 Nov 2005 09:12:43 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
go jackie, go ray, go jackie, go ray, go jackie, go ray, go thomas, go ray... haha had to sneak that in ;)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 01 Nov 2005 13:40:48 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Thanks to all of you and guess what I just found out, Sorry I will have to tell you later, as I am off to work. Just kiding this time, I looked up the next Ritchie Bro auction in Vancouver and there is already 4 fork lifts consigned to be sold on Dec 1st. Three of them are the right size, I can't wait:)
There is also someone here on Onet that has sent me a note to say they may have a line on a fork lift for us. Will tell you more about it, if something turns out there and if they want to be public about it.
Ray
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1561), Tue, 01 Nov 2005 14:03:20 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Excellent news, Ray. Keeping my fingers crossed that you get a good deal on a forklift (hmmmm, you don't hear that everyday!)
By Gabriel Stauring (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 02 Nov 2005 12:58:57 PST Comment feedback score: 16 (* * * * * * * * * *) +|- (net 0 from me)
Hi all,
I know that we all already know how amazing Ray and his family are, but some of you might not know that, while he is crazy-busy doing this incredible work for those in need through his own projects, he has also been running crazy looking for and sending support for i-ACT. Let's all just give a collective hug to the real real deal, RAY.
Thanks Ray!
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1334 by 61 members (most recent: yesterday by Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614)) Viewed: 17299 times by 547 members
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Wed, 02 Nov 2005 22:01:11 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
ray, i agree whole heartedly, you are such an inspiration and wow, what can i say? you ROCK!!! ((((hugs))))) great to hear others sing your praises!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 03 Nov 2005 07:46:22 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Shhhhhh Carla. I'm just a regular guy, so lets send some compliments to Gabriel for a while, he's the one who is going to brave the dangerous unknown. Thanks for the hugs:)
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Thu, 03 Nov 2005 08:30:08 PST Edited: Thu, 03 Nov 2005 08:30:35 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Ray said: ~
~ I'm just a regular guy ... ~
Ray, I'm calling BullSh*t on that one : ) Just so's y'all know, I did get a glimpse of the wings when I met him, and it wasn't Hallowe'en ; ) ^i^ ^i^ ^i^
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 06 Nov 2005 11:51:11 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I posted an update on the shipment to Phuket here. https://www.omidyar.net/group/ts unami/news/9/?page=13#comment303
Meron those wings you think you saw, well, First of all I would give anything to fly and I can't, So I think it must have been the dim evening fire light and to many smores:)
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:41:25 PST Edited: Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:42:06 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray ... BuLLshIt ... and just in case you need more evidence that Ray is a real Prince, errr I mean Princess, of a guy ...
; ) PS: thanks for the update. PPS: one can NEVER have too many s'mores!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 07 Nov 2005 07:20:42 PST Edited: Mon, 07 Nov 2005 07:23:02 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Low blow Meron:)
I think if I know what’s good for me I should fold my tiny non- existent wings and hide for a while. LOL I think I'll crawl over and see what's happening at i-ACT :)
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Mon, 07 Nov 2005 07:52:11 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Heading over to i-ACT, one of the better ideas you've had in a while Ray ; )
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Mon, 07 Nov 2005 19:35:29 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Meron s'Mor'z ; ) said:
Ray ... BuLLshIt ... and just in case you need more evidence that Ray is a real Prince, errr I mean Princess, of a guy ... Oooh, Meron! Yikes! Hitting a guy in the marshmallows is s'more than most guys can take ! ;)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 07 Nov 2005 19:57:41 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Way to go Micheal, nice shot I needed the help, she's a tough one to beat
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 07 Nov 2005 20:30:06 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Hey Peter I am in Vancouver Thursday Fri and I will be looking at some of those fork lifts you told me about, will let you know how it turns out.
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Tue, 08 Nov 2005 01:43:21 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Ray said: ~
~ Way to go Micheal, nice shot I needed the help, she's a tough one to beat ~ :D
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 14 Nov 2005 19:01:38 PST Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
I have to tell you guys a story that is unfolding, but not yet concluded.
I had mentioned in an earlier post that when I rented the new building back in September the owner had given me a 3-month option to purchase for $185,000 cnd with three months rent ($2,000 a month) to be credited to the purchase price. Well the deadline is the end of November and I have been scratching my brain to think of how I could buy the building.
Well the other day I called a friend and explained to him that there has been a real upturn in the real-estate market in this town, and that the value of the building is now around $235,000.
I explained that I would really like to buy it and re-sell it and turn a quick profit. When it sold, I would rent from the new owner until July next year, then I would move into the new building we are constructing which is twice as big. I said I would be happy to share the profit, 50/50 if he could help me buy it.
Well he said he would think about it and he did, he called me back today and said I will go to my bank and if the bank says ok, then I will buy the building for you and you can re-list it and sell it.
He then said the most amazing thing, “as far as profit sharing, you and Jackie are trying so hard to build a new business and you do so many wonderful things for the poor, I know that what ever money you guys make will always go to someone else in need, so when you sell the building, I only want the original $185,000 plus $5,000 to cover any costs that I may incur setting up the loan”.
This really touched me, to see that there are real people out there, that don't always think about the almighty dollar even if you offer it to them.
Well I will keep you posted and Carla, a few prayers would help:) and if anybody else has some prayers or good vibes to send this way, we could use them right now.
Thanks
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Mon, 14 Nov 2005 19:16:09 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Wonderful Ray!! You deserve a "whole lotta miracles" !! Love to you and Jackie,
Michael.
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 17 Nov 2005 18:55:09 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
wow, ray, your stories never cease to amaze me... wow, i am so joyful right now... you my friend surely reap what you sow... and are always so inspring to me... i will pray, you got it, and again, miracles happening all around you!!! always... love it, so blessed to know you and jackie!
carla
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 17 Nov 2005 19:15:07 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Michael and Carla for the the kind words and prayers. It looks like it may be a go, but I don't think I will know for sure untill closer to the end of the month. Oh ya, Almost forklift time:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 17 Nov 2005 20:10:36 PST Comment feedback score: 0
The last container we sent to Fiji just arrived there yesterday and a similar thing has happened as did in Thailand.
The customs agency in Fiji has been privatized, so the customs officers are now trying to get more money from everyone, as they get paid from the government, based on the totals they bring in.
Well a long story short they have asked us to pay more than we usually do. The typical amount is bettewn $400 and $600 for paper work and delivery charges, but this time I have to pay $1,450. Somehow ADRA Canada can’t pay this for me. I don’t understand all the policies behind it, as far as I can gather the Canadian Government won’t recognize duties and port authority charges as charity to another government, so ADRA can’t use donated funds for this.?? So I will just pay it personally.
Sometimes you just know that if you fight, it will cost more as the container will sit and the port charges will grow. So I will send the money first thing tomorrow. One good thing is the customs agents know me well enough now that they agreed to deliver the container to the school tomorrow, based on my word, that I will wire the money in the morning and they should receive it by mid next week, this will save $65 a day in port charges while the money is in the air for a week.
Oh well, you just have to think of the bigger picture here, little children and poor people who need the help more than I need to save $900:)
Thanks Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 20 Nov 2005 13:07:45 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
ray, i love the way you continually look at obsticals as opportunities, if only i did that more often... you always inspire me with the way you think of those who have the need more than you and i just want you to know how much of an inspirtation you are... always... thanks so much for pressing on, and giving even when it hurts... i was always told, if it didn't hurt a bit, it wasn't really the best kind of giving... so ray, YOU ROCK!!!! thanks again, with love and much admiration,
carla
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:22:02 PST Comment feedback score: 0
The building deal is coming together, I think it is going to work:) Also there is 9 fork lifts now coming up in the Dec. Ritchie Bro auction. The auction date has been moved from the 2nd to the 8th.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:41:29 PST Comment feedback score: 0
A wonderfull thing is happening here. One of our O-Net members is making a fantastic donation to our Charity. I will copy and post the PMs that have been going back and forth.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:43:28 PST Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
Hi Ray, my name is Richard Zuccala, I'm a U.S citizen who has lived in the U.K for 39 years. Boston M.A is still my home and I try and get back as much as I can to see the family....not as often as I would like. Anyway enough of me, the reason I'm contacting you is to firstly congratulate you, your family and friends on the work you are doing...and secondly to see if you could use a couple of hundred fishing reels.
Now I know that might sound strange but these are no ordinary fishing reels...I suppose the best way to describe them is a fishing rod...without the rod. This reel dose'nt need one. Its a simple design but works really well. It was designed by my colleague Andy, and was shown on TV in a science program on the BBC. You can cast it out or just fish off the rocks or a boat.
The other great thing is they are cheap to manufacture. $1 each. When our next project gets going we will have a bit of time between processes and will turn out a few more. The unit does have a UK patent on it but we will give you permission to manufacture them yourself if you want to. If you send me an address I will send you about 200 of these to be getting on with.
There is a small price to pay for these though...you have to keep doing what you're doing. It would be our pleasure to donate them to you if can use them. I think kids and adults in disaster zones could make great use of them.
I hope you accept our offer. I will gladly pay the postage but I do'nt know about import tax in the U.S. Is there an exemption on charitable goods ?....perhaps you could let me know. I look forward to your reply, Richard.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:48:27 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Richard I have to start by saying thank you for your generous offer and your kind words. The answer is yes, yes and yes. We send most of our containers into the South Pacific, as this is where I grew up as a child.
The people we help there are poor and usually live in rural villages along the ocean. Their main source of income is fishing, which they do along the reef with a 10 ft piece of fishing line and a stick.
For years now I have been inundated with requests from them for any kind of fishing gear, from rods & reels to spears but I have not been able to secure any through donations, so I have only been able to purchased a few at a time and send them over.
I can't tell you how much your gift is needed and how much it would be appreciated. I know that a gift like this is more than a shirt or a pair of glasses, it is a gift that could be a real change for some people, food, a source of income that could translate into education for a child and more.
I don't know if you read this in one of my posts I wrote, but my Grandfather told me this years ago and I try to live by it. "If you give a man a fish he will eat today, but if you give a man a fishing rod he will eat forever" If you think it is ok, I would love to post this on the unbelievable Donation thread and continue to share and follow this story over the next few months. I know once we send them out and they are given out to people in need, that there will be many stories of change and appreciation coming in.
I will check to see if you can send them to ADRA Canada as a charitable donation and then they can send them on to me. If this is possible it will save me duties and taxes, which is 14%. If not, then if they were sent to me as a charitable donation with your cost as a declared value, then the amount I would have to pay would be small. Again Thanks and yes we will continue to help and be a channel for passing on gifts from people like you.
Thanks Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:50:18 PST Comment feedback score: 0 Sender: Richard Zuccala (7) Date sent: Sun, 20 Nov 2005 05:22:13 PST Date opened: Sun, 20 Nov 2005 11:13:21 PST
That would be fine Ray, just let me know where to send them. I can put down whatever value you want, Andy has been sitting on these for a few years and had pretty much written them off. It was only when I told him of your work that he realized the difference they could make in the right hands.
Great work Ray it's our pleasure to help, Richard.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:52:50 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks and I will find out tomorrow which is the best way to have you send them. Is it ok to post this on my thread? I really think this is what people need to here, I believe things like this really encourages people.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:54:20 PST Comment feedback score: 0 Sender: Richard Zuccala (7) Date sent: Sun, 20 Nov 2005 16:48:27 PST Date opened: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 18:04:23 PST
Ray I do'nt mind at all if you want to post it. I was talking to my wife Sarah saying how nice it would be to see the kids you help holding up the fish they had caught. Maybe in a few months you will be able to post some pictures. I have been so involved in trying to make a living and pay the bills that I had forgotten how much joy it gives to help someone.
Thank you for making me realize that Ray. I will keep an eye out for any other things that I think you could make good use of or if there is anything that you have trouble getting hold of...just ask and if I can help I will.
Thanks Ray, Kind reguards Richard.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:55:56 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Richard
I spoke to ADRA Canada and they say that the Canadian gov does not give any break on the GST Tax which is 7% so I will get you to send them to my home address. As a declared value, go ahead and put your cost of Manufacturing as the value and I will pay the 7% when they arrive.
I should ask you, if your fishing rods are a real hit are you interested in licensing your patent out for a royalty. If so, I know a few people in South Africa that my want to manufacture there, I would only do this after securing further patent protection there.
Ray
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1334 by 61 members (most recent: yesterday by Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614)) Viewed: 17300 times by 547 members
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:59:42 PST Comment feedback score: 0
From: Richard Zuccala Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 18:36:56 PST Subject: Re: Re: Post it. I'll speak to Andy as he holds the patent but I'm sure he will agree. He has also designed a delux model but I have'nt seen it yet...will keep you posted. If we put down a production cost of $0.00 and say this was the first batch of a prototype, would you still have to pay tax???
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 21 Nov 2005 20:00:51 PST Comment feedback score: 0
There needs to be a small amount of $1 marked down or it gets tied up with customs and it takes to much time to try and explain everything.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 21 Nov 2005 20:01:38 PST Comment feedback score: 0 From: Richard Zuccala Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:25:58 PST Subject: Re: Post it.
I do'nt want to hold things up so I will put 50 cents each and put a cheque in to cover the tax (7%). Who do I make the cheque payable to, and is there a problem if it is in £'s. I will work out the exchange and add some for the banks commission.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 21 Nov 2005 20:02:22 PST Comment feedback score: 0 From: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:38:47 PST Subject: Re: Re: Post it.
No please, you don't need to send any money for the Tax, I will cover this. You are doing enough by donating the rods. Yes 50 cents is ok.
Thanks Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 21 Nov 2005 20:03:02 PST Comment feedback score: 0
From: Richard Zuccala Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:46:06 PST Subject: Re: Post it.
Ok Ray, I will send them later today, its 03.38 in the morning hear and I've got a big meeting at lunchtime with reguards to our landfill project so better get some sleep.
Take care Richard.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 21 Nov 2005 20:07:15 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Wow there was a lot af PMs going back and forth, Anyways It makes me feel so good when things like this happen. Again I would like to thank Pam and Pierre for the platform they have created here to help make good things happen.
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Tue, 22 Nov 2005 17:12:34 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
this is so amazing!!!! yikes!!! i love it!!! wonderful stuff, so exciting, please send a photo of this fishing thing, sounds great... so happy!!!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 22 Nov 2005 18:47:16 PST Comment feedback score: 0 From: Richard Zuccala Date: Tue, 22 Nov 2005 10:17:20 PST Subject: fishing reels
Ray sorry to keep contacting you but I've just checked through the reels and the hooks and weights are not tied on. I could tie them on but it takes 7 minutes for each one, and with 236 reels it would take me 27 hours... my question is do you think it would be ok to put a kit in with each reel and let them tie the hooks and weights on themselves, otherwise it will be the weekend before I will be able to send them.
Reguards Richard.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 22 Nov 2005 18:47:48 PST Comment feedback score: 0 From: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k Date: Tue, 22 Nov 2005 18:44:08 PST Subject: Re: fishing reels
Sorry, all I could do was laugh thinking of you tying fishing knots for 27 hrs, so please just send them as they are, we have lots of help to do it here or we will do it when they arrive overseas. Maybe you should do a couple and mark them so we can see how it is done.
Thanks Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 22 Nov 2005 18:52:23 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Yes Carla isn't this amazing, I hope there will be lots of pictures to post.
Thanks
Ray
By Richard Zuccala (CCAL30) (21), Tue, 22 Nov 2005 18:56:59 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
I am so glad you said that Ray, the eyes are'nt what they used to be. I'll send them in the morning,
Reguards Richard.
By Niny Khor (1415), Wed, 23 Nov 2005 17:00:38 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hi Ray - just got caught up on the posts here since late October - what wonderful news! Congratulations and Happy Thanksgiving! :)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 23 Nov 2005 17:57:15 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Here is another project I am really getting excited about. It's been slowly coming together and I think will work, so I figured it's time to share it with everybody. Sender: David~World Connectory~Bale (137) Date sent: Sun, 30 Oct 2005 16:54:33 PST Date opened: Sun, 30 Oct 2005 16:59:05 PST
Ray,
I'm impressed by the generosity of your proposal. I'm looking into this further and would like to get back to you tomorrow about this.
Cheers David
--- Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k wrote: Thanks for the link it looks really interesting. It may be something we can work together with as we send mining equipment to Africa. We could purchase older more reasonable containers that are on there last legs. Then along with the mining equipment we could put other stuff in and after delivering the equipment we could give the container and the other goods to Breadline Africa????
Thanks Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 23 Nov 2005 18:05:14 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Ray,
How does this sound? I undertake to raise money to pay for the container. Based on your extensive past experience of filling shipping containers, how does one go about it? Do you think Canadian/West coast Onetters who are within reasonable distance of the container's dispatch point would mind being asked to help with yet another container?
Would it be OK for me to contact Breadline Africa, say that there is a good chance of getting a container to them in or around February 2006, find out to what purpose the container will be put and ask what donations they could most usefully use (a wish list, perhaps)? Or are most charities in poorer parts of the world just glad to make the most of whatever is sent?
Finally, I noted what Edna Titus of Breadline Africa said about being used to repairing damaged containers. Would they be able to exchange their used container in servicable condition for two or more damaged ones and thus benefit two or more different projects? How does the trade in shipping containers work? Do you normally sell your empty containers wherever you've shipped out to? Would you happen to know if there was a trade in really old containers that were no longer fit for shipping use but which might still be used for converting into some really useful accommodation purpose?
I suspect that some of these questions about containers are ones I really need to put to Breadline Africa rather than to you, Ray? Before getting started with this, I think I would need to check that it wouldn't make more sense simply purchasing containers in Cape Town. Of course, that in turn would depend on the value to Breadline Africa of any donated cargo that we might be able to ship out along with your mining equipment.
How much space will be available in the container for this purpose? Realistically, how long does it take to collect a worthwhile shipment? Does February give us enough time? If it doesn't, would there be a later date when you might again be shipping to South Africa?
Sorry. That's hellava lot of questions. As many answers as you can manage would be very helpful.
Cheers, David
--- Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k wrote:
Sorry David very busy
My customer who would pay the shipping as it would be his Mining machine inside. We would only have to pay aprox $1,500 for the used container.
Once it arrived it would be unloaded and then turned over to Breadline.
I may have a shipment into South Africa Feb Next year, it would be a 40 ft long container Any other questions just ask.
Ray
--- David~World Connectory~Bale wrote:
Ray,
I know you've been very busy working on a number of very important things - and, if I may say so, doing a great job!, - but have you been able to give some more thought to this?
Is there something I could be getting on with to assist in developing your idea? If the idea is feasible, how much would we need to raise? How much might be needed to make it - or something similar - feasible? I'd really like to follow up on this. Best wishes
David
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 23 Nov 2005 18:09:26 PST Comment feedback score: 0 Sender: David~World Connectory~Bale (137) Date sent: Wed, 23 Nov 2005 16:22:55 PST Date opened: Wed, 23 Nov 2005 16:25:20 PST
Ray,
I've now received confirmation from Edna Titus that the container will be converted into a pre-school unit and I hope that some of the gifts we send can reflect this. I'll email you separately about where I'm at with the fundraising campaign.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 23 Nov 2005 18:16:39 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
I am really excited about working on all these different projects, but with so many things going on here, I hope I don't drop the ball. If any of you see something I have missed, please just let me know.
Thanks to all of you for bringing these needs forward and trying to make someones life better:)
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sat, 26 Nov 2005 16:38:26 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
cool ray, said it once, said it thrice, i''ll say it over and over... YOU ROCK
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 26 Nov 2005 18:20:25 PST Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
Hi everyone, I am back, safe and sound. I went to Vancouver this week to pick up a fifth wheel flat deck trailer which I use to mount my mining equipment on. The one for Mexico.
The trip home was really bad, it was snowing all the way, 300 miles, it usually takes 5 hours but this time it was 10 hours.
A really net thing happened while I was down there. There is a ceramic tile store that gave me some tile a few months ago that we sent in the last container to Fiji and is going to be used for washrooms at a boarding school. Well this time he called well I was in Vancouver and said he had some more tile, I said great, I was picking up a trailer and I was going home empty so I could swing by and pick it up.
So the next morning I went over there and to my astonishment he had 14 pallets weighing 2 to 3 thousand pounds each sitting on the loading dock. Well there was no way it would all fit on my truck and trailer, so I loaded 6 pallets on (12,000 lbs) which was a heavy pull but gave me good traction in the snow on the way home.
Well I was driving home I phoned a trucker friend and he said he would be in Vancouver next week dropping of some stuff and he would be coming home empty, so he will swing by there and bring home the other 20,000 lbs. While I was securing the load some of the employees came out and said that they thought it was cool that all this tile was going to help poor people in foreign lands. One guy said you know, I have worked here for a long time and this is the first time this company has ever done something like this, usually it goes in the garbage one tile at the time.
He said they were all shocked at how much pilled up, once they started putting it aside for us.
Another unbelievable Donation
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 26 Nov 2005 18:47:48 PST Edited: Sat, 26 Nov 2005 18:48:31 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Here is a link to another great thing that is coming together here at O-net. Bottom of Page 2 https://www.omidyar.net/group/co mmunity-general/news/1026/?min_s core=-9999&show=1&page=1
Thanks
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 27 Nov 2005 16:04:52 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
The deal to buy the building is working out, the friend in Vancouver said his bank has agreed and he will work on it this week.
I hope the seller does not back down on his commitment to sell to me. I will be calling him tomorrow to let him know I will be buying. It’s really a great thing instead of throwing $2,000 a month out the window in rent, I will be paying it to the bank and slowly building equity. I will let you know when it’s complete.
Ray:)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 27 Nov 2005 16:19:44 PST Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
There is even more great things happening, but I'm almost afraid to say anymore, as you might not belive me:) oh well here it is.
I was driving on Thursday in Vancouver and the cell rang and a business man I know said, Ray are you sending any more contaniers anywhere? I said, yes I am thinking of one to Sudan and I told him all about Gabriel's project. He said it was his year end and he needs a tax reciept so how much do you think it will cost? I said about $3,000 U.S. and he said ok where do I send the money. I told him ADRA Canada and he said consider it done.
Even as I write this I am finding it hard to belive what has transpired in the last 12 months, it's almost beyond
UNBELIEVABLE
Thanks to everyone
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sun, 27 Nov 2005 17:19:01 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray!!!
I just, like really JUST, finished catching up with the last couple days of blog entries and video clips on i-Act and then I read this ... when it's coming from your camp I don't find anything UNBELIEVABLE any more! When you are loading this container please, please, please let me know. I'll like to come and help. Also, maybe I could bring some school and art supplies (or something else that is needed?) to be included in the shipment. Would love to see you, Jackie and your family again.
Meron
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 27 Nov 2005 22:10:20 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Meron we will be sure to let you know when it's time to load. I should have that new fork lift to load with next time, I think I kind of promised you way back when to try it, wait maybe that was Carla I promised?
Ray:)
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sun, 27 Nov 2005 22:22:07 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, you fickle man you, I think you promised ALL of us that we could play with your new forklift ; )
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 27 Nov 2005 22:39:08 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Oops, I'm in trouble now, Jackie just said I promised her too. She called me a two timing .........?
Ray
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1334 by 61 members (most recent: yesterday by Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614)) Viewed: 17301 times by 547 members
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sun, 27 Nov 2005 22:54:06 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
By my calculations you've gotta' be up to at least a five or six timing ... BLEEP!!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 28 Nov 2005 08:33:53 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
I am beginning to learn when I am out gunned, so I think it's time to go and read another thread for a while:)
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Wed, 30 Nov 2005 09:19:46 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
beeeep...beeeep.....beeeep.....beeeep (sound of red faced forklift driver backing up) ;)
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Wed, 30 Nov 2005 13:25:11 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Drop Cash coming soon... I've now set up a new thread about the Breadline Africa Containers project in the Connecting Hearts Group where Julie Caldwell will soon be adding a Drop Cash for me. Please can you donate $$$!!!
Thanks again Ray!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 01 Dec 2005 08:47:20 PST Comment feedback score: 0
We have just received an email from Thailand and I need to ask everyone for a little help if they could. Jackie and I are tapped out this month, as we haven't received any new orders for machines for a while, it's that time of year, typically no one starts buying mining equipment until around march every year. The funds we have sitting at ADRA has been given for specific purposes the $3,000 given last week by a guy in Vancouver is for the shipment we are trying to send to Gabriel’s Sudan project and the balance of the funds are for the fork lift.
If the money for the fork lift was mine, I would use it and just wait a little longer for a fork lift but being that so many of you rallied to get us the fork lift, I think it would be wrong for me to use any of those funds for Thailand.
So can we set up a tin cup to try and raise this additional 2,600 U.S
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 01 Dec 2005 08:48:52 PST Comment feedback score: 0 ----- Original Message ----- From: Tom Cairns To: Meron Moroz Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2005 9:00 PM Subject: Re: Tom Cairns
Hi Meron:
I have been able to clear up all the problems with the container but the cost is high. I need to get $3000.00 Canadian. Make the check out to the Community Gospel Chapel (<info@communitygospelchapel.c om>) and send to 190 Long Harbour Rd, Salt Spring Island, B.C. V8K2K9 .Please try to send RUSH I'm low on funds and it will be hard to pay all myself. The container should be delivered this week and I will send photos of the unloading and later of the grand opening of each school. The big problems have been the way charity groups have tried to get things into Thailand without tax and then sell the goods for money. The second was the barrel of fruit. If we do this again is would be a good idea to start by working with the Canadian Embassy. If we had started there we would have cleared customs in Sep.but that's for next time. This time I have had to pay extra charges for storage while we wait for permission to deliver. Today I will try to talk the shipping company here to reduce the storage charges. I was able to convince the customs department that it was a gift from Canada and going to a church group so we will pay no duty or tax.The $2000.00 you sent me is used up in unloading and trucking charges from Bangkok to Phuket. I think the storage charges will be about $3000.00 Canadian. If it is more I will pay out of my own money. I will provided final statements of all costs when I have every thing done and delivered. Yes it has been a lot of trouble to do this part of the job but the desks and things you sent will be used for years by many very young students and will help them get a good start in life that they had no chance of getting with out your help. Thank you so much for not giving up on this. Sometimes it is easy and other times is just takes forever. The families all say Thank you for your donation.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 01 Dec 2005 10:30:25 PST Comment feedback score: 0
NEED HELP
Just trying to bubble this up so more people see it.
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Thu, 01 Dec 2005 11:40:39 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Bubble
Bubble
Good luck Ray !!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 01 Dec 2005 12:41:17 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Michael
Maybe If we can get enough pledges and commitments to do this then I would use the Sudan funds to speed this up and then replace it. Just a thought.
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 01 Dec 2005 13:01:39 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I AM SO HAPPY TO READ ALL THIS!!!! AND I AM THE ONE WHO GETS TO RUN THE FORKLIFT.... TO REFRESH ALL OF YOUR MEMORIES.... thank you very much!!! ray, so awesome!!! exciting, etc.
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Thu, 01 Dec 2005 14:34:25 PST Comment feedback score: 12 (* * * * * * * * * *) +|- (net 3 from me)
Ray,
$2,600 required. What if I put up half ($1300), provided the other $1300 is first raised by a Drop Cash? As this would be the money I was otherwise holding to guarantee purchase of the first Kids in Cans container, I would of course prefer more than $1300 to be raised. But needs must.
Good luck Ray and Jackie - I'm sure it will come right in the end!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 01 Dec 2005 18:48:13 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
David I don't know what to say except thanks so much for your generous offer. Meron is ahead of us, as always:) and has already set up a drop cash over on https://www.omidyar.net/group/ts unami/news/9/?page=13#comment318 There is already a $100 in it. Well everyone lets take David’s wonderful offer and match the $1,300 he has offered, Lets see if we can raise the whole amount necessary, leaving David’s money intact for the Kids in Cans project.
Thanks Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 01 Dec 2005 19:15:01 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
On another note, the deal to purchase the shop building I have been renting is coming together:) Should be complete by the end of Dec. It still amazes me that he is using his banking connections to buy the building for us and wants nothing in return, a true gentleman. Obviously he wants me to never be late on the monthly bank payments.
Now all we need to do is find a little operating capital to build a couple of machines to have some inventory. This would help us be ready for the customers that always come around March.
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 02 Dec 2005 08:49:42 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me) Edited By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 02 Dec 2005 16:35:19 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Meron for the drop cash. We need them all over:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 04 Dec 2005 11:37:57 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
The container to Fiji got unloaded and is being distributed, however just when you think it's done something else pops up. The customs agents sent a letter saying they forgot to charge the correct amount of duty on some of the items, so would I please pay another $250 U.S. It amazes me how the govenment officials in these poor countries have such little regard for the poor people of the country. Oh well, what can you do but pay it and be thankfull it wasn't a $2,500 miscalculation :)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 07 Dec 2005 20:59:28 PST Comment feedback score: 41 (* * * * * * * * * *)
I apologize in advance for how long this story is going to be, as it has to cover the last 24 hrs:)
Yesterday morning I went on line to see if any more forklifts had been entered into the auction sale for this Thursday the 8th in Vancouver, sad to say there was no more but I discovered that a Ritchie Bros auction was taking place in Olympia Washington only 500 miles from me. I quickly looked to see if they had any forklifts and to my amazement they had over 40 and of the forty, 27 of them were the size I was looking for.
Old ones from the early 80s to the newest ones 2003. So I quickly looked at the auction date and it said Teu the 6th and Wed the 7th, my heart sank at the thought of missing this great opportunity, but then I noticed that the forklifts were the first things to be auctioned on day two, yahoo. I looked at my watch and figured out that if I hooked up my trailer and jumped into my truck, I could just make it.
I quickly told Jackie what I was going to do and she gave me that LOOK, I could see thinking, I sure wish he would take some ritalin once and a while:) No such stuff for this boy, so I saddled my horse and down the road I went.
Now I am driving down the road and I start thinking (now I do this a lot, jump and then think). I am thinking, the sale is in the morning, the money is back east at ADRA and the auction is a pay in full the day you buy deal? Oops, how am I going to do this? So I call the accountant at ADRA and he says no problem just pay for it and send me the bill of sale and I will reimburse you, OK, sounds simple, so I say thanks and hang up.
Now I am thinking about one small detail, Jackie and I are personally at the bottom of the barrel this month, so low that she was concerned that when I left the house I wouldn’t have enough money for the round trip to Washington and back, but I assured her it would all work out some how????.
I arrive at midnight and caught a few hours sleep. Then at 6am I went out into the yard and start trying out all the forklifts (Very fun:) looking for the ones that are in good mechanical condition, I try them all out and by 8am when the auction started, I had 5 nice ones on my list from the newest 1999 to the oldest1981, there was a couple of newer ones I lusted after, but I knew they were out of my price range:(
The auction starts and I bid up $5,000 for the 1999 Cat forklift, but it sold for $8,000, darn. Then the next one, a 1995 Nissan, rats it sold for $7,500. The next one $8,000. The next one $6,500. Then a big one went thru and the guy standing behind me bids $20,000 and gets it, he leans forward and says to me, did I get that for $21,000? and I said no, you paid $20,000 and low and behold it’s a logger friend I know from Oregon.
We start talking and he says are you looking for a forklift for your charity, I say ya but it doesn’t look good, there is only one more left I can afford.
I tell him the story of the $5,000 U.S donated to buy a forklift. Then the last one I could possibly afford comes up and I bid up to $5,000 again and it sells for $6,000. Now I’m depressed:(
He turns to me and says; oh look, here comes two more they look like the right size. I say, not going to happen they are 2003 and they are in new condition and I think they are worth about $16,000 U.S, so I think they will sell for around $10,000.
They roll the first one up on the ramp and the auctioneer yells out, who will start the bid on this one, so I hold up two fingers and it starts the biding at $2,000, within minutes its at $7,000 and I am out of the running, Then as they are about to say sold, my friend Bob (not his real name:) says wow that’s cheap, buy it and I’ll help you, so in a flash I put up my hand and the auctioneer says, sold $7,500 and points at me.
Bob says, good job Ray, here lets call my secretary and have her transfer $10,000 U.S into your California account and you pay for it and then you can get on your way, when you get home have ADRA send me the $5,000 and consider the rest a gift:) :) :):)
The total cost with U.S taxes $8,085 Canadian taxes to bring it into Canada at the border today $685
My U.S. account was over drawn $1,100 (below the bottom of the barrel)
And I needed a tank of diesel $65
Total $9,935
Balance $65 left over, for good measure:)
I am so high from today, I don’t know what else to say, except I hope this encourages people to step out and when you’re are impressed to do something good for Others just do it and it will work out. A $16,000 forklift for $5,000:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 07 Dec 2005 21:41:38 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I'll take a picture of her in the morning and post it when I get home.
Ray
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Wed, 07 Dec 2005 23:22:27 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray,
You sure you're not making all these stories up?!!! I already refer to you as the CAN-DO KID!! I think that name's gonna stick! :))) (P.S. You realise you're going to be in big trouble - every-one'll want to drive it now!! :o )
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Thu, 08 Dec 2005 00:14:46 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ David said: ~
~ (P.S. You realise you're going to be in big trouble - every-one'll want to drive it now!! :o ) ~ Me first!!! :D
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 08 Dec 2005 08:14:52 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 1 from me)
hey, out of the way, i am first.... way to go ray, so amazing!!!! god works in wonderful ways 'eh?
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2031), Thu, 08 Dec 2005 10:33:47 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Speechless. Again. But never surprised. You and Jackie continue to be a constantly unfolding miracle. <hugs>
Sue.
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Thu, 08 Dec 2005 11:35:24 PST Comment feedback score: 2 (* *) +|- (net 2 from me)
BRAVO RAY !!!!!!!!!!!!! Woweeee, I love it!! Life hands miracles out and we get to share it. Thanks!!
Michael
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 08 Dec 2005 20:46:51 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks to all of you and it's really true, I got pictures:) Now, I could hear all of you putting on your hip waiters and bringing out the shovels and wheel barrels, but what I am about to tell you now, you may think you really need them.
Something that happened today, that I think is beyond explanation.
I will post shortly
Ray
By Lars Hasselblad Torres (3517), Thu, 08 Dec 2005 22:34:10 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
ray, you have a way of putting us on needles! this is all so fine. [there is a film out you might get a kick out of for old times sake, reel paradise] !!
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1334 by 61 members (most recent: yesterday by Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614)) Viewed: 17307 times by 547 members
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 08 Dec 2005 22:44:36 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Sorry Lars, I am pecking away as fast as I can.
ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 08 Dec 2005 22:59:35 PST Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
I will start by saying "UNBELIEVABLE" again Well I got up this morning and called a trucker I know who hauled all of my big mining equipment up north for me back in 2000 and 2001. I told him that I bought a forklift in Washington and brought it to Vancouver but I think it’s to heavy for me pull it up through the mountains with my truck. He said sure drop it in my yard and I will drop it off for you next time I go through your town. I asked how much for the trucking? He said, is it for that charity work you do and I said yes, so he said if you have a $100 on you when my driver drops it off, that’s good enough. The regular trucking costs are usually $600 to $800. Then I start to drive down to pick up the rest of the ceramic tile, 16,000 lbs.
I need to tell a bit of the background first. After reading about the need for a forklift. Several months ago an O-net member Peter Rees started to work on helping me find a forklift. He has quietly done this behind the scenes through private PMs with me. A huge thanks to you Peter. He P.M me a few weeks ago with a lead on a forklift, I called his contact and spoke to the man in charge of a forklift dealer ship in Vancouver, he said he could possible help and would get back to me. I called a few more times in the past couple of weeks but no returned calls until today.
Back to the story, I was driving over the Alex Fraser bridge on my to get the tile when the phone rings and it’s the forklift dealer guy, we talk and he says, I have a forklift in mind that may work for you, come over and take a look, Now I am thinking, I all ready have a forklift but something tells me go look anyways, so I say what’s your address and it turns out it’s under the bridge that I am on, so within five minutes I’m there
I go in and meet the boss and we talk about the charity work and he says, sounds great, I would love to help do some good. Come let’s look at a forklift I think will work for you. We go outside and he says here is this one or I will have another one in the morning you can look at too. Do you think they are what you are looking for, I say ya they are exactly what I have been looking for, so I ask well how much are they worth and he says, I would sell them for about $8,000, so I say what are you thinking you need for them from me?
He laughs and says nothing; I’m giving you one, if you can give me a tax-deductible receipt !!!!!!! Well I am stunned, but I say yes, I can do that, he says good, come by in the morning and pick the one you want, and I will throw in a pallet jack, you can send to Fiji to help make it easier to unload there.
To show what kind of a man he is, I said I will get a tax receipt for $8,000 for you next week and he says no, I only need it for the amount that the forklift cost me. I said, if you can sell the forklift for $8,000 then the tax receipt should be for $8,000. He said no my heart won’t let me do that, just make it out at my cost, which is half of its retail value.
I drive away and I’m thinking what do I do here? Here is where I could use some feed back from all of you. My thought is to call the Oregon guy and tell him that an older forklift was given to me today. Tell him I am still sending him the $5,000 as promised, but would he mind if I put the newer forklift he helped buy, up for sale for around $12,000 to $ 15,000 and then take the money and put it back in the pot as it would be enough for at least 2 or more shipments
Then I will keep the older one, which is all I need. What do you guys think? Also I need to ask Susan Megy how they would view this, as they gave the funds for a forklift and now when the forklift is sold the funds would go back into the pot and be used for more containers and goods. Well like I said “Unbelievable”
Thanks to all of you, you know this is only happening because we are all joining together to share, encourage and support one another.
Thanks so much:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 08 Dec 2005 23:18:56 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Things keep flying around here. Here is another thing that is working behind the scenes. Sender: Moses Kariuki (422) Date sent: Sun, 04 Dec 2005 06:10:40 PST Date opened: Sun, 04 Dec 2005 10:43:25 PST Hello Ray, Its my hope that you are doing fine.Over the past two months i have been in Sudan teaching children and training "teachers".It has been an experience of life time and a big lesson to me.I never imagined there was such poverty somewhere.People in Kiechkuon have nothing. We are not talking of improving the level of education but a place where there is NO EDUCATION.We are not talking of chairs and tables but logs under trees. There is no school supply. Ray allow me to say this. Over the past you have succeed in raising some donations and sending some even to Tanzania.Children of Kiechkuon are needy and they need all sorts of supplies.May it be books,pens,chairs anything. There is nothing. Ray any help that you may get will truly help the children of Kiechkuon. If there can be any hope i will be there to play my part here to ensure that those children are helped.
Some photos are here.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kie chkuon/66475197
Yours Kindly MOSES
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 08 Dec 2005 23:21:20 PST Comment feedback score: 0
--- Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k wrote: Earlier private PM
Moses thanks for writing to Jackie and I. We are currently working on how we could send a container to Sudan or to the refugee camps in Chad. I am not sure if we sent stuff if it would actually get to the people that need it? It may be that the money needed to send the items would be collected and then sent to someone on the ground there who could purchase the items locally and give it to the children?
The cost of shipping is about $3,000 U.S. maybe this is better used right there to buy stuff instead of risking that the items we send get lost or taken by corrupt officials?
Please let me know what your thoughts are on this. If money was collected to help them would you be able to go back there and see that it was carried out properly. I think we should put this on my Unbelievable Donation thread and discuss it there so people can be aware of this and then we may get some help to do this. Thanks the pictures are worth a thousand words.
Thanks Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 08 Dec 2005 23:23:13 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I am traveling home tomorrow, so I will be back here sunday to read your thoughts.
Thanks Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 09 Dec 2005 00:29:03 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Told 'ya!!! :D
~ Ray said: ~
~ My thought is to call the Oregon guy and tell him that an older forklift was given to me today. Tell him I am still sending him the $5,000 as promised, but would he mind if I put the newer forklift he helped buy, up for sale for around $12,000 to $ 15,000 and then take the money and put it back in the pot as it would be enough for at least 2 or more shipments. ~ Sounds like a plan ... Luv you!
By Lars Hasselblad Torres (3517), Fri, 09 Dec 2005 04:57:04 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
INCREDIBLE -- Not a bad position to be in at all, Ray! i can't imagine anyone balking at the "Oregon Guy" scenario. O.net sent you money for a forklift? Awesome! Way to go pulling so many threads together, and getting these wonderful containers packed and off to sea!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 09 Dec 2005 06:26:42 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Thanks Lars, I had a good sleep and I am thinking the same thing, that it'll be ok with everyone. I was thinking why did this happened? It must be that there is going to be a need in the near future for something that I would have not had the funds for and now we do:)
This whole thing will transform $5,000 sitting at ADRA into $10,000 or $12,000 so there must be someone out there that really needs help soon.
Ray
Lars Hasselblad Torres said:
INCREDIBLE -- Not a bad position to be in at all, Ray! i can't imagine anyone balking at the "Oregon Guy" scenario. O.net sent you money for a forklift? Awesome! Way to go pulling so many threads together, and getting these wonderful containers packed and off to sea!
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Fri, 09 Dec 2005 08:00:27 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I LOVE IT!!! hmmm more forklifts, more work, more stuff, more containers, = More people getting help!!!
By Signing Out (1050), Fri, 09 Dec 2005 08:04:19 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Thank you Ray for bringing to the light what has been flying behind the scenes.Its very cool to learn that you are planning to send a container to Sudan or the refugee camps in Chad. I was in KiechKuon which is a real village in Southern Sudan.This can be used as a sample of what has happened in Southern Sudan due to decades of war.I was working with young children and that is why my heart is with them.As you had put it that it will cost alot to ship supplies to Sudan.I do concur with you but still some costs will be incurred while transfering the supplies from Kenya to Sudan.Kiechkuon is impassable by road.The only means is air. There are only two NGOs working in the region NCDA {which has built the school},ADRA{Which is operating a Primary Health Care Unit}. I was talking of supplies like{books,pens,balls,chairs,tables ..anything that children may need in a school}There is nothing.So anything would mean alot. If you can succeed in having those supplies here in Kenya i can see how they can reach Sudan.Money can also buy some supplies here in Kenya and have them shipped to Sudan.I do hope that in the near future i will go back there so i ahve confidence that the supplies will reach the targetted people.I am thinking of becoming a Relief worker for some years.
By Peter Rees (1206), Fri, 09 Dec 2005 09:45:13 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray said:
I will start by saying "UNBELIEVABLE" again [...] He laughs and says nothing; I’m giving you one, if you can give me a tax-deductible receipt !!!!!!! Well I am stunned, but I say yes, I can do that, he says good, come by in the morning and pick the one you want, and I will throw in a pallet jack, you can send to Fiji to help make it easier to unload there.
To show what kind of a man he is, I said I will get a tax receipt for $8,000 for you next week and he says no, I only need it for the amount that the forklift cost me. I said, if you can sell the forklift for $8,000 then the tax receipt should be for $8,000. He said no my heart won’t let me do that, just make it out at my cost, which is half of its retail value.
Ray,
I'm pleased you and Wayne, Mason Lift, came together to make this happen.
I had a sense of what could happen when I learned his wife ships medical supplies overseas.
Be well,
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 09 Dec 2005 15:50:33 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray can't post from the road so I get to beat him to the punch on this one.
I just got off the phone with Ray and believe me you could hear the huge smile in his voice. He was driving with wings, he was so high on happiness ... we laughed and we cried!
Apparently he went this morning to pick up the new forklift so he could deliver it to the trucker that is going to transport it to his home. When he arrived it was being worked on by the shop mechanic so it would be in tip top condition. Bosses orders!!! all free of charge, and they will make sure it gets delivered to the trucker. The generosity of spirit just makes my heart glow : ) (And, it goes without saying, there is more to the story ... isn't there always is with Ray? ... but that's for him to tell.)
I think we need to invest in some o'net thank you cards ... hmmm, maybe something from this line? And a big thank you Peter for playing a large part in making this all happen :D.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 10 Dec 2005 19:49:05 PST Comment feedback score: 2 (* *)
Well as Meron put it, there is more to the story and yes I am very happy.
I was on my way back down the next morning to the forklift guy, on the way I needed to make another stop to sign the papers with that business friend I told you about, the one who is purchasing the building I am in.
I went to his office and signed a promissory note just in case something happens to one of us, at least it is papered. I should say, if you want to keep the peace and make sure friends don't become enemies, always paper everything when it comes to money, especially with family or friends, in that order:)
Anyways, I am there signing and he asks how we are getting along, I say great and tell him this whole story. When I am done he says I mean personally, I heard you are pretty low $ wise. I say ya but I have a full tank of diesel and $40 so I will make it home tonight. He says just a minute and when he came back he handed me a check, I didn't know what to say except thank you very much. I told Meron how much and she gasped like I did when I looked at it and Jackie started to cry, so lets just say it was enough to pay the bills that we are behind and get through December:) I know I say on here to just step out and help someone in need that is least fortunate than yourself and that it will all work out, but now I am saying this with real conviction in my heart, more then ever before. As I said before Jackie and I are at an all time low financially. I could have justified not going on the trip this week to find a fork lift, I could have said there is $5,000 sitting at ADRA but I don't have the money to drive 1000 miles to go get one, so it will have to wait.
Just think how this week would have turned out, not only for the charity, but for us personally, we would have just been sitting at home letting 3 days go by and been that much skinner in our finances.
So when opportunities of helping the poor and homeless present themselves and it is clear that it needs YOUR help, don't stand there and say that’s for people who have the money to do or you might ( WILL) miss out on the happiness of doing something good for others and the blessing that's hidden in there, for you to.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 10 Dec 2005 19:55:55 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Moses did you say "ADRA{Which is operating a Primary Health Care Unit}" Can you find out the name of any person that is working there as I know the president of ADRA Canada personaly and it would be easy to ship a container to them full of Clothing, medical and school supplies. The most difficult part of getting a can to a place is having someone on the ground at the final destination to help clear it and get it to the people in need. If you can find this out, I think it would be relatively easy to get a shippment to them with all the things you want for the school.
Thanks Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 11 Dec 2005 21:02:33 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
ray, ray, ray, praise the lord, is all i can say, and thank YOU for being such and amazing inspritaion all the time, despite circumstances.... you again always inspire me... thank you from the bottom of my heart.
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Sun, 11 Dec 2005 21:59:24 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, that's amazing. I love what you do and how life "somehow" arranges the wonderful miracles that help it all along! You are an inspiration! :)) Bravo!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 12 Dec 2005 15:35:34 PST Comment feedback score: 0
The first Forklift from the Olympia Washington Auction
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 12 Dec 2005 15:38:14 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
The next forklift is coming up from Vancouver on a transport truck and when it gets here I will post a picture of her.
Ray
By Signing Out (1050), Wed, 14 Dec 2005 00:33:30 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
That's right Ray, ADRA runs a Primary Health Care Unit{PHCU} in Kiech Kuon. The project manager of ADRA in Kiech Kuon is called George Ochere.By the time we reached Kiech Kuon he was leaving for Kenya and so we did not interact much.I interacted with the other staff but i believe he is the best person to be contacted.The container can be sent to him and then he can pass it to NCDA staff to distribute the supplies to the children/school for they are the people who runs the school.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 14 Dec 2005 08:22:29 PST Comment feedback score: 0
This is something that is a real possibility. I will contact ADRA Canada and see how we could arrange a shippment to them. I could put in medical supplies for them and then all of the items for your project. Depends on how much stuff is needed we could send a 20 ft contianer which is cheeper? I will call ASAP and get right back to you, please start putting together a list of the things you know they need at the school so we can see what it is and we can figure out how and where to find it. Thanks for caring Moses:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 14 Dec 2005 09:39:36 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Moses, I just called ADRA CAnada and I spoke to them and they say they have a large presence in Sudan with schools and Medical facilities. One of the men that was in charge over there has just returned to his home in Calgary, Alberta which is only 400 miles from us and he is arranging to send a container to Sudan in the next two or three weeks. I am going to call him and see if we could put some things in the can, for your school project:) This would be amazing if it could work out this fast. I will keep you posted.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 14 Dec 2005 10:55:52 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
I spoke with the man that was in Sudan and here is the situation. The ministry that takes care of the incoming shipments that the NGOs send to Sudan is in conflict with the Ministry of Finance as some corruption was found in the NGO Ministry. In order to get a container into Sudan you must go through an advanced screening process that usually takes 1 yr, you must list each and every item that will be in the container. ADRA has been working on this for the past year and they have approval to send a container of school supplies only and nothing else from Alberta Canada to the port of Sudan in January.
The man I spoke to said they were short finances to send in January so it may be delayed as the cost is $6,500. He mentioned that he may be able to share some space in the container with us if we could share in the shipping costs; He said he would let me know in the next week. If he says yes, I do have $ set aside to help him with the shipping but we don't have any school supplies to put in the container. If we are going to be able to use this window of opportunity to get something into Sudan for your project Moses, then we will need a list from you on what it is that you think they need at the school and we would need to raise some money to be able to purchase this stuff. I think we can do this, as it seems almost meant to be. He is short of cash to ship and we have some of that, It is only for school supplies and that is what we are trying to do They have a pre-approved shipment which would take us a year to do and it is next door to me:) so lets see what we can do to make it happen,
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Wed, 14 Dec 2005 15:04:50 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, ;)
I could see this becoming a reality show! Real people supplying other real people abroad and getting smiling feedback....
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 14 Dec 2005 15:39:03 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Michael you made me smile :)
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Wed, 14 Dec 2005 15:42:22 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me) : )
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1334 by 61 members (most recent: yesterday by Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614)) Viewed: 17308 times by 547 members
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 14 Dec 2005 16:02:01 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Update on the second forklift. I just talked to the guy at Mason lift in Vancouver and apparently their company does not require or need a charitable receipt :( He felt bad that they can't use a tax receipt because this means they need a bit of cash instead for the forklift. I cautiously asked how much and he said $1595.33, well with a sigh of relief I said, I will have ADRA cut the check ASAP and he said he would send me the bill and ship out the forklift right away.
Well even though it's not a totally free gift it is still an amazing gift that’s worth $8,000 :) I have asked ADRA to sort out our account to see how many pennies we have left after all this. The president of ADRA just called me back and said they will get to it as soon as they can, but in the mean time, don’t worry just keep up the good work as they just voted yesterday to give us another $2,000 U.S. So when you think you are losing a bit, take a deep breath and look again:)
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Wed, 14 Dec 2005 22:01:48 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Stay tuned for our next exciting episode !! :)) Yayyy, go Ray !!
By Signing Out (1050), Thu, 15 Dec 2005 02:13:48 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
That's great Ray.If you can get a space and ship some supplies to the school i will be delighted. I will put together a list of what the children needs and get back to you.Thanks for your great concern. :)
By Samuel Ngotho (CCAL30) (264), Thu, 15 Dec 2005 03:07:04 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k wrote: We are currently working on how we could send a container to Sudan or to the refugee camps in Chad. I am not sure if we sent stuff if it would actually get to the people that need it? It may be that the money needed to send the items would be collected and then sent to someone on the ground there who could purchase the items locally and give it to the children? The cost of shipping is about $3,000 U.S. maybe this is better used right there to buy stuff instead of risking that the items we send get lost or taken by corrupt officials? Please let me know what your thoughts are on this. If money was collected to help them would you be able to go back there and see that it was carried out properly. I think we should put this on my Unbelievable This is incredible Ray. The dry season has started in Sudan and this means that Upper Nile will be accessible by road in no time. It will be possible to get supplies from developed towns in Sudan like Nasir and even Khartoum. I think if propers mechanisms are put in place then the former interns can go back and facilitate the purchasing of the supplies. I do believe working together and smartly, these children can be helped for the better as they are really in need of it.
By Samuel Ngotho (CCAL30) (264), Thu, 15 Dec 2005 03:13:41 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
This means that shipping would be costly and as well Moses and his team are ready to go back and promote education to ensure that the best is given to these children. These children as per the pictures are really needy and we as humans are the only one to help them. Lets do whatever it takes to help them. Worl is changing tooooooo fast.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 15 Dec 2005 08:30:18 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Samuel I hear what you are saying and it makes sence, however I think now that we have an opportunity to put things into a container that is already being sent, that now this would be the cheapest way to get things to the children.
If this opportunity does not work out, then we will look further into the other ways of helping.
Thanks
Ray
By Samuel Ngotho (CCAL30) (264), Fri, 16 Dec 2005 03:56:42 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Thanks Ray, My main interest is that these children gets the best and all that, that is meant for them. When do you think the supplies will be due in Sudan? If any help is needed dont hesitate to let me know. Otherwise that is a nice job you are doing.Please keep it up and God bless.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 16 Dec 2005 16:14:29 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I agree Samuel, the childrens education is the most important. If this comes together the stuff should arrive there sometime in March? We need to work on raising funds here to buy the items that will be on Moses's list. I think once the list is together, then we can see how much it will all cost and then we can go from there.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 16 Dec 2005 20:01:15 PST Edited: Wed, 21 Dec 2005 07:31:15 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I will try and do a recap of the $ needed for all the projects we are trying to help do :):):):):) If I have missed anything please let me know. Thailand $3,000 We have $100 Still Need $2,900 Breadline Africa $1,500 donations to date $798 David has $1,500? I think we should match David’s $1,500 For a total of $3,000 to be able to send two Cans to Breadline as I belive we will sell and ship a second machine to South Africa in the next six months $1,500 for School supplies to Sudan for Moses’s project $500 for shared shipping costs with the people out of Calgary $1,000 to purchase the list of school supplies that will be needed ? Chad Refugee camps It looks like it is not possible to send a container to the refugee camps in Chad, do to the 1 year advanced process we would need to go through with the government to get permission. Maybe there is something else we can do to help the situation there. I think we need to ask Gabriel how we can help in another way. Total $ needed for all these projects $7,500 Total collected so far $2,398 Balance needed $5,102 Now, I still need to find out how much money we have left at ADRA and then I will be able to post how much of that we can put into all these projects, hopfully we have enough to at least cover half of this.
Thanks
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 16 Dec 2005 21:33:44 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me) Edited By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 17 Dec 2005 21:24:22 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Update David says we are at $535.00 for kids in cans I will change the earlier update posting. Thanks Meron for bringing the Puket dropcash forward.
Ray
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Sun, 18 Dec 2005 11:21:36 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
One day on, and the total donated and pledged for KIDS in CANS now stands at $658. Creeping up towards the halfway point..
If only I could get the Dropcash up and running - still waiting for Dropcash admin. to activate this. Particularly frustrating as the TypeKey and Paypal accounts are now working properly.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 18 Dec 2005 12:19:12 PST Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
Great news David, I know we CAN do this:)
Ray
By Signing Out (1050), Mon, 19 Dec 2005 00:20:48 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray am still trying to put together the list and see what is more important.I am to arrange it in the order of preference so that we can leave out what is less prefered in case the space and money limits us.I will get back to you soon with the full list. Thanks
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 19 Dec 2005 21:10:55 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Moses don't panic, I think if we get a list by the first week in January we will still be able to get the items collected and put into the container that leaves Alberta in late January.
Ray
By Gabriel Stauring (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 20 Dec 2005 16:02:54 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hey Ray, As always, you are doing amazing work! Thanks for the great support you've thrown the i-ACT way. I'll be getting back to you very soon about how to get aid to some of the refugees we met through i-ACT. There is a way, and I'm looking at what's the smartest way to get the "biggest bang for the buck." For some needed items, it's best to send cash, and then people on the ground buy from their contacts. For other items, they can only come from outside of the region and surrounding areas; using an NGO that is already working within Chad, you can bypass the 1yr deal. As I heard over and over, Chad is the most difficult country to work in, but it's doable, as long as we don't stop doing. We'll be in touch!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 21 Dec 2005 07:28:28 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Great to hear from you Gabriel and your right lets not stop the doing. Good news about the 1yr deal, I was hoping you would find a way of possibly getting around this. I like your style: I'm looking at what's the smartest way to get the "biggest bang for the buck." Question did you get the donation from my friend in Oregon?
Ray
By Gabriel Stauring (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 21 Dec 2005 10:35:34 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Yes! It did come in some weeks ago. They sent me a text message to the sat. phone while I was out at the camps that a donation from Oregon had come in, and I knew it was your friend.
Thanks!
By Signing Out (1050), Thu, 22 Dec 2005 02:15:40 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray here are some of the things that i feel would help the school in Kiech Kuon.I have listed them in order of their preference.
exercise books As i had said earlier in Kiech kuon most of the children come to school just to listen for they do not have books to write on.These can be bought as much as the money and space can allow. pencils,ball pens,sharpeners and Erasers These go hand in hand with the exercise books.As well they can be bought as much as the exercise books picture books Young children enjoys reading picture books.We had few picture books while we were there and this attracted many children to school.If you can get a variety of these books it would help alot in their learning. chalks and dusters There are chalks and dusters in the school but not enough.Several packs of chalk and 5 or so dusters would help.
Wall charts In my early days in school wall charts helped alot.There are varieties of these.World maps,Africa map,body parts,animals and their parts.There is an ending list of these but in Kiechkuon there is not even a single wall chart apart from the ones we improvised with hands.Get several if possible.
manilla papers A teacher cannot get all the wall charts he/she needs and so if there are few plain manilla papers they can be used to make the wall chart needed or to demonstrate.
marker pens Marker pens for drawing or writing on the manilla papers.Different colours would help alot. geometrical sets This is a foreign tern in Kiech kuon.Few sets would help those children in higher grades in learning mathematics.
balls and any other sport items Games/sport are part of good growth of the young children.If you can get 2 or 3 balls and any other playing item i would greatly appreciate. files For the storage of documents.10-15 can help. stapler Two or three paper punch Two or three
1 type writer In kiech kuon exams are never set for the children.The school lacks any machine which can be used to type exams.During our stay we had to write hundreds of questions for the children.It was a very hard exercise.I know a type writer can be expensive but if we can get even an old one.Many people are using computers and so if there is anybody who is having an idle type writer it can help if donated.
1 manual duplicating machine No source of power in Kiechkuon and that is why am saying manual.After tying with the typing machine on the stencil this would help in producing copies. duplicating papers duplicating ink 2 cabinet shelves There is nothing in the office.So no records are kept.With cabinet shelves files can be stored and it can look like a staff room. 2 portable tables These are for the office. 6 portable seats These are for the office** Please feel free to add your views.This is a list of my own preference and i know its not the best.Assume that you are faced by a school with nothing but children.
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Thu, 22 Dec 2005 08:38:34 PST Edited: Thu, 22 Dec 2005 08:45:36 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray and friends do it again!!! Dear David and Ray, It has been inspiring to read your updates on the "Kids in Cans" Campaign thread. Omidyar Network would like to make a one-time contribution of $4,500 to ADRA Canada to help with supplies and shipping costs for the "Kids in Cans" project for Breadline Africa. We are honored to recognize other omidyar.net community members like Meron Moroz, Cynthia Gentry, Anne Marie Bellevance, Lars Torres and Julie Caldwell, among many others, as the catalyst for this grant. We are grateful to omidyar.net community members for helping us learn about what is important to them.
If you have any questions, about specifics, please feel free to contact me directly via email: smegy@omidyar.net. I will arrange to have payment sent directly to Ray's umbrella organization/fiscal agent, ADRA Canada to the attention of Mr. Lofton-Brock. Again, congrats and keep up the great work. Happy Holidays to you and your families!!
Cheers,
Susan
Thank you, thank you, thank you ON for this beautiful gift and for recognizing the wonderful work of these amazing people.
It's has been an awesome Christmas so far and Ms. Santa hasn't even arrived yet! (Also, thank you Ray for asking me to pass on this delightful news ~ I've been itching to post it since we got the word ~ and don't forget to let me know when you are loading the container ... I would like to be there!)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 22 Dec 2005 09:57:39 PST Comment feedback score: 0
A big thanks to everyone for all the wonderfull support you have given for the "Kids in Cans" project:) Moses thanks for the list and we will start looking for these items. I know we already have lots of childrens books. The most difficult thing to find will be the manual duplicating machine, everything else should be quit simple.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 22 Dec 2005 10:18:34 PST Comment feedback score: 0
We are spending the Christmas holidays in Vancouver at Jackie's moms place. While we were sorting and baling clothes this year we again set aside all the winter clothes and jackets for the homeless people in Vancouver. We are going to deliver it to the Union Gospel Mission downtown today. There is about 180 winter jackiets :)
I just received a phone call about 20 minutes ago from the ceramic tile dealer here in Vancouver, asking me to come down and pick up 7 more pallets of tile, 14,000 lbs. So I called the trucker who is bringing up the forklift and the other tile and said can I bring more tile to add to the load, he said ok, but I think we are getting close to a full load.
You know when I asked him to take my forklift up, we had 7,000 lbs for him. Now we have 37,000 lbs, it just keeps coming in:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 22 Dec 2005 11:27:40 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Things are happening fast so another recap is needed. $ required for all the projects we are trying to help do :):):):):) If I have missed anything please let me know. Thailand, Target amount $3,000 We now have $1,100 Still Need $1,900 Breadline Africa Target amount was $1,600 Success story, Goal has been reached and running over, $5,465 :) Sudan School project Needed, $1,500 for Moses’s school project $500 for shared shipping costs with the people out of Calgary $1,000 to purchase the list of school supplies that will be needed ? Chad Refugee camps It now looks like it will be possible to send a container to the refugee camps in Chad. Waiting info from Gabriel Cost is currently unknown ? Total $ needed for remaining projects $4,500 Total raised so far for remaining projects $1,100 Balance needed $3,400 TOTAL Raised to date for all projects $6,565 :) :)
Thanks
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Fri, 23 Dec 2005 21:25:13 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
hip hip hurray!!! way to go everyone, i know i've been away a lot, but i always read this thread.... and am rejoicing with you all, very cool news.
carla
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 31 Dec 2005 15:55:24 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Hi everyone hope you all had a great Christmas Holiday. I just received an email this morning from the guy I buy containers from. hi Ray ....Barry Siebenga here......would like to donate a container to you for year end....could you call me so we can get paperwork done tomorrow (hope you are around right now) ps if you are out of the country give a phone number who I can send a bill to so I can get a donation reciept....sorry about the last minute thing! I could not believe what I was reading, so I called him and said wow, thanks so much for the great gift. I told him I was just about to call, to buy one, as I am almost ready to send another can to Fiji. He said well the thought just crossed my mind today to give you some help and I am glad to hear that it’s perfect timing. Then I told him about the Kids in Cans project with David and Breadline Africa. I said you know I just received a donation of $4,500 so we could start purchasing cans from you and send them to Cape Town South Africa. I said it sure is amazing how the timing of things comes together. He ask more about the project and after explaining the whole thing, he said this is a great idea, I really like the sound of this, so you know what, I will donate two cans, just call me when you need them and I will send them right up:)
I ran this by David, Meron and Jackie and this is what I am proposing we should do. I will send one can to Fiji and then use the second one for David’s project. Barry said if he was selling the cans to me right now it would have to be at a price of $2,430 Cnd or $2,150 U.S. this is because of the price of steel has gone up a lot. The tax receipt being issued to him from ADRA for the cans is in the amount of $2,430 Canadian each. I propose we do this, I will send one to Fiji and use the other can for the Breadline Africa project and then use $2,150 U.S ( the price of the can) from the $4,500 sent to ADRA and help get the can in Thailand released. This would still leave $2,350 at ADRA, which would let us buy a second can at a later date for David’s project. I would like other people’s thoughts on this and if it's ok then we will proceed with this plan.
Thanks Ray
By Ray Brosseuk (30), Sun, 08 Jun 2008 20:32:01 PDT
Comment feedback score: 0 +|-
Archive Pages 20 to 25
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * ) Tags: community success Comments: 1335 by 61 members (most recent: 11 minutes ago by Lois *~end all wars~ Brayton (CCAL30) (335)) Viewed: 17324 times by 547 members
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 31 Dec 2005 16:00:17 PST
Comment feedback score: 0
Here David's response, Re: Great news Sender: David~KIDS IN CANS~Bale (217) Date sent: Fri, 30 Dec 2005 16:26:32 PST Date opened: Fri, 30 Dec 2005 17:47:22 PST
Ray,
Thanks for sharing this. It's great news. We'll get the Thailand consignment delivered and the Fiji container acquired without impairing where we were with the Kids in Cans project (i.e. having enough for 2 containers at the new increased price already with ADRA). It makes the continued Kids in Cans collection all the more focused: it's to get enough money for a third container. To date we appear to have just over $1000 US towards this. I think there is a very fair chance that we will be able to raise the remaining $1150 US. Well done the Can-do Kid! (just kidding:))
Cheers!
David
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 31 Dec 2005 16:24:34 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you the rest of the story. The same guy called back later in the day and said how is your storage space working out at the new shop? I said that the aluminum 48ft can we got from him in Oct was great but Jackie and I were just over at the shop and things are getting pretty crammed already, so we were talking about needing another can to put behind the shop. He laughed and said well that's good as I have another can just like the last one and I will give you that to. What an amazing day, a 40 ft can for Fiji, a 40ft can for Breadline Africa and a 48ft can for more storage at the shop.
I’m thinking that this must mean that a lot of stuff is about to be donated from somewhere:) My optimism sees containers and $ comining in to send cans to Breadline Africa, So I think we might be selling more than 1 mining machine to South Africa this year:)
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sat, 31 Dec 2005 17:12:11 PST Edited: Sat, 31 Dec 2005 17:12:36 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray I love the way you do math!!! ... and your optimisim, may it see you through 2006/
Happy New Year Mate!!!*
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Sun, 01 Jan 2006 12:08:15 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow, Ray, bravo! Is a "can" a container like the ones that go on ships or is it something else? Wishing you, Jackie and all your helpers a prosperous and generous New Year!!
M
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 01 Jan 2006 12:18:56 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Yes it's slang for a 40ft shipping container that you see on trains or ships. Happy New Year to you too.
Ray & Jackie
Michael Pattinson said:
Wow, Ray, bravo! Is a "can" a container like the ones that go on ships or is it something else? Wishing you, Jackie and all your helpers a prosperous and generous New Year!!
M
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 01 Jan 2006 18:40:33 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Just got off the phone with Tom, as we are still trying to clear the Thailand container thru customs. He says they are real close to getting it done in the next couple of days. Will let you all know when it's done.
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 01 Jan 2006 21:02:06 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
ray, awesome news.... is there any way you could ship me in the can to fiji???? i need a vacation BAD... lol seriously though, amazing work, great news as always, thanks for sharing it with us... you RAWWWWWWWWWWKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!! respectfully and excitedly,
carla
p.s. howz that arm doin???? wimp... lol
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 02 Jan 2006 12:39:30 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Moses it looks like the people sending the container from Canada to Khartoum, Sudan will send a 40 ft one instead of a 20ft to allow us to put in the supplies for your school project.
I have promised to pay some of the additional $3,000 charges to send the bigger can, depending on how much space we use up.
We need to set up a tin cup to raise additional funds to buy some of the supplies needed on your list. We need to know what is the closest city to Kiech kuon as we cannot find it on the map. He says he can help us get the supplies from Khartoum to Kiech kuon.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 02 Jan 2006 22:22:58 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
The 48ft storage container that was gifted to us, arrives tomorrow. He said the delivery is free too:) He will send the other 2 shipping cans as we need them.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 02 Jan 2006 22:31:34 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Carla if we put in a few jugs of water for you to drink along the way, you may make it? On the other hand, if I put in barrels of water, would you take Meron with you, I think I, (opps, I mean she needs a vacation too. LOL
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Mon, 02 Jan 2006 23:30:23 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, if you want Meron to go take a vacation wouldn't it be enough to lay a trail of enough s'mores in the right places....?
;)
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Tue, 03 Jan 2006 00:51:17 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
: )
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 03 Jan 2006 09:57:53 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Well then, s'mores it is, oh ya a barrel of water too:) Carla, I hope you like s'mores?
Ray
By Susan Solomon (CCAL30) (78), Tue, 03 Jan 2006 10:12:40 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray,
I've been away from the developments with this project for quite a while. You just sent me your email message directing me to the new thread. I'm looking at it right now, and I'm amazed and in awe of your efforts. Wow doesn't begin to capture what you're doing.
I just quickly tried to skim what is written on the 21 pages of comments. Is there anything that one person (me) in California (but could travel) can do, in any small way, to help out?
-Susan
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Tue, 03 Jan 2006 13:26:15 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Ray said: ~ ~ Carla, I hope you like s'mores? ~ ... and I'm hoping she doesn't. ; )
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 03 Jan 2006 21:41:02 PST Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
Susan, I am thinking of how you or others may be able to help, Here is an idea I will throw out there. If we could find schools here in North America that would adopt a sister school overseas, like Moses's school in Sudan, then we could slowly help upgrade the level of education in each one.
We would ask the North American school to supply the items needed for their sister school, (example see moses's list) then they would send the items to us so we can put them in the container and forward it on to their school.
It could work two ways, either the actual items on a list would be sent or in some cases were it is not possible to send the actual items, then cash would be donated to purchase the items in their country.
This could also be done in smaller crates like 60" x 60" x 60" then we could ask the airlines to deliver it, like we did with the orphange project in Tanzania. In most cases the cost of the crate would be under $1,000 instead of $5,000 for a 40ft container which is way to big for what most schools need.
I would guess that Moses's list would fit into a small crate like this. How does this sound? does anybody have some feed back on this idea.
This gets back to where my heart really lies, "education" it is the most valuable gift we can give a child and I would like to figure out a way to do more of it. Thanks
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Wed, 04 Jan 2006 17:07:51 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
i love smores and water and MERON!!! woo hoo here we come... where was it were going?
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Wed, 04 Jan 2006 17:16:18 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Carla, I don't think it really matters. ; )
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 04 Jan 2006 17:25:42 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Oh, I thought you girls knew where the next container is heading? Hmmm, lets see it is either Fiji, South Africa or Sudan not sure, but if you drill a hole in the top of the can you should be able to tell by the stars. LOL
Ray
By Signing Out (1050), Thu, 05 Jan 2006 02:43:08 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Thank you Ray for your great works.I have been offline for long.Well Kiechkuon is a village and no town very close to it.This makes it very hard to locate it in the map.The closest town is Nasir.During the dry season its accessible by road from Kiechkuon.Its in the Upper Nile region in Latjor state in Luakpiny County.There is a map that i had put in Flick r and i have pointed Kiechkuon using a Blue arrow.If you turn it 90 degrees to the right you will locate it in the map.Kiechkuon is above Nasir{about 40 kilometres}
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kie chkuon/72034175/
In fact i was wondering how the supplies would reach Kiechkuon from Khartoum but i am happy that someone has promised to take care of that.There are high hopes that i will be in Kiechkuon when the supplies arrives. They will have come a long way and i will be there to ensure they goes a long way in shaping the future of the children of Kiechkuon.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 08 Jan 2006 18:21:20 PST Comment feedback score: 0
The 48 ft container that was gifted, arrive last Teu and was dropped off on the edge of the road. I then hired a large crane truck in town to come and pick it up and swing it into place beside the shop.
It was just in time, as the next morning the local thrift store called again and I had to make 3 trips with my truck to collect over 300 bags of clothes. The 300 bags piled up over the holidays, Dec 23rd was when I last emptied them. It still amazes me to think that a town of 8000 people can donate 30 garbage bags of clothing a day and this is after they sell half of it at the thrift store, I am only getting what dosen't sell.
On the flip side, it will take this amount clothing coming in on a daily bases to fill the Kids In Cans projects:) so I geuss this is why its happening.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 12 Jan 2006 08:21:39 PST Edited: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 08:22:50 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Things are happening fast so I am going to do a recap for myself so I don't forget. If I have missed anything please let me know.
Thailand, Target amount was $3,000 Looks like $2,000 did the job. For now we can say project complete:) Pictures to come
Breadline Africa Target amount was $1,600 for one container. The new target amount for more cans is $6,650 Success story, original goal has been reached and running over, $5,828:) Next is to raise the additional $821 and ship all the containers
Sudan School project Needed, $1,500 for Moses’ school project $500 for shared shipping costs with the people out of Calgary $1,000 to purchase the list of school supplies that are needed. Project still needs $1,500
The Sudan & Chad Refugee camps project It now looks like it will be possible to send a container to the refugee camps in Chad. Waiting for more information from Gabriel on the logistics of getting a container there. Cost is currently just an estimate $5,000? Project still needs Approximately $5,000
We are currently purchasing Stop Genocide wristbands and getting our local high school involved in selling them to raise awareness and money for this project.
I believe this will be an important on going project here, so the total amount needed for this project will continue to change. Because this is such an important cause, I believe we can keep meeting the needs.
Please see this thread
http://www.omidyar.net/group/sud ancrisis/news/35/
Total $ needed for all projects $16,150 Total raised so far for all projects $8,828 Balance still needed $7,321
Thanks
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 12 Jan 2006 08:25:37 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
wow, i need to get my butt in gear and update the archive of ACTION... wow ray, i think we'll need a whole server just for what you're doing, (i know, i know, with the help of others!!!) see, you did need that forklift!!! haha, you are such an inspiration ray... yeah! your faithful forklift driving friend,
carla
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1563), Thu, 12 Jan 2006 11:05:13 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Thanks for the update, Ray! You're always so good at keeping us posted. Thanks for sharing your good works with the rest of the community.
Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k said: Things are happening fast so I am going to do a recap for myself so I don't forget. If I have missed anything please let me know.
Thailand, Target amount was $3,000 Looks like $2,000 did the job. For now we can say project complete:) Pictures to come
Breadline Africa Target amount was $1,600 for one container. The new target amount for more cans is $6,650 Success story, original goal has been reached and running over, $5,828:) Next is to raise the additional $821 and ship all the containers
Sudan School project Needed, $1,500 for Moses’ school project $500 for shared shipping costs with the people out of Calgary $1,000 to purchase the list of school supplies that are needed.
Project still needs $1,500 The Sudan & Chad Refugee camps project It now looks like it will be possible to send a container to the refugee camps in Chad. Waiting for more information from Gabriel on the logistics of getting a container there.
Cost is currently just an estimate $5,000? Project still needs Approximately $5,000 We are currently purchasing Stop Genocide wristbands and getting our local high school involved in selling them to raise awareness and money for this project. I believe this will be an important on going project here, so the total amount needed for this project will continue to change. Because this is such an important cause, I believe we can keep meeting the needs.
Please see this thread
http://www.omidyar.net/group/sud ancrisis/news/35/
Total $ needed for all projects $16,150 Total raised so far for all projects $8,828 Balance still needed $7,321
Thanks
Ray
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Thu, 12 Jan 2006 11:45:11 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hi Ray,
That's very clear! Great! But already slightly out of date :) Kids in Cans (for Breadline Africa):- $5875 raised in total $775 still needed. BTW, is that "Needed" as in "Knee-did" once upon a time, but doesn't seem to do quite so well nowadays?? Anyway, it looks as if the knee is just going to have to hold out, because I'm depending on the Charity Run on 5th February to raise most of the remaining money we need (it converts to £440 in the UK). If this makes no sense, please visit the Kids in Cans thread. Ouch!!
Unbelievable Donation Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * ) Tags: community success Comments: 1335 by 61 members (most recent: 12 minutes ago by Lois *~end all wars~ Brayton (CCAL30) (335)) Viewed: 17325 times by 547 members
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Thu, 12 Jan 2006 11:56:38 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I still shudder at the idea of kids being put in cans...yikes! Can (ouch) someone explain it to me so I don't have such a trepidation? ;)
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Thu, 12 Jan 2006 15:35:34 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me) Michael, you could try this
Visualisation technique to help overcome trepidation Just click......
http://www.flickr.com/photos/962 16424@N00/85768575/
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Thu, 12 Jan 2006 16:56:43 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ohh, ok!
That looks like a fun place for a pre-school project. Do the doors have keys or a can opener? ;)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 12 Jan 2006 17:03:26 PST Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
I just got this email and I am very excited. “Ray, we are packaging soup mix at present. A very good amount is being prepared for shipment. If you need any please contact me, as we are trying to get it allocated & on its way to the needy as quickly as possible.” “Blessings for 2006,
john martens, Okanagan Gleaners” To really appreciate what this email means, I will give you some background.
When I met John a few years ago and told him what we were doing, and he gave us two drums of soup mix (160,000 cups) He made it very clear that their policy is that no organization can have more than 5 drums (400,000 cups) in any given year, not even the Red Cross.
Well in March last year we were given 5 drums (400,000 cups), sent to Fiji.
In July, 10 drums (800,000 cups) sent to Thailand and Africa In December, 10 drums 800,000 cups) to be sent to Sudan. And now some more:):) hopefully 10 more drums. I think it should be sent to David’s project Kids In Cans project.
It can now be, Kids in Cans, soup supplied project. LOL
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Thu, 12 Jan 2006 18:24:28 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
I hope it is alphabet soup!!! ;)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 12 Jan 2006 22:05:39 PST Comment feedback score: 2 (* *)
I sent an email asking John how much soup mix he had for us to pick up and when was a good time to pick it up. He is only about a 4 hour drive from me. I just recived this response.
Ray, come and pick up a trailer & truck load. let me know in advance.
Blessings, jm
So I can't wait to see how much that means:) Do you think I should take my 1 ton, long box, 4x4 truck and my big trailer:):):)?
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Fri, 13 Jan 2006 08:02:10 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
yes, and don't forget the forklift!!! or should we call it spoon lift?
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Fri, 13 Jan 2006 09:59:03 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Is your 18-wheeler ladel available?? Oh and a container for all the crackers.
By Dav in Phoenix (CCAL30) (3149), Fri, 13 Jan 2006 17:12:50 PST Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *) +|- (net 3 from me)
You know how if you buy bananas and don't eat them they turn brown and then black and eventually get really mushy and fruit flies seem to come out of nowhere and devour them? With fruit it's really obvious when you aren't using it. Now think about all the other stuff in your house and garage, and office, and storage space. What if everything rotted after a month of disuse?
As a matter of fact, something is constantly rotting, something we can't quite see, but it is the time value of all these unused things. And it is huge. Probably bigger than the national debt and gross domestic product combined. How can we tap into that unused wealth? First we need a website like ebay, but for free stuff (freebay.com would be the perfect name, but it's taken).
Next, we need to establish a culture of passing things on quickly. Remember when you could fit everything you owned in a VW bug? Let's bring those days back. Why have tons of stuff stored that we aren't actually using? Are we afraid that we won't be able to get that stuff again, if we really wanted it? If we could get people to reduce their stored goods by 10% it would have a giant positive impact on the real economy, improving quality of life not only for the recipients but also for the donors of all that stuff.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 14 Jan 2006 18:27:45 PST Comment feedback score: 0
David Frayne said:
Next, we need to establish a culture of passing things on quickly. Remember when you could fit everything you owned in a VW bug? Let's bring those days back. Why have tons of stuff stored that we aren't actually using? Are we afraid that we won't be able to get that stuff again, if we really wanted it? If we could get people to reduce their stored goods by 10% it would have a giant positive impact on the real economy, improving quality of life not only for the recipients but also for the donors of all that stuff. Your right David, This is what's starting to happen in our community. I meet people all over in town, who say to me "now that I know the thrift store is no longer throwing stuff away and that it's going on to the poor through the work you are doing, I am taking more and more stuff there, I'm cleaning all the stuff out of my house that I really don't need.
Believe me when I say, I can see the differance, 6 fourty foot containers last year, 240,000 lbs from a little community of 8,000 people.
Since Nov last year enough stuff has come in, to send a full container now and 2/3 of another one. Time to ship soon:)
Ray
By Mark Grimes (4074), Sat, 14 Jan 2006 22:18:58 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
>>How can we tap into that unused wealth? First we need a website like ebay, but for free stuff (freebay.com would be the perfect name, but it's taken).<< see: http://www.freecycle.org
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 15 Jan 2006 08:37:06 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Mark, Every time I go to the local garbage dump, it hurts to see the stuff that is being thrown away, There is huge signs posted everywhere no SCAVAGING. I like the idea of your link and there is 38 members in our town signed up on Freecycle, I am going to look into this more and sign up our Charity.
Ray
By Mark Grimes (4074), Sun, 15 Jan 2006 08:51:35 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
You bet. Freecycle is the Ebay of giving away stuff for free. I've given away quite a few things using it, and it's an amazing process. There are things that Goodwill will not take...bed frames, and larger items that many people want on Freecycle...
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 18 Jan 2006 11:03:50 PST Comment feedback score: 2 (* *)
It sure is amazing how things keep coming together. I received a call last night from a lady in central B.C. She said her Family is moving to Fiji for a year to work in a school, as teachers. She heard that we have helped this school in the past (A Saw mill & bakery). She said they are trying to get a bunch of items together to ship over and wondered if I had a 500 amp stick welder on 220 volt that she could take over, as the school desperately needs one.
Most of you know that I just bought a machine shop building. What you don’t know is when the previous owner moved all his stuff out he left two, 500 amp stick welders on 220 volts a compressor and a drill press behind, he said he didn’t need them.
Well, I don’t need them either; I have a new wire feed welder, Drill press and compressor. So as you can guess the school in Fiji will be getting a welder:)
After talking for a while, I asked how much stuff are they shipping, is it a 40 ft or just a 20ft container? She said they have enough for just a 20ft($4,380 U.S.), so I suggested that we share the cost of a 40ft instead and I will help her get things through customs in Fiji. So to make a long story short, it looks like we will ship a 40ft container to Fiji around mid February, instead of costing us $5,280 U.S. we will only have to pay $2,500 U.S. and they will pay the rest. This is really good, as I have lots of heavy stuff to go to Fiji but not much in the way of volume and they have lots of light stuff, so it's a good mix.
If I was to send a can over on our own, I would have put in all the heavy stuff, filling only half of the can and then filled up the rest with clothes as they are light. I was worried that if I put in to many clothes to finish filling the container to Fiji, I would not have enough clothes left over to put in the shipment to South Africa for David's project, Bread Line Africa.
Well it all works out right in the end :):)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 18 Jan 2006 15:04:54 PST Comment feedback score: 15 (* * * * * * * * * *)
A year has gone by since the first post on Unbelievable Donations.
Jackie and I want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for the warm friendship we have found at O-Net and for the incredible supported you have given to help make all these amazing things happen. It would not have been possible without you.
Here is an overview or update.
January to April 2005 Donated items start to come in.
April 2005 tried to send a container to Sri Lanka for Tsunami relieve, unable to, due to political problems in Sri Lanka.
April 24/2005 Shipped a full 40 ft container to Fiji, with some items going on to Papua New Guinea. Arrived May 27th
June 20th/2005 Shipment of items to Tanzania, Toye Wigley’s project
September 16th/2005 Shipped computers, clothing and schoolbooks to Belize Central America
September 30th/2005 another 40ft container to Fiji, arrived Nov 16th.
August 7th/2005 40ft container to Phuket,Thailand, Meron Moroz project
October 3rd/2005 40 ft container to Ghana,West Africa.
November 2005 Started working on a project with David Bale for Bread Line Africa to ship containers to Africa, going extremely well.
December 2005 trying to send items to Moses’ school project in Sudan.
December 2005 started working on sending a 40 ft container of dehydrated food, clothes and tents to Gabriel’s Project in Sudan Africa. I think this is the most exciting and meaningful project to date.
I want to say that this has been an amazing year and it could not have been done without all of your support.
Ray and Jackie Brosseuk
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Wed, 18 Jan 2006 19:37:03 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Wonderful stats Ray! I am so glad you are getting such help!! This is a great project to support.
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 19 Jan 2006 10:23:02 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
smiles again, thank you ray for posting this... so wonderful, wow... i think we need to make some, "unbelievable donation" tshirts... so we can wear them and when people ask, what does that mean... we can tell them your stories... what about www.unbelievabledonation.com? org? this is soooooooooo exciting! thanks again for sharing.
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1563), Thu, 19 Jan 2006 10:42:09 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Great stuff, Ray. It's amazing to see how much has been accomplished in one calendar year. Think of the positive impact you've made on so many communities around the world. (...many more successes to come!)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 19 Jan 2006 14:29:28 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks so much Girls, both of you have played a huge part in making a positive impact:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 19 Jan 2006 15:00:20 PST Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
Really good news today, we sold the forklift $10,800.00 cnd. It cost us $5,000.00 U.S. (5,650.00 cnd) We made a profit of $5,150.00 So I will be sending the whole $10,800.00 to ADRA. This is enough money to send two more containers somewhere in the world ? I can't wait to see where that will be:) I am still waiting on ADRA to give me an update on how much money we have left with them. I've kept track of it but I want to see if their numbers are the same as mine. I have a balance of $11,870.83. Plus the forklift $10,800.00 For a grand TOTAL $22,670.83
Ray
By Lars Hasselblad Torres (3520), Thu, 19 Jan 2006 15:10:54 PST Edited: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 15:11:20 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Gulu comes to mind -- perhaps visit medcins sans frontiers (http://www.msf.org) for some good tips -- would be cool to develop new links to places of outrage ... congratulations!!!
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 19 Jan 2006 15:14:24 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAY TO GO RAY!!!!! AMAZED ONCE AGAIN!!!! YEAH!!!! what else do you need? let's keep asking, some one is listening ;) so happy!!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 19 Jan 2006 15:32:24 PST Edited: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 15:40:58 PST Comment feedback score: 0
To date we have earmarked the funds we have sitting at ADRA for these projects. Tell me if I have missed anything. Fiji Container in Feb, donated for free, Shipping $5,230.00 Bredline Africa 1st can, donated for free, Shipping free. Breadline Africa 2nd container $2,300.00, Shipping free Breadline Africa 3rd container $2,300.00, Shipping free I think the 4th can to Breadline Africa is covered through donations that David has collected? We can now do Gabriels project, $5,000.00 for shipping costs to Sudan.
We can now do this one to, $1,500.00 for shared shipping costs and school supplies for Moses' project Sudan. Total amount allocated to future projects $16,330.00
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 19 Jan 2006 16:04:08 PST Comment feedback score: 10 (* * * * * * * * * *)
Another update is in order. If I have missed anything please let me know.
Thailand, Target amount was $3,000 Looks like $2,000 did the job. For now we can say project complete:) Pictures to come.
Breadline Africa Target amount was $1,600 for one container. The new target amount for more cans is $6,650 Success story, original goal has been reached and running over, $5,915:) Next is to raise the additional $735 and ship all the containers. close to complete
Sudan School project Needed, $1,500 for Moses’ school project $500 for shared shipping costs with the people out of Calgary $1,000 to purchase the list of school supplies that are needed. We now have the $1,500 in place to complete this project.
The Sudan & Chad Refugee camps project It now looks like it will be possible to send a container to the refugee camps in Chad. Waiting for more information from Gabriel on the logistics of getting a container there. Cost is currently just an estimate $5,000? We now have $5,000 set aside to Complete this project.
We are currently purchasing Stop Genocide wristbands and getting our local high school involved in selling them to raise awareness and money for this project. 4000 wrist bands are now in the mail to us, this was accomplished because someone here at O-Net stepped forward and paid for all of them:) (I would say who but I am not sure if they want to be named)
The crisis in Sudan will be an important on going project here, so the total amount needed for this project will continue to change. Because this is such an important cause, I believe we need to keep meeting the needs.
Please see this thread
http://www.omidyar.net/group/sud ancrisis/news/35/
Total $ needed for all projects was $16,150 Total raised so far for all projects $15,415 Balance still needed **$735 All I can do is say thank you to everyone and SMILE :)
Ray
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Thu, 19 Jan 2006 16:37:46 PST Edited: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 16:46:33 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray,
That makes such good reading!! · 4th Can will definitely be covered one way or another - I hope this will be by donations etc, but think the extra $900 or so may be hard to reach without a fundraising re-launch. · If Cans are costing $2,300 rather than the $2,150 previously projected, I'll need to add $150 to the Amount required figure in the KIDS IN CANS thread · The Dropcash appears to have frozen. Fresh donations would undoubtedly unfreeze it! Am looking for sponsors for my Sponsored Run. Payment via Dropcash would make sense for many. · Think I'll get this dreaded Run out of the way first. Will then have to think of new ways to reach target for the 4th Can. · Anyone interested in buying Kids in Cans t-shirts? These could be modelled on the hand-painted salvaged maltransfered version I shall wear on the day on the Run. Photos to be posted (if all goes well). Or could anyone design a witty KIDS IN CANS logo?
Unbelievable Donation Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * ) Tags: community success Comments: 1335 by 61 members (most recent: 14 minutes ago by Lois *~end all wars~ Brayton (CCAL30) (335)) Viewed: 17326 times by 547 members
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Thu, 19 Jan 2006 16:45:07 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray,
I suspect you might get a request for a 40 foot can full of marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate from an anonymous person on Salt Spring Island.... ;)
By Gabriel Stauring (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 19 Jan 2006 17:03:15 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow Ray,
Thanks for your endless energy and creativity in making things happen. Amazing! We'll work on the details for getting the help the children we all met through i-ACT.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 19 Jan 2006 17:12:12 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Yes Gabriel I am hoping to fill a 40ft container with the million cups of dehydrated soup mix, UNHCR tents if we can get them and then a bunch of other things that you think we should send to the children you met there.
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 19 Jan 2006 17:18:47 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
yay, i am going to call our publisher and ask if they would donate coloring books, but sorry, i don't mean to sound too ignorant, but can the kids in those camps even color? do they have crayons? please let me know if coloring books could be used, i would love to explore the possibilites in that area. :)
By Gabriel Stauring (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 19 Jan 2006 17:21:40 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Man! Very cool Ray. I really think that with the remaining space we should focus on the older children, like Ahmat and Farha, that will have nothing to do once they finish primary school. The boys end up going to fight (you don't see too many adolescent boys in the camps), and the girls become mothers and work. More details to come soon.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 19 Jan 2006 17:23:11 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Great idea Carla, I'm sure they don't have crayons but we will buy them and put them in the container. c•a•r•l•a (white) said: yay, i am going to call our publisher and ask if they would donate coloring books, but sorry, i don't mean to sound too ignorant, but can the kids in those camps even color? do they have crayons? please let me know if coloring books could be used, i would love to explore the possibilites in that area. :)
By Gabriel Stauring (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 19 Jan 2006 17:24:44 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Coloring books could definitely be used at the Child Friendly Spaces we visited. They use arts and crafts and sports as a form of therapy for the children that have gone through tremendous trauma. The camps are very low on all kinds of school materials.
By P (CCAL30) (1370), Thu, 19 Jan 2006 19:38:21 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Great news Ray!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 20 Jan 2006 16:15:10 PST Comment feedback score: 24 (* * * * * * * * * *)
I received a call today from a charity organization in Vancouver; the guy said they have way to much stuff and not enough money to send it anywhere. He asked if I needed anything and if I did, they would give it to me free. I told him about the shipments we are planning to South Africa for Breadline Africa, David's project.
I was a bit worried that I may be a bit short if I send to many containers back to back. I usually need 60 days between shipments to be able to gather up enough stuff for the next one. The biggest problem is the inability to store more than 1-1/2 containers worth of stuff at a time. This problem will be solved when I build the new building out on the land, we will be able to store up to 5 containers of stuff at once.
He said let me know what you want a week in advance and when your container is on it’s way to your town, send it by us first and we will put in anything you need. He said they have clothes, children’s books, wheelchairs, crutches, lots of fabric, Hospital beds, and toys So we have the money, containers, and now all the stuff we could possibly need to put in the CANS :)
Ray
By Anne Davis (157), Sat, 21 Jan 2006 09:33:02 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow. Wow.
By Christina (2944), Sat, 21 Jan 2006 12:39:35 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray you have the midas touch!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 21 Jan 2006 23:36:09 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Just to clarify, we have $22,670.83 cnd sitting with ADRA and we have $16,330.00 cnd allocated for specific projects leaving us $6,340.83 cnd, unallocated.
I am proposing that we leave this amount unallocated, so if there is a problem clearing any of the containers into a country, like the problem we had in Thailand, then we will be able to cover these unforeseen and unfortunate costs if need be.
Ray
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Sun, 22 Jan 2006 00:20:49 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Sounds very sensible to me, Ray!
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sun, 22 Jan 2006 01:15:52 PST Edited: Sun, 22 Jan 2006 01:17:23 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Excellent idea Ray ... thanks for all that you do!!! Besides, I'm almost certain, something else is gonna' come up. Hmmm, I believe Michael did mention a shipment of marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers ... that's got my name written all over it!
:D
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 22 Jan 2006 09:14:39 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Sorry not in the budget Meron:)
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 22 Jan 2006 09:30:17 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
but what if i go with her and help? then can we do it?
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 22 Jan 2006 11:36:09 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Listen, you girls should know by now that I spend money like it's water, there will be no money left by the time you get here:). I'm sorry to say, but read my lips, it's just not in the budget :):):) If you don't believe me, just ask Jackie, she'll tell you what happens to money around me. Wait,wait, one of you is a book keeper right, oh I have a thought, do you know how to fix budgets?
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sun, 22 Jan 2006 12:06:35 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Ray asked: ~ ~ Wait, wait, one of you is a book keeper right, oh I have a thought, do you know how to fix budgets? ~ Ray, I don't cook ; )
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 22 Jan 2006 14:47:09 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
psssst. ray.... "it was a JOKE!!!" right meron ;)
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sun, 22 Jan 2006 15:56:47 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
: S Hmmm, actually I take my chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers quite seriously, this is no joking matter. :D
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 22 Jan 2006 17:00:21 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
(shhhhh meron, i was trying to throw him off!!! you blew the cover! ;)
By Signing Out (1050), Sun, 22 Jan 2006 23:26:37 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray ;) I am just very happy to hear that the Sudan school project has enough funds now.Thank you Ray and Jackie and all who have been part of that.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 23 Jan 2006 07:41:50 PST Comment feedback score: 15 (* * * * * * * * * *)
Back on December 22nd Moses provided me with a list of items needed for his school project in Sudan. Here is an amazing update. I recieved a call yesterday from the same guy that called on Friday. He said, I have a list of things that I would like to donate to you, can you tell me if you need any of it?
2 filing cabinets, two folding tables, Childrens story books, cases of crayons, 4 typwriters in good condition, 30 portable stacking chairs, 30 cases of soap, soccer balls, cases of chalk and a blackboard, He also has a loom already boxed in two crates. He said it is in perfect working condition for weaving blankets, it's a manual one, requires no electricity. is this something that they could use in Sudan?
Look at how it starts to fill in Mosess' list, it just makes me smile :):)
Ray here are some of the things that i feel would help the school in Kiech Kuon.I have listed them in order of their preference. exercise books pencils,ball pens,sharpeners and Erasers. picture books Young children enjoys reading picture books. chalks and dusters. Wall charts. manilla papers. marker pens. geometrical sets. Balls files stapler paper punch 1 type writer. 1 manual duplicating machine duplicating papers duplicating ink 2 cabinet shelves 2 portable tables 6 portable seats Have a great day Moses.
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Mon, 23 Jan 2006 08:06:02 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
and the beat goes on.... amazing, we need to title this thread, "amazing, unbelievable, donationS".... way to go, so excited moses!!! awesome ray!!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 23 Jan 2006 08:14:56 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Carla your right but I am still trying to figure out what the 30 cases of soap are for? it's not on Moses' list but I think it must be needed somewhere, maybe Breadline Africa?
Ray
Unbelievable Donation Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * ) Tags: community success Comments: 1335 by 61 members (most recent: 16 minutes ago by Lois *~end all wars~ Brayton (CCAL30) (335)) Viewed: 17328 times by 547 members
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Mon, 23 Jan 2006 09:57:50 PST Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *) +|- (net 0 from me)
well.... meron and i might be awfully sticky.... after being locked up with chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers... could that be it????
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Mon, 23 Jan 2006 13:25:34 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Oh the mind boggles....O.net girls gone wild, chocolate mud wrestling edition. Could we video this?? ;)
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1563), Mon, 23 Jan 2006 21:56:30 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
thanks for the continual updates, Ray...it's amazing to witness how many lives this has touched... you rock! :-)
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Tue, 24 Jan 2006 01:04:23 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Michael said: ~ ~ Could we video this?? ~ Ummm, NO!!!
By Patricia Savitri Burbank (CCAL30) (429), Tue, 24 Jan 2006 10:04:19 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Just checking in after a long time off line. Very exciting to read about your projects Ray. Thank you for so much wonderful work. Patricia
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Tue, 24 Jan 2006 11:30:33 PST Edited: Tue, 24 Jan 2006 11:31:17 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Meron s'Mor'z ; ) said: ~ Michael said: ~ ~ Could we video this?? ~ Ummm, NO!!! .....but, but, Meron, think of what it could do for your reputation on Salt Spring island! You would get such wide recognition. ;) Ok, ok, yes, just kidding...
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 24 Jan 2006 16:44:45 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Sorry Michael to leave you hanging in the wind like that, but I'm down right scared. Last time I sparred with the girls, it ended, with pictures of me wearing unflattering head gear. LOL
Ray
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1563), Tue, 24 Jan 2006 16:51:32 PST Comment feedback score: 10 (* * * * * * * * * *) +|- (net 0 from me)
Don't mess with Carla and Meron....
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Tue, 24 Jan 2006 17:29:20 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me) :D
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 24 Jan 2006 17:40:37 PST Comment feedback score: 11 (* * * * * * * * * *)
Up Date I found out that the expenses that Gabriel inccured on his trip to Sudan for the 21 days of i-ACT was not fully covered and that he ended up short about $1,500.00 So I instructed ADRA Canada to send $1,500.00 U.S. to him to cover this.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 24 Jan 2006 17:56:06 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I am Ggoing down to pick up all the dehydrated soup mix on Thursday this week. Another great thing happened, the Red Cross called today from the town west of us and the lady said she heard about us and she wondered if we needed wheel chairs, crutches and walkers. and of coarse we do:) So I will be picking that up on Thursday too.
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Tue, 24 Jan 2006 19:41:32 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
yay, hurray!!!! YOU ROCK!!! and i need to add a 'PRAISE THE LORD' too! this is AWESOME.
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Tue, 24 Jan 2006 21:28:24 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Susan Megy said: Don't mess with Carla and Meron.... Yes, Susan, sound advice. Ray, is there a photo of you in the headgear? Also...glad your trip for dehydrated soup is not just a dry run. ;)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 25 Jan 2006 08:08:31 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Susan Megy said: Don't mess with Carla and Meron.... I wonder WHO gave this so many STARS ???????
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 25 Jan 2006 08:12:13 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Michael Pattinson said: Susan Megy said: Don't mess with Carla and Meron.... Yes, Susan, sound advice. Ray, is there a photo of you in the headgear? Also...glad your trip for dehydrated soup is not just a dry run. ;)
Page sixteen of this thread, near the top. Oh how I wish I could forget:(
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Wed, 25 Jan 2006 13:33:54 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Ouch. lol ;)
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Thu, 26 Jan 2006 01:07:55 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Oh WoW!!! Thanks Ray! I was wondering where I left that ; )
TeeHee : )
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 26 Jan 2006 06:44:14 PST Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
Just a note to all O-Net members. Meron will be walking from Canada to L.A. this spring, to take part in the Camp Darfur project, So please, wish her well. LOL Maybe we can pledge $.01 a mile:) TeeHee:) Sorry Michael, I’m not following my own advise here, watch out for shrapnel but don't go to far away, I may need medical attention later LOL
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 26 Jan 2006 08:58:09 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
go meron, go meron, go meron.... i'll be following on the forklift, feeding her smore's all the way! ;) mmm mmm good!
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Thu, 26 Jan 2006 09:41:51 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
S'mores, ok, but no Lime-onade, ok?
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1563), Thu, 26 Jan 2006 11:12:17 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow, Meron...good for you! Any other details to share about the walk? ;-)
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Thu, 26 Jan 2006 13:17:15 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Yikes, if this continues Meron might send Ray himself in a container of dry soup (no water) over to deepest Africa. ;)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 26 Jan 2006 21:40:36 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Ok I am scared now, the silence is to much:( I am really sorry Meron, really really sorry and I promise not to do it again, OK, please. I will give you a ride to L.A. and you can even sit in the front once and a while. I'll bring Smores, water, anything you like ok.
Oh, Jackie just said, your welcome to sit in the front with her but I'm the one going into the back with the kids:(
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 26 Jan 2006 21:44:47 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
hahahah ray, it's gonna take more than that lame apology.... a lot more....
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 26 Jan 2006 22:01:44 PST Comment feedback score: 0
On a HAPPIER note or should I say a safer one, I just got home from a 14hr round trip to pick up Dehydrated soup mix. Remember I asked the guy how many barrels was he going to give us and he said just bring my truck and trailer, well he meant it.
He gave me 32 barrels of soup mix and 8,000 white towels, made up of large towels, hand towels and face clothes. The load was heavy, it weighed about 9,000 lbs
The story even gets better. He asked me if I would come back next week and get another load of the same thing, soup and towels, of coarse I said yes.
I was wrong the other day in some of my calculation about how much soup is in one barrel; I double-checked with him today to clarify.
In one barrel, there is 70 bags of soup, each weighing 1 kilo or (2.2lbs) Each bag when mixed with 25 liters of water or (6 gallons) makes 300 cups of soup.
So 300 cup x 70 = 21,000 cups in one barrel and we now have 42 barrels in our shop and 32 more next week, for a grand total of 74 barrels, equaling 1,554,000 cups of soup.:):):) Now we need to find the place were this is needed most. I will take a picture tomorrow and post it.
Ray
PS, I am still sorry Meron.
Unbelievable Donation Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * ) Tags: community success Comments: 1335 by 61 members (most recent: 18 minutes ago by Lois *~end all wars~ Brayton (CCAL30) (335)) Viewed: 17329 times by 547 members
By Linda ทรัพยากร Nowakowski (CCAL30) (2491), Thu, 26 Jan 2006 22:22:32 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Phenomenal, Ray!
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Thu, 26 Jan 2006 22:51:17 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Ray said: ~ ~ Maybe we can pledge $.01 a mile:) ~ Just a point of clarification. Is that $US, $Cdn or $L? Ray, we all know that Jackie is WAY nicer than you and she's gonna' make you pick me up and all your gonna' say, if you know what's good for you, is Yes Dear(s)!!! ; ) PS: Peter, are the 5x*s a pledge?
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Thu, 26 Jan 2006 22:54:14 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Susan asked: ~ ~ Wow, Meron...good for you! Any other details to share about the walk? ;-) ~ Yeah, it's Ray that's gonna' be hobbling ... errr, I mean walking ; )
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Thu, 26 Jan 2006 23:01:57 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Michael said: ~ ~ Yikes, if this continues Meron might send Ray himself in a container of dry soup (no water) over to deepest Africa. ~ Not right away ... we're not finished with him yet. Hmmm, guess I should read all the way through before I start getting cheeky :D ~ Ray said Jackie said: ~ ~ your welcome to sit in the front with her but I'm the one going into the back with the kids :( ~ Thanks Jackie! And the s'mores, and apparently anything else I want, is staying up front. ~ Carla said: ~ ~ ray, it's gonna take more than that lame apology .... a lot more... ~ Yeah, what Carla said! PS: Ray, don't forget to pack your tiara.
By Peter Rees (1206), Thu, 26 Jan 2006 23:15:20 PST Edited: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 23:23:52 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Meron said: ... Peter, are the 5x*s a pledge? Yep. How much would you like? And what else would you need?
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 27 Jan 2006 00:04:58 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Peter said: ~ Meron said: ... Peter, are the 5x*s a pledge? Yep. How much would you like? And what else would you need? hmmm, calculating and dreaming ; ) I'll come back at 'ya with that : )
By Peter Rees (1206), Fri, 27 Jan 2006 00:37:03 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Indeed. Peter Rees said: Meron said: ... Peter, are the 5x*s a pledge? Yep. How much would you like? And what else would you need?
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 27 Jan 2006 07:52:19 PST Comment feedback score: 0
A quick question, because this thread is up to page 25 should I be starting a New Thread call Unbelievable Donations 2 and just link them together. I am not sure if it’s necessary, since they have it set up now that you can go to "My Watch List" on the side bar and click on the discussion and it brings you right to the last comment. Or is it ok to just keep going on here?????
Ray
By Linda ทรัพยากร Nowakowski (CCAL30) (2491), Fri, 27 Jan 2006 08:01:41 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Realizing that I am a newby and a glutton for punishment.... Since I just made it through the entire 25 pages I think everyone else should have to.... just kidding....just kidding...
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Fri, 27 Jan 2006 08:54:28 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
keep it going, it doesn't lag, yet.... LOL... ray, awesome news, what kind of soup is it???? all kinds??? just curious. AMAZING....
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 27 Jan 2006 09:17:03 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I will take a picture of the soup and post it.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 27 Jan 2006 09:38:54 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Jackie is working on the pictures but here is the soups Ingredients Beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, corn, green beans, lentils, navy beans, onions, peas, peppers, pot barley, tomatoes, turnips, Directions: empty 1 bag into 25 lites (5.5 gallons) of water bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes. Makes 29 liters (6.4 Gallons) of soup. (about 300 cups) Ok soups on, lets eat.
I will bring bags of it down to the LA camp Darfur, so if you want some, you know where to come and get it:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 27 Jan 2006 10:15:38 PST Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
Here they are
The truck has 6 barrels of soup and the trailer has 26 barrels on it, plus 40 bages of Towels with about 150 towels per bag totaling 6,000
Soup
Towels Thanks
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Fri, 27 Jan 2006 10:27:03 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow, Ray, souper! Amazing that someone would have so much dry soup to give away. Who was it made for originally?
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 27 Jan 2006 10:53:13 PST Comment feedback score: 0
They just finished drying 6.5 million servings to be given to orginizations like us, who have identifed a need somewhere in the world and have the capibility to send it.
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Fri, 27 Jan 2006 11:24:57 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
"They"? I guess they are a charity? It sure is a wonderful gesture and effort. Do they have white wings as well as white chef's hats? :))
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Fri, 27 Jan 2006 11:45:44 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Michael, is this the link you need?
By Signing Out (1050), Mon, 30 Jan 2006 00:12:27 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Thanks Ray and Jackie for the great works.I am unable to contribute here regularly due to the limited internet access.I am very glad to hear that things are coming :). Send my heart felt thanks to the donor of all those stuffs.Everything there has use even the soap cases.Very happy to hear of the type writers.The school in Kiech kuon is on the road to modernity.I will be there soon hopefully by March or end February.Hopefully i will be there to receive those goods and put them into right hands. To all the contributors of this thread i am with you in all the good works you are doing.You are all deep in my thoughts.
Thanks
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Mon, 30 Jan 2006 08:59:54 PST Edited: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 09:07:05 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I sure hope the typewriters come with ribbons, paper and white out !!! :)
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1563), Mon, 30 Jan 2006 20:28:10 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, I think it's fine to leave as is....if you're new to the discussion and want to skip to the end, you can click on "most recent" and get there. :-) Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k said: A quick question, because this thread is up to page 25 should I be starting a New Thread call Unbelievable Donations 2 and just link them together. I am not sure if it’s necessary, since they have it set up now that you can go to "My Watch List" on the side bar and click on the discussion and it brings you right to the last comment. Or is it ok to just keep going on here?????
Ray
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1563), Mon, 30 Jan 2006 20:33:34 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Moses - glad to hear you may soon be backc in Kiech Kuon. Are you staying for the full year, or is that to be determined?
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 30 Jan 2006 21:04:06 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Moses I have a question too, The guys in Alberta just emailed me and said they are having trouble with the Sudan government re the container.
If it turns out that the Sudan Govenment won't let the container in and I am unable to get the stuff over to Sudan in that container, then is it possible for me to send funds to you so you can go and buy the items needed for the school??????
Ray
By Signing Out (1050), Tue, 31 Jan 2006 01:48:18 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Thats quite unfortunate but i do believe that there is still a way.It could have been much better to have the stuff put in a container and shipped to Sudan.Through containers much can be transported rather than me going with the stuff by air.The town of Nasir is being rebuild after being demolished by the wars so i think the stuff have to be bought in Kenya and then transported by air. Well if it proves hard to have the container shipped to Sudan i can have the funds and buy some supplies.
By Signing Out (1050), Tue, 31 Jan 2006 01:51:03 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Susan,its my wish to stay in KiechKuon for at least two years if possible.My stay is to be determined.Thank you
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 31 Jan 2006 06:10:01 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Moses, Lets pray that the Sudan Government softens their position and gives permission for the container to be sent in.
Another question because of Christina's post about the need for a Generator, I started thinking. Does the school need a small 6.5KW Diesel Generator to run lights in the evening for a couple of hours? if so, can thy purchase diesel?
Here is a picture of the generators I have.
Thanks
Ray
By Ray Brosseuk (30), Sun, 08 Jun 2008 20:49:52 PDT
Comment feedback score: 0 +|-
Archive pages 25 to 30
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * ) Tags: community success Comments: 1335 by 61 members (most recent: 38 minutes ago by Lois *~end all wars~ Brayton (CCAL30) (335)) Viewed: 17331 times by 547 members
By Signing Out (1050), Mon, 13 Feb 2006 07:41:06 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Today i was at NCDA to hear how far the plans of going to Sudan are.They are still waiting to get more funding from SRD and this will determine our departure.I will let you know when we are ready to leave.We are to stay there tentatively for three months. Sure you can use the other alternative if you are blocked. Thanks
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 13 Feb 2006 08:40:15 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Ok I just got off the phone with the president of ADRA Canada and in his opinion he says the guys in Calgary are not going to be able to get the items in to Sudan. So I asked him if we could have the funds sent to the ADRA office in Kenya so that it can be given to Moses to purchase the items there.
He says in order to send cash to a ADRA office overseas and to allow them to hand it out to Moses it's a long complicated process.
The Canadian government has forms to fill out and Moses would have to file a long request form and the ADRA office in Kenya would have to file a form of request to ADRA Canada, anyways as you can see red tape and a long time. This is why Jackie and I just do it ourselves most of the time; I can't stand Government red tape.
Moses how can I send money to you directly, so you can get the stuff you need before you go? Anyone else know how to send money to Africa, how were the funds sent to Christina?
I will work on ADRA later to see if I can get re-reimbursed on some other project.
Ray
By Signing Out (1050), Mon, 13 Feb 2006 22:40:23 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray i know of only two options though some of the funds will go to transfer charges.You may either wire the funds into my account or send through the Western Union.
By Mark Grimes (4074), Tue, 14 Feb 2006 04:56:20 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Here's a way to send funds overseas cheaper than Western Union it looks like.
By Signing Out (1050), Tue, 14 Feb 2006 05:17:48 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Sure Mark this service is available in Kenya.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 14 Feb 2006 13:05:54 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks, I will first make sure that the option of sending the container is absolutely not going to work, then I will let you know and send you the funds. Sorry for all the confusion Moses but we will get the help there one way or another:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 14 Feb 2006 16:15:40 PST Comment feedback score: 3 (* * *)
Just got another phone call from the guy that donated all the school desks and chalk boards we sent to Thailand. He has more stuff for us. 22 chalk boards 23 folding chairs 36 little childrens school chairs 1 type writer 1 Church Organ 8 folding tables 6 folding tables with benches attached.
Ray:)
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Tue, 14 Feb 2006 16:52:05 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me) :) :)
By Daniel K Mwangi (CCAL30) (176), Wed, 15 Feb 2006 07:32:07 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Moses Kariuki said: Today i was at NCDA to hear how far the plans of going to Sudan are.They are still waiting to get more funding from SRD and this will determine our departure.I will let you know when we are ready to leave.We are to stay there tentatively for three months. Sure you can use the other alternative if you are blocked. Thanks thank you Moses for the good work you are doing!
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Wed, 15 Feb 2006 19:58:07 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
wowowowowowow amazing!!!! so awesome, so happy, great, great, great
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 15 Feb 2006 21:30:26 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I have some potentially bad news regarding the shipment we sent to Thailand last year. Since October we have been struggling with the customs officers in Thailand to allow the container in as Tsunami Aid.
We have tried everything under the sun to see if we could negotiate some kind of deal to get it in, We thought we had an agreement with them back in December So I sent another $2,000, but after we paid it, they said no we still need to examine the contents to place a value on it to charge you Taxes and duties.
We continued to try and reach some type of agreement with them but the Government is still insisting that we pay duty and tax on each and every item in the container. It would not be to bad except they will not accept an estimated value from us, they are insisting that they open the container to document and put their value on everything and then charge us according to that evaluation.
I know from the position they have taken right from the beginning that this would very likely result in a huge bill. So I have investigate our options and it looks like we will have to sign a notice of abandonment and let the Thai Government seize the container and all the goods inside. They will then proceed to auction off the contents to pay themselves the balance of the unpaid storage fees.
The possible good side to this story is, I have been in contact with Meron’s friend Tom who is from B.C. and he is currently in Thailand. He says he has a friend in the Thai government that is willing to get the governor of Phuket to write a letter and seize the container from the customs officers after I give a notice of abandonment and they will then take it from the docks and take it to Phuket were they will give it to the intended recipients.
Funny how things work in some countries, one government office with more power seizing stuff from another government office, Go figure?
Lets hope this works out as I really don’t want to see the customs guys get it and the children get left out in the cold and I don’t want to pay those corrupt officials any more money, so lets hope this works.
Thanks
Ray
By Page Trygstad (464), Wed, 15 Feb 2006 21:34:27 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Sounds like the correct path to take I have been to Thailand.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 15 Feb 2006 21:44:43 PST Comment feedback score: 0
On a more positive note, I received so many calls to day from people wanting to donate more stuff. Here is the list I will now have to go and pick it up:) This Friday, trip to Gleaners 200 miles from here, the balance of the soup mix, 30 more barrels and 6,000 more towels.
On the way back I should be able to fit on 6 wheel chairs in Penticton
I have to go back on Monday to Kelowna (150 miles) and pick up a full load of medical equipment, Wheel chairs, crutches and walkers from the Red Cross
Then again on Tuesday back to Kelowna for another full load of 8 pallets of Emergency medical room supplies from a couple of nursing homes.
Then on Wednesday to Vernon 100 miles to get the list of school stuff I posted above.
Then on Thursday, 60 miles to pick up more medical equipment, wheel chairs ect. also from the Red Cross. Lots of driving next week, but always worth it:)
I don’t even know were I am going to put it all? But I will take lots of pictures and post,
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 15 Feb 2006 21:51:26 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Just to let Carla and Meron know, I have been calling the trucker to bring me the forklift for weeks now and still nothing.
So today I called the truckers son, who is a good freind of ours here in town and I said, you know if your dad doesn't bring the forklift before I am ready to load on the 27th, I will need you to come over and help me load 40,000 lbs by hand:)
He said oh ,I'll talk to my dad ASAP. Lets see what happens :D
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 16 Feb 2006 08:12:32 PST Comment feedback score: 2 (* *)
I forgot to tell you that I also recieved 80 computers, monitors, keyboards and Mouses'??? arrived yesterday:) They are all Pentium 3s with windows 2000 in them.
Ray
By Signing Out (1050), Thu, 16 Feb 2006 23:09:38 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Thats great !!
By Samuel Ngotho (CCAL30) (264), Sat, 18 Feb 2006 06:13:13 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray -That is good news.
By Signing Out (1050), Sun, 19 Feb 2006 08:09:10 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Am just holding my fingers in the hope that the Sudan Government will soften their stand and allow some of these wonderful donations reach the children of Kiechkuon.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 19 Feb 2006 19:42:55 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I put a phone call into the guys in Calgary regarding the container to Sudan, no one answered, I guess because it was Sunday but I asked them to call me on my Cell and give us an update.
Will let you all know when I hear something, lets hope its good news.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 19 Feb 2006 19:46:00 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
On my way tomorrow to pick up 9 pallets (4ftx4ftx6ft high) of boxes full of emergency room medical equipment:) Leaving at 5am should be back by noon, will take more pictures.
I have pictures to post of the soup run the other day.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 19 Feb 2006 20:23:52 PST Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
I started working on a wonderful project today, I heard about a need to help 7,000 aids orphans in Swaziland over the weekend and made some calls today to inquire about it. A group of people and a couple of nurses out of Georgia are going to Swaziland in South Africa to help theses orphans, they are shipping a container in 2 weeks with clothes, books and some medical stuff, but most of all they wanted to start a soup kitchen when they get their, but they don't know how they are going to be able to do it.
So I called them and after an hour of listening to what they want to do, I realized they were short a lot of things and not very much time left to find it and ship it. I told them I would be glad to ship a 20 ft container from here and I would provide them with 40 barrels of Dehydrated soup mix (960,000 cups:), Blankets, clothes, Emergency room Medical supplies, kids rubber boots, toys, stuffed animals, story books, computers, wheelchairs, crutches, crayons and more if they need it?
The lady I was talking to almost broke down in tears and said they were in desperate need of all this stuff and they were all worried how they would get it, she was speechless and kept asking, who are you, where are you calling from?????
She said a TV camera crew from the U.S. is going to be traveling with them to document the whole journey starting on April 28th for 2 weeks and then do a whole program on the project to be aired later here.
The lady called back a few hours later and said she wants me to come on the trip with them to see first hand the needs in Swaziland, I said I would seriously consider it. I can't tell you how good it feels to be able to help little kids in need; it really touches me somewhere down deep inside.
Any body else want to go to Swaziland to help aids orphans, she said they are looking for a doctor with the right heart to go along?
As if I was not busy enough, now with joy in my heart, I will have to load another 20 ft container next week for the Children of Swaziland:):):)
Now I know why I got the phone call last week offering me 9 pallets of medical supplies, There was little children in need in Swaziland, How Cool is that:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 19 Feb 2006 21:04:50 PST Comment feedback score: 10 (* * * * * * * * * *)
Here is pictures of the trip to Gleaners
The building they use to do all the dehydrating in, it's all done by retired volunteers.
Six Million cups of soup dried this year, they said they want to buy the land next to them and expand to be able to do 25 million a year, they need 80k.
The elderly volunteers I was there at 8am when about 30 people were starting work when the boss said you tell such great stories,please come in and share some more with us. So I went in and thanked all of them for the wonderfull work they do and told them how it truly changes lives for the better.
I told them about a rural boarding school in Fiji where the cook is given $160 U.S each month to feed 300 students. I told them that we are giving many schools through out the South Pacific one barrel of soup mix each year and that the cooks are able to give each child 1 cup of soup each week throughout the whole school year.
The teachers are saying that the kids are healthier and that there is less of them getting boils and when they cut themselves they are healing way faster now. Just that little extra nutrition from all the vegetables in the soup really helps.
They really appreciated hearing that what they do reaches children in need. Many of them came up to me afterwards and said they needed to hear some incouraging words. Almost everyone there is 70 to 90 years old and for old people to hear and know that they are needed in this world is a precious thing.
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Sun, 19 Feb 2006 21:12:52 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Bravo Ray, for all the wonderful blessings you give!!
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sun, 19 Feb 2006 21:22:46 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me) : )
Ray, you continue to amaze me. Thanks for sharing the picutres and story about Gleaners! : )
By Signing Out (1050), Mon, 20 Feb 2006 02:04:59 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray you brings smiles to millions of people in the world for your great work. I am just from NCDA offices here in Nairobi.I have confirmed from them that we are scheduled to leave soon.Probably two or three of us will be leaving in less than two weeks time to Kiechkuon.Its not possible for all of us to go there due to some budget constraints. I have been communicating with NCDA and Barbara of Sudan Relief and Development{SRD}regarding the supplies that you are planning to send there for they are the people who built and maintains the school in Kiechkuon. Today i talked with the NCDA director John Chuol Char and others regarding the difficulties that are posed by Sudan government regarding the container. They gave in some suggestions about how the container can be shipped in.They were talking of shipping it through Ethiopia and then to a region called Gampela in Ethiopia{this region is mainly inhabited by Sudanese who flew Nasir, Kiechkuon and other parts of Southern Sudan during the war}.Gampela is very near to Nasir/Kiechkuon. So if a container can be shipped through Ethiopia or Djibouti and then by road to Gampela and then Kiechkuon. I am just raising this issue to you though i know its hard to work for ADRA had already planned how they will send the container.Consider this in future. If all this seems unworkable let the supplies be bought here in Kenya and transported there.Soon i will confirm the dates that we are to depart from Kenya.Thanks Moses
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * ) Tags: community success Comments: 1335 by 61 members (most recent: 42 minutes ago by Lois *~end all wars~ Brayton (CCAL30) (335)) Viewed: 17332 times by 547 members
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Mon, 20 Feb 2006 14:10:10 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
amazing, speeeeeeeeeeeeeeeechless... god bless you ray...
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Mon, 20 Feb 2006 15:43:07 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ditto x 100
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 20 Feb 2006 20:21:01 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Wow, a long trip today picking up all the medical supplies for Swaziland. Sorry I forgot to take pictures before I unloaded it, you all would have laughed, It looked like National Lampoons vacation. When I got to the Interior Health warehouse in Kelowna the boss came out and said you won't be able to take half with that truck and trailer, I laughed and said, well lets see what we can put on.
There was 10 pallets and I am just guessing but there was probably 450 boxes in total. I managed to put on every last box, piled it about 3 ft higher than the trailer and truck and tarped it down good.
Off for another load of books on Thursday. Oh ya, the fork lift is arriving tomorrow this time they say they are telling me the truth:) I will post pictures of it, so Meron and Carla can dream:)
A tired Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 20 Feb 2006 20:44:40 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
I just read my email and thought I should share some of it with you. February, 2006
OKANAGAN GLEANERS Newsletter
Greetings from Oliver. January 9th to 24th saw our Volunteers mixing and packaging the 2005 crop of dried vegetables. What a great time this was, with an average of 35 Volunteers from near and far pitching in. A record 86 drums were packed in one day.
909 drums of dried Soup Mix, to make about 6.4 million individual servings, and another 300+ drums of dried apples, pears and blueberries, represent our 2005 production.
Shipments are being sent to places like Nicaragua; Sudan; The Solomon Islands; Romania; Armenia; Columbia; Fiji and South Africa.
Our cramped quarters limit what we can do, especially during the winter months. Now that the mixing is done we are back into production, with potatoes, turnips, apples, and frozen vegetables on the menu. On sunny days we still have volunteers who prefer to work with the frozen product outside - even when the thermometer shows minus 6 degrees. Now that is dedication! And then there are our on-site volunteers putting up with Spartan accommodation, helping us with many of the afternoon and evening chores in addition to the morning shifts. A big "thank you!" to all our fellow volunteers.
"Statistically speaking": About 1,000 people die of hunger daily worldwide; meanwhile, 25% of all food produced in Canada and the United States goes to waste - enough to sustain those dying of hunger. Who will gather and distribute this wasted food? Two-thirds of all the people who ever reached the age of 65 are still living today. Most live in the "have" nations and are physically and financially capable of helping the needy.
Jm
"Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness!" Psalms 115:1
I want to say thanks again to all of you for your support. I find it humbling and amazing that Gleaners has intrusted us with 1/3 of their yearly production to feed the poor. A happy :) but still very very tired
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 21 Feb 2006 07:12:43 PST Comment feedback score: 0
This was faxed to me, after reading it I knew I had to do something and do something fast, one of my jump first and find out how to land later projects:) I found the link on the web so the rest of you can read it too.
http://www.aegis.com/news/afp/20 05/AF050202.html
I just decided to send a 40ft container know instead of a 20ft:) I know we can fill it.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 21 Feb 2006 07:15:25 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I found the other link too. http://www.unicef.org/emerg/sout hernafrica/index_swaziland.html
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Tue, 21 Feb 2006 12:46:49 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Cool. Ray, whatcha gonna send?? :))
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 21 Feb 2006 19:27:58 PST Comment feedback score: 0
A list of things to long to mention:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 21 Feb 2006 19:35:01 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Here is some of the list. The transport truck arrived today with 40,000 lbs of ceramic tile and the long awaited forklift:):):):):):):D
Can you believe it I forgot to take a picture of the forklift:( I will do it tomorrow, I promise.
Ray
By Richard Zuccala (CCAL30) (21), Tue, 21 Feb 2006 19:49:46 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray is there any restrictions on sending vegetable seeds to Africa ??? only my uncle in Boston works for a national seed distributor and might be able to donate some.
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Tue, 21 Feb 2006 19:52:30 PST Edited: Tue, 21 Feb 2006 19:54:09 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, maybe just as well u forgot. Carla and Meron would have been on your doorstep tomorrow morning. Post the forklift pic when it is fitted with several padlocks and a steering block. lol
oops now they gonna be afta mee..
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 21 Feb 2006 20:39:52 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Richard Zuccala said: Ray is there any restrictions on sending vegetable seeds to Africa ??? only my uncle in Boston works for a national seed distributor and might be able to donate some. I am not sure about all Aficain countries, but I know we have government permission to send any seeds into Swaziland, and they so desperatly need them. Let me know as a container is being loaded out of Georgia in the first week of March.
Thanks Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 21 Feb 2006 21:52:37 PST Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
So many things happened today; I don't even know were to start. Since I decided to take on the Swaziland project the phone won't stop ringing with donations. Late yesterday I spoke with the lady who started this project and she gave me a list of the things they still need and asked if I could help find some of it. Well I don't expect you to believe this, but I am going to tell you anyways. Here is the list she gave me.
More clothes, Medical equipment and supplies, wheel chairs, Food, Printing press, material and thread, children’s story books, school books, a few computers, boots and shoes, and toys.
Here is what we already have that she needs. Clothes, Medical supplies and equipment, wheel chairs, Food, Lots of computers, boots and shoes and toys. Now here is what was given to me today. 2 pallets (4000 lbs) of children’s story books, Material and cases of thread, more medical equipment, and the most amazing thing of all, 3 large printing presses :):) There is a printing place in Washington State that gave me some books last year, so I called them and the guy starts telling me that they just bought a new machine that will allow them to triple there printing capacity and do I have a need for a printing press, I say yes that’s why I'm calling. He says good, can you use three. WOW
He says they work perfectly and would love to see them go to a needy cause. Then he tells me all the other stuff they have, which turns out to be everything else we need on the list. So after talking to them today, I figured out that they have enough stuff down there to fill a 20ft container, so you guessed it, I will be sending the 40ft from here and sending a 20ft from there to Swaziland.
Not sure how I am going to do all this, but that’s never stopped us yet:)
Thanks
Ray
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Tue, 21 Feb 2006 22:51:09 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
This is terrific!!!
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Tue, 21 Feb 2006 23:13:23 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Michael said: ~ ~ Ray, maybe just as well u forgot. Carla and Meron would have been on your doorstep tomorrow morning. ~ No, not tomorrow morning, but if my luck holds, this weekend ... and I'll take the pictures myself : ) Ray, as far as you are concerned, nothing surprises me anymore :P
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 22 Feb 2006 06:54:14 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Ahhh I really thought I was going to get to run the forklift for the first time:( I mean, I am glad and all that you may be able to be here and help (I think????:) Actually I just remembered that we are loading two 40ft containers on the 28th, so I am really thrilled, that you may be here to help:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 22 Feb 2006 06:57:35 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Moses I just got this email, not quite sure what to make of it but it sounds like he will help us somehow and we may just have to wait a bit more.
Ray
Ray, You are not hassling me. I have just moved and it has been quite an upheaval. I will be loading 300 chairs in two weeks then my sudan materials will be complete. The issue is whether it will fit into a 20ft or if I need to go to a 40ft. If I am just over 20 then I think we can continue our discussions and work together. If it is under 20 I may just send this container as is because it is difficult to mobilize a 40ft into the country. I still have ways to help you even if I send my 20. I will let you know as soon as I have the chairs at the warehouse. Sorry for tyhis delay.
John Bullock
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 22 Feb 2006 17:22:40 PST Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
Here it is the long awaited forklift :):):):D
Its hard to believe I finally have a forklift and not a moment too soon, 84,000 lbs to load next week. A very HAPPY Ray and a special thanks to all of you who helped me get it.
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Wed, 22 Feb 2006 18:38:53 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Our being able to come and help you load this weekend (and go skiing) was hanging on being able to get new tires for my son's new-to-him car. (A 1988 Crysler La Baron with only 58,000K on it ... one owner who's son is a mechanic) but after today it doesn't look like that's gonna' happen in time.
A disappointed Meron & Things : ( But still holding out for a miracle.
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Wed, 22 Feb 2006 19:14:41 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Nothing has ever stopped Morozorro before! Put ya cape on and make it all happen! Superheroes can do anything, even toast marshmallows on the end of their rapiers (sword). ;)
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Wed, 22 Feb 2006 19:19:01 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me) ~ Michael said: ~
Nothing has ever stopped Morozorro before! Put ya cape on and make it all happen! LOL! Thanks for the vote of confidence Michael. SuperWoman Cape is currently in the laundry ... at the bottom : ( ... and it's a big pile!
Superheroes can do anything, even toast marshmallows on the end of their rapiers (sword). Hmmm, and damn, where did I put that? ; )
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 22 Feb 2006 21:04:29 PST Comment feedback score: 2 (* *)
The local hospital gave me 6 wheel chairs and 2 dozen crutches today. A teacher from one of our local schools heard about us and came by today and was blown away with everything we have ready to ship, she had no idea this was going on here and she said she would get 10 people to come help us load on Teu:)
Ray
By Signing Out (1050), Thu, 23 Feb 2006 00:14:49 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray i think the best thing is to wait if there is some hope that the supplies will finally get entry to Sudan.Thank you
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 23 Feb 2006 07:16:51 PST Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
A little side story that is going on while everything else is happinig.
Gleaners the people who just gave us 2 million cups of soup asked me the other day while I was there loading, if I new where they could find a forklift for there Abbotsford operations,
I said I would look around, but as soon as I got back in the truck I called the people who just gave me mine. I thanked them again for the forklift, then asked them if they had another one for a reasonable price as I was willing to buy it because I want to donate it to Gleaners. I told them all about Gleaners and what they do.
They said they would be more then willing to sell me one at cost and would get back to me after they look at what they have avaliable.
I can't wait to see how this turns out, it would be so cool to be able to buy Gleaners a forklift after all the help they have given us over the years.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 23 Feb 2006 07:53:27 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Another update is in order and I need to add the new projects that we are working on:)
If I have missed anything please let me know.
Thailand, the container was tied up for several months but we now have an official ok to release it, just waiting for delivery.
Breadline Africa, an amazing Success story just out of this world:) Now we just need to load and ship containers:)
Sudan School project Needed, $1,500 for this project sharing a shipping container with the people out of Calgary to Sudan. All funds are in place, Still working on shipping arrangments.
The Sudan & Chad Refugee camps project Cost was estimated at $5,000? We now have $5,000 set aside for this project. We now believe that it will not be possible to actually ship into Sudan or Chad successfully, so we are using the funds in the LA Camp Darfur project to bring awareness to the problem. and to somehow help the people in Sudan directly through the UNHCR. I have sent $1,500 of the funds to Gabriel and I will instruct ADRA Canada to send the rest.
Stop Genocide wristbands We are currently organizing with our local high school on how they will be involved in selling wristbands to raise awareness and money for this project. 4000 wrist bands are now here, this was accomplished because someone here at O-Net stepped forward and paid for all of them:)
The crisis in Sudan is such an important cause, so I believe we need to keep meeting the needs as they arise. Please see this thread
http://www.omidyar.net/group/sud ancrisis/news/39/
Another Shipment to Fiji Cost is $5,430. Leaving on February 28th, Money has already been donated by a close personal friend:)
Swaziland Childrens Aids Orphans This porject is flying at lightning speed, heard about it on the 17th and now we are loading out a 40ft container and a 20ft container on the 28th :):):) Cost of the 40ft container is $6,100 U.S. and the cost of the 20ft container is $4,870
Total needed for Swaziland project is $10,970
Thanks
Ray
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * ) Tags: community success Comments: 1335 by 61 members (most recent: 45 minutes ago by Lois *~end all wars~ Brayton (CCAL30) (335)) Viewed: 17333 times by 547 members
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Thu, 23 Feb 2006 11:28:41 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
....just wondering if there was ever a "Saint Ray"? You might still need absolution on the tiara incident but otherwise you might one day be a candidate! he he
Love
Michael
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Thu, 23 Feb 2006 12:41:12 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Michael said: ~ ~ ....just wondering if there was ever a "Saint Ray"? ~ There is now.
In this life ...
... and the next! ~ You might still need absolution on the tiara incident but otherwise you might one day be a candidate! ~ That's what the tiara is all about. He's the winner ... and in touch with his feminine side. :D
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Thu, 23 Feb 2006 17:15:12 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Yikes, Morozorro! I better head for deepest Africa now we got those pics all stirred up again...LOL Anyone got a can going to Africa? ;)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 23 Feb 2006 18:23:05 PST Comment feedback score: 0
You can all relax, I'm the one going to Africa on April 28th not in the can but to meet it:) So post these picks to your hearts content till I return, can't say what I may do upon my return. LOL Anyone want to go?
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 23 Feb 2006 19:15:13 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Sorry, I meant to say anyone but Meron and Michael unless they want to ride in the can. LOL
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Thu, 23 Feb 2006 22:11:33 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Damn, and I was just about to type Me Me Me!!! before I read your second post. : (
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 24 Feb 2006 07:37:55 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Don't panic Meron, we don't close the doors on the Container till Teusday afternoon :)
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Fri, 24 Feb 2006 09:35:56 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, we both know that Meron can NOT be contained! he he ;)
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Fri, 24 Feb 2006 11:11:37 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
awesome news!!! wow, wow, wow, wow!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 24 Feb 2006 15:52:25 PST Comment feedback score: 2 (* *)
Michael Pattinson said: Ray, we both know that Meron can NOT be contained! he he ;) You have a valid point there Michael, but maybe she can be canned:)
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sun, 26 Feb 2006 01:28:31 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
:P
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 26 Feb 2006 14:19:54 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Went to bed with no snow and got up this morning with way to much SNOW!
First thing Jackie said this morning is, quick go move my Van, it's parked under the edge of the roof. So I quickly got out the snowblower and dug it out and moved it away from the house.
The last time she asked me to move it, I said na it's ok, well you can guess what happened the snow on the roof let go and it took me hours to dig it out. I thought it was quite funny but Jackie wasn't to amused.
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sun, 26 Feb 2006 16:02:43 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
And that's why I didn't get to go skiing this weekend : ( We did get a bit here as well but NOTHING like that. Jackie's one smart lady ... you'll do well to listen to her
Ray : )
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 26 Feb 2006 19:45:54 PST Comment feedback score: 0
8pm and the roads are closed till??? to much snow, hope they are open at 5am as I have to go and pick up the last load tomorrow.
Teu is the big day:) hope it's not snowing. Your lucky you didn't try to come this time Meron, you would be sleeping in your car right now, stranded in a snow storm.
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Mon, 27 Feb 2006 21:00:39 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Ray said: ~ ~ Your lucky you didn't try to come this time Meron, you would be sleeping in your car right now, stranded in a snow storm. ~ ... with two teenage Things! Damn right I'm lucky LOL!!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 28 Feb 2006 08:49:42 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Today is the Day, off to load 76,000 lbs of goodies to Swaziland and Fiji. Will post pictures :)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 28 Feb 2006 23:05:26 PST Comment feedback score: 10 (* * * * * * * * * *)
It is 11:08 pm, just finished loading both containers, 82,800 lbs and I am to tired to post picture:( I will try in the morning, by the way I owe all of you big time for that forklift, she ran great all day:) I can only imagine how tired I would be if I didn't have her. Actually I can still remember how tiring it was without one and I am glad I have one now.
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Wed, 01 Mar 2006 01:51:50 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
: )
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 01 Mar 2006 16:30:15 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Sorry got to busy and just couldn't find the time to post the pictures and now I have to leave. I will try to do it on the trip somewhere.
Thanks
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Wed, 01 Mar 2006 16:46:15 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Bon Voyage to you, Jackie and family. Precious cargo ... drive safe!!! :D
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1563), Mon, 06 Mar 2006 13:48:08 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Travel safely, Ray! thanks for continuing to provide updates for all of us.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 08 Mar 2006 08:20:19 PST Comment feedback score: 0
We are here in Sunny California:) The trip was good but we had a little truck problems in the Red Woods, the transmission started leaking but we were near a small town and they had the part and we were off in less then 3 hours.
The kids want to go to Disney Land, so we will be in LA till Fri then Palm Springs, Ok I want to go too:) I will try and put up the pictures of the container loading over the week end.
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Wed, 08 Mar 2006 10:06:25 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I WANT TO MEET YOU!!! I AM 10 MINUTES FROM DISNEYLAND
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 09 Mar 2006 07:09:44 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Carla that,s great! give me a call on my cell:) 604-805-8191
We are in Disney Land all day today till 8pm but tomorrow is ok because we are not heading out to Palm Springs till after lunch.
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Thu, 09 Mar 2006 07:14:42 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Don't take the fork lift keys with you :D Have fun!!!
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * ) Tags: community success Comments: 1335 by 61 members (most recent: 48 minutes ago by Lois *~end all wars~ Brayton (CCAL30) (335)) Viewed: 17334 times by 547 members
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 09 Mar 2006 07:32:59 PST Edited: Thu, 09 Mar 2006 07:45:07 PST Comment feedback score: 6 (* * * * * *)
Here is another update including the new projects that we are working on:)
If I have missed anything please let me know.
Thailand, the container was tied up for several months but we now have an official ok to release it, just waiting for delivery.
Breadline Africa, an amazing Success story just out of this world:) Now we just need to load and ship containers:)
Sudan School project with Moses Needed, $1,500 for this project sharing a shipping container with the people out of Calgary to Sudan. All funds are still in place, just working on shipping arrangments.
The Sudan & Chad Refugee camps project Cost was estimated at $5,000. We now believe that it will not be possible to actually ship into Sudan or Chad successfully, so we are using the funds in the LA Camp Darfur project to bring awareness to the problem. and to somehow help the people in Sudan directly through the UNHCR. I have sent the whole $5,000 to Gabriel.
Stop Genocide wristbands We are currently organizing with our local high school on how they will be involved in selling wristbands to raise awareness and money for this project. 4000 wrist bands are now here, this was accomplished because someone here at O-Net stepped forward and paid for all of them:)
The crisis in Sudan is such an important cause, so I believe we need to keep meeting the needs as they arise.
Please see the March thread
http://www.omidyar.net/group/sud ancrisis/news/40/
Another Shipment to Fiji Cost is $5,430. Money has already been donated by a close personal friend and the container is on the water:)
Swaziland Childrens Aids Orphans This project flew at lightning speed, heard about it on the 17th of Feb and we loaded out a 40ft container on the 28th and a 20ft container is being loaded on May 14th :):):) Cost of the 40ft container is $6,100 U.S. plus Trucking $1,780. Cost of the 20ft container is $4,870 U.S. plus trucking $1,620.
Total needed for the Swaziland project is $14,370.
Another good friend has just given us $4,000 Canadian. Now, we only need about $10,800 to finish paying for this project.
Thanks
Ray
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1563), Thu, 09 Mar 2006 13:42:28 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray this is fantastic. Thank you for continuing to provide us with details.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 09 Mar 2006 15:19:27 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Susan, I feel bad that I'm not able to be on very much right now do to all the traveling I'm doing for the next two months, but every chance I get I will try and keep you all updated.
The upside is, lots of help is going out and lots of pictures and encouragment is coming in:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 13 Mar 2006 22:00:30 PST Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
I have the arrival dates of the containers. March 28th for the one to Fiji. April 27th for the 40ft one to Swaziland. May 7th for the 20ft one to Swaziland. On my way back home tomorrow for 3 weeks then back to California on the 7th.
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Mon, 13 Mar 2006 23:08:14 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Great Ray!! How was California? Did you meet Carla? :))
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 14 Mar 2006 08:12:47 PST Comment feedback score: 0 Michael Pattinson said:
Great Ray!! How was California? Did you meet Carla? :))
No, I sent her my cell # and thought she was going to call but I didn't here from here, I've had bad reception where we are staying so maybe she couldn't get through. I will be driving through LA today on my way back so I am going to give her a call. Will be home on Friday.
Ray
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1563), Tue, 14 Mar 2006 10:22:25 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I hope you and Carla connect. She's a blast! Travel safely, Ray (& family) :^)
By Signing Out (1050), Fri, 17 Mar 2006 08:42:34 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray i might be leaving for Southern Sudan on Monday coming week.I was just popping in to hear how far have you gone on the school supplies to Sudan. Thanks
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 18 Mar 2006 07:31:40 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I'm home and sad to say I was unable to meet Carla, Oh well I was scared she was going to punch me anyways LOL I am back down to California in a couple of weeks so I will find her then.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 18 Mar 2006 07:34:44 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Moses this email was waiting when I got home. I will let you know what they say.
Thanks Ray
Ray,
Last night Calgary Central Church told me that the chairs are ready to go to Sudan. I will take them to AMJ Campbell at the begining of the week, they should be able to tell me this week how much more space I have in the container. I will let you know as soon as I know.
John Bullock From: "Ray Brosseuk" <raybrosseuk@ie-tec.com> To: "John Bullock" Subject: RE: Sudan container Date: Mon, 13 Feb 2006 07:40:59 -0800
Don't mean to be hassling you, just checking in to see if you have any shipping dates yet?
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Sat, 18 Mar 2006 13:58:29 PST Comment feedback score: 3 (* * *) +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, don't be scared of Carla...look, here is her most recent picture..!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 20 Mar 2006 15:18:28 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Richard thanks for the fishing reels, they finally arrived and they look great. They look like they will work great for fishing off the reef, I will let you know how the natives like them after they try them out. I should be sending another container before the end of the year and I will put them in. Thanks again:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 20 Mar 2006 18:11:29 PST Comment feedback score: 6 (* * * * * *)
I finally was able to meet with the student council about the Save Darfur wristbands. I spent an hour with them and told them the whole story, when I was done they were beyond excited, they were on fire. They will be immediately organizing the students to go out and get donations for the wristbands and bring awareness to our whole town.
I have 4000 wristbands to give them and I will be giving them info so they can create a flyer to hand out. They have asked me to speak to the whole school at assembly and they are going to get the local newspaper to come and do a story.
More, as it unfolds.
A very Happy Ray:)
Oh by the way, they also want to help send another container to the 7,000 Orphaned children who lost their parents to Aids in Swaziland:)
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1563), Tue, 21 Mar 2006 11:44:56 PST Comment feedback score: 2 (* *) +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, this is great! It's nice to hear so many stories of students getting excited to act!! thanks for helping spread the word (and for all you do!)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 24 Mar 2006 08:38:17 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I still don't have the time to do this as I am so busy but here it goes the long awaited pictures of loading the containers to Fiji and Swaziland:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 24 Mar 2006 08:57:17 PST Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
It was raining when we started but by late afternnon it had stopped
I was so thankfull for my new forklift:)
Starting to load the first container to Swaziland.
We put in 50 computers for a school that we will be helping put together for the orphaned children in Swaziland
I like my fork lift, so did my back:)
Starting to load the Fiji container.
Filled to the last drop :) Thanks to everyone who helped and played a part in making this good thing happen, can't wait to share all the pictures of happy children when I return from Swaziland.
Thanks
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 24 Mar 2006 09:08:57 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray! You managed to post those pictures all by yourself (without Jackie's help)? Thanks for sharing ... the forklift looks good on you : )
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 24 Mar 2006 09:21:14 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I'm a Big Boy Now, I did all by myself, it's amazing what I can do when I have to, just don't tell Jackie or my game is up:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 24 Mar 2006 09:22:11 PST Comment feedback score: 6 (* * * * * *)
I need to up date you on the costs associated with the shipping of the 2 containers and the 1 from Washington State. All of the money donated and pledged towards these 3 containers has been sent in to ADRA Canada.
As of today ADRA has not yet paid out all the shipping invoices, so on their records I still have some money in the account, but at the end of the month when the bill for the 20ft container shipped from Washington State comes in,
I will be in the negative for $5,357.68.
I have asked a guy I know to help; he says he will think about it, if he does help it may be around $2,000 so we will only be short $3,357.68
Jackie and I are trying to sell a travel trailer we have to cover this, as I don't want to leave ADRA unpaid for any length of time.
If anyone could help please send your donations to ARDA Canada 1148 King st East, Oshawa Ontario Canada L1H 1H8 Please mark on the donation that it is for Partners For Others projects.
They will give a tax-deductible receipt to anyone from the U.S. or Canada.
Thanks
By Jackie B (CCAL30) (622), Sat, 25 Mar 2006 11:20:20 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k said: I'm a Big Boy Now, I did all by myself, it's amazing what I can do when I have to, just don't tell Jackie or my game is up:)
Ray
Gig's up honey :) LOL 10.
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sat, 25 Mar 2006 11:26:11 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
LMAO!!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 25 Mar 2006 14:38:39 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Ok, does anyone know who told on me???????? Wait! I think I can smell smores coming from somewhere? Does anyone else smell that?
Ray :)
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sun, 26 Mar 2006 00:23:39 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
ahhh, gotta' love the smell of slow roasted marshmallows and melted chocolate ... and now you are toast Ray. :P
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Sun, 26 Mar 2006 08:55:46 PST Edited: Sun, 26 Mar 2006 08:56:36 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, Don't worry..I got someone taking unauthorized pics of s'Moroz on Salt Spring Island. If she gives you trouble we can post 'em...lol ;) j/k
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 28 Mar 2006 22:00:28 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks for watching my back Michael:) A little side note, Jackie has managed to get all the links on my profile up and working again, Thanks Sweetie:) She will be fixing our Partners For Others website too, so I will let you know when that's up and running again.
Ray
By Ray Brosseuk (30), Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:56:02 PDT
Comment feedback score: 0 +|-
Archive pages 30 to 35
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * ) Tags: community success Comments: 1335 by 61 members (most recent: 1 hour ago by Lois *~end all wars~ Brayton (CCAL30) (335)) Viewed: 17335 times by 547 members
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1563), Wed, 29 Mar 2006 16:21:47 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, what's the url for your site? .org? .com?
Thanks!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 05 Apr 2006 21:34:32 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Moses I just recieved this email and it is not good news.
Ray,
We have finally gathered everything and assessed the space left over and the container is full. Outside of the container being full we have two other issues. 1. Having exactly what we said in September in the container and 2. Having people to distribute what is in the container.
Since my last communication with you the Treasurer of the Sudan Field resigned and left. The Secretary is not sure he will be there when the container arrives and I was the president and they still do not have one in place although one is coming soon from Croatia. In other words I cannot assure you that anyone could deliver what you needed at this time. (With this shipment ADRA Sudan will deliver only what I said was coming to where I said it was going) I have had good hopes and intentions to assist you but I will not be able to at this time.My apologies. I hope you can find another way.
Possibly once a new Field executive get settled in Sudan, you could try again.
John Bullock
Moses I will be in Swaziland and South Africa from the 25th of April till the 15th of May, I will try and figure out how to get some funds to you then so you can purchase school items there.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 06 Apr 2006 21:59:08 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Susan it is www.partnersforothers.com
It has been down for over a year, so Jackie is going to tear it down completely and rebuild it, she says she knows a lot more about how to do it better this time. She will make it easier to manage and to make changes too and bring it up to date.
Hopefully she can get it done after we return from Africa.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 08 Apr 2006 23:11:16 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
The container arrived last week in Fiji and we all ready have it cleared and drop off at a local school playground. They already opened it and started unloading, we only had to pay $900 to clear everything, customs, duties, port charges and even delivery charges.
The first thing they said is they loved the dried friut leather that I put right close to the back door:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 09 Apr 2006 07:38:52 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Back in California and went to Camp Darfur on Friday, The whole family and I are going back there today, going to find a tent? snd stay for a few days.
I managed to slip under the radar and not get Tattooed. It was actually much easier than I thought, I came bearing a birthday gift and Jackie bought a cake for Meron and it distracted everyone :)
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sun, 09 Apr 2006 14:08:34 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hmmm, just so you know Ray the cake is gone now ; ) and unless you bring some more s'mores fixin's there are no more distrations. btw thanks for the fleece jacket, came in real handy these past chilly evenings ... doesn't get you out of the tattoo though, that was a PROMISE : )
By Samuel Ngotho (CCAL30) (264), Mon, 10 Apr 2006 05:26:55 PDT Edited: Mon, 10 Apr 2006 05:32:41 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray said
Moses I will be in Swaziland and South Africa from the 25th of April till the 15th of May, I will try and figure out how to get some funds to you then so you can purchase school items there.
Let me talk on his behalf.Moses is in Sudan,He left about 3 weeks ago to oversee the completion of the project of TOT and teaching.Any development you can let me know.
Sam
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 10 Apr 2006 13:42:58 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Ok Samuel, I will see how things are going and then post it here.
Thanks
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 10 Apr 2006 16:23:43 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Back on page 30 I mentioned that we were short a few $ after taking on the shipping of two containers to Swaziland, well the man I mentioned came thru and we are now only short $3,357.68.
ADRA Canada is ok though, because in there books we are still in the positive because they are sitting on the money I have ear-marked for David's Breadline Africa. Haven't sold our travel trailer yet, need to lower the price a bit.
Thanks Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 10 Apr 2006 16:36:02 PDT Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
I have a bit of time so I am trying to catch up on everything that has been happining. I wrote about this back in Feb.
I got a call last week from the forklift dealer and he says they now have a forklift that was traded in that's the right size, he says he is still willing to give it to me at cost? so I can give it to Gleaners.
Will stop in there on Thursday on the way home from Camp Darfur and look at it and see how much, cost is? This is to cool, I can't wait to see the look on their faces:)
I really need to sell our trailer now.
Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k said:
A little side story that is going on while everything else is happinig.
Gleaners the people who just gave us 2 million cups of soup asked me the other day while I was there loading, if I new where they could find a forklift for there Abbotsford operations,
I said I would look around, but as soon as I got back in the truck I called the people who just gave me mine. I thanked them again for the forklift, then asked them if they had another one for a reasonable price as I was willing to buy it because I want to donate it to Gleaners. I told them all about Gleaners and what they do.
They said they would be more then willing to sell me one at cost and would get back to me after they look at what they have avaliable.
I can't wait to see how this turns out, it would be so cool to be able to buy Gleaners a forklift after all the help they have given us over the years.
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Mon, 10 Apr 2006 19:27:03 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Just finished dinner at Camp Darfur courtesy of Gleaner's via Ray. We are affectionately referring to it as 8 hour soup because that is how long you are suppose to soak it before cooking, something we didn't know the 1st time around (d'uh, guess we should have read the instructions). It was suppose to be lunch but ended up being late dinner. It's VERY good (even the kids liked it) when you follow the directions.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 11 Apr 2006 09:52:34 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
I have to admit that I have been sending millions of cups of this stuff all over the world, yet I had never tasted it myself:)
I never wanted to tear open a bag that makes 300 cups of soup, just to try a bit.
I couldn't believe that even without seasoning it was that good, however a bit of Italian seasoning would have been nice :)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 15 Apr 2006 18:40:26 PDT Comment feedback score: 25 (* * * * * * * * * *)
This story may not fit under the heading “Unbelievable Donations” but its still “Unbelievable” This story has been playing out for the last 4 yrs and10 months now.
Most of you know that we adopted Katie when she was just a month old from Fiji.
I will briefly tell you the background. Jackie had been bugging me for years about having another child, but I kept saying that we already have two kids, Cassandra and Kyle. At the time I was thinking, the two we have are already half way (8 & 9 yrs old) to being able to leave home:) so why would we start it all over again, the late nights, the feedings, the dressing, the bathing? (thinking like a man, not a mother:)
Well Jackie just kept talking about having another kid, so I thought about it more and said to myself, she really must want this, she has never stopped talking about it after all these years, who am I to keep that joy from her? So one day, almost 5 years ago I said OK, I can see you really want this, but since I have a vasectomy, lets see if we can adopt, maybe even a baby from Fiji, as we were and still are doing a lot of humanitarian work in the Islands of the South pacific.
So I said, if it's meant to be, it will happen and I am ok with it if it does. Little did I know what I had just said? This part of the story is beyond human explanation, the very next day, we were sitting in a restaurant in our town eating lunch when my cell phone rang, I answered it and a lady we know in Fiji said:
"Ray I am calling you because a friend of mine is looking after a young girl who is unmarried and just gave birth to a baby girl and we want to know if you would be able take the baby"
Well, with tears welling up in my eyes I handed Jackie the phone and watched the tears run down her cheeks and the joy spread across her face, She said just a minute and covered the phone and said to me, are you sure? I said, I AM SURE:) I was thinking to myself, if I say no, maybe lighting will come down from heaven and strike me on the spot. LOL Needless to say we all sat there in the restaurant and hugged and wept at what had just happened.
So Jackie got on an airplane for Fiji to get our new baby. I can't even begin to write what Jackie went through well she was there; it was a month of intense emotions, days filled with joy and days filled with sorrow.
Soon after Jackie arrived there, she found out that only Australia has adoption agreements in place with Fiji and as Canadians we would not be able to adopt. But after a month of seeing social workers and various other government people, the Chief Magistrate of Fiji signed and finalized the adoption for us.
They issued a birth certificate for Katie putting down that Jackie was the birth mother and I was the birth father, they also issued a Fijian Passport, which showed Katie’s last name as ours, Brosseuk because of how the birth certificate was issued.
Jackie returned to Canada with Katie and we started the long process of making her a Canadian citizen. This has been a long trying 4 yrs, we have been told so many different things like, the adoption is not legal and is not recognized by the Canadian government so you must take her back to Fiji and start the adoption process all over again from Canada.
Well I told them there was no way I was going to take her back, besides according to Canadian law it wasn't possible to adopt a Fijian child. I said they would have to come to my house and arrest us all if they were going to try and deport her.
So we just keep filling out forms and trying to see if the Canadian government will finally find a way to make her a citizen.
Now were going to Africa and we found out that Canadians can travel the world abroad without visas but Fijians can’t and Katie is still a Fijian. The Canadian government just keeps telling us that it is an unusual case and they don't know how to handle it and are not sure when or if Katie can become a Canadian?
I went to the Canadian passport office a couple of weeks ago to see if they would give her a temporary passport as she does have a Canadian landed immigrant card now. They looked over all the papers and said yes but we must have proof of travel, then we can issue a temporary passport, so I ran down and bought $8,500 worth of tickets and showed it to the passport office, they gave me a receipt and said next week come and pick up Katie’s passport.
Well the next week I went to get it and they said we made a mistake, we will not be able to give her a passport, we didn’t see that she was adopted, we looked at the Fijian birth certificate and it had you as the birth parents, so we assumed she was Canadian, but since she is not yet a Canadian we cannot issue her a passport.
I am standing there thinking these people are crazy, I told them the whole story and how could they not know she was adopted, they have the adoption papers and most of all Jackie, Katie and I were in there office only a week before and you would have to be dumb and blind to not see we are not really the birth parents LOL. Anyways I just felt sick, what were we going to do? We are just about to go on a trip of a lifetime, I been wanting my kids to be able to experience Africa and the joys of helping the poor, something I want to teach and share with my kids, now this road block.
I start thinking of what we can do, maybe Katie can travel on her Fijian passport but this would require visas for every country we were traveling to or through. I decide to call the South African consulate, the Swaziland Consulate and the British consulate to see if I can get her Visas. The South African consulate said 1 week, the British said they can do it in 1 day but only after we get the South African one first. The Swaziland said we need to send it to Washington DC and it will take 10 days. Well I know we had enough time to get the South African one and the British one but not the Swaziland one, so I decided to go ahead with it any ways and we would just wing it at the Swaziland boarder when we get there.
Now the day I was flying down to Camp Darfur in LA I stopped to pick up Cassandra’s and Kyle’s new Canadian passports in Vancouver, when I gave the receipts to the officer I mistakenly handed the receipt they had given me for Katie’s passport too, so I reached out to take it back, when the officer said what’s that? I told him that they were going to give me a passport for Katie but they changed their minds so it’s no longer any good.
He looked at me for a bit and said wait I will get my supervisor. The supervisor came and asked what was wrong and I said, nothing I am just here to pick up two passports for my to older kids. He said what is this third receipt for and I said it’s a long story but I will try and explain it as best as I can. After listening intently he said I will call citizenship Canada and see what I can do, I laughed and said thanks but I have been dealing with this for 4 yrs now and citizenship Canada told me that it will be at least another 15 months before they will decide if Katie can become a Canadian or not.
He said leave everything with me and I will see what I can do. I left there fully expecting to receive a call from him saying what all the rest had said, he didn’t realize Katie was adopted and there was nothing he could do at this time. Well on Fri morning this week he called me back and said I have good news, I can issue Katie a passport by next Thursday (only 3 days before we leave) and I have even better news, I can only do this if she is a Canadian citizen and guess what? I have a letter in my office stating that she was just made a Canadian citizen yesterday and you will receive her Canadian citizen card in the mail. If you have the card when you come in on Thursday I will issue a full 5 yr Canadian passport, if you do not receive the card in time I will issue a 1 yr temporary Canadian passport. I thanked him over and over until he said it’s ok, it’s ok, just be here on Thursday for the passport. So Katie is now a Canadian citizen, I called down to tell Jackie and Katie was in the bathtub listening and she started to shout for joy. I think she knew in her little mind that something was happening; with all the visits to the offices, she knew that this passport thing was something important.
For those of you who have met Katie, you know that she has won a place in all our hearts and especially in mine, I know, the guy who didn’t want any more kids:)
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sat, 15 Apr 2006 19:22:57 PDT Edited: Sun, 16 Apr 2006 01:31:12 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Yes, she was very, very, very excited! And we spent part of that day teaching her to say "I'm a Canadian citizen, EH!!!" at the top of her lungs. She's soooo cute : )
By Gabriel Stauring (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 15 Apr 2006 23:10:07 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
And she gives the greatest hugs!
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Sun, 16 Apr 2006 00:14:27 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, that is so great! I'm so pleased for you all. (Got to go and grab a tissue...) :)
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Sun, 16 Apr 2006 09:45:46 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
W O W Ray...amazing and wonderful!!!!
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 16 Apr 2006 10:47:37 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
oh wow ray, what a story to share, hmmm isn't it funny... another 11th hour miracle i'd say... what a way to start my easter morning, GOD BLESS YOUR WONDERFUL FAMILY AND LITTLE CUTE CANADIAN KATIE!!!
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Sun, 16 Apr 2006 16:17:52 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
CONGRATULATIONS KATIE!!!! I cannot wait to see pictures from your next amazing journey! Please give Katie an extra big hug from me, tell her I love her very much and that I'm getting my tangles out now and putting braids in to stop the hair damage. She's welcome to come play my melodica anytime.
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1563), Mon, 17 Apr 2006 21:12:16 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
That's such great news, Ray. Many congratulations after a long and tedious journey to get to this point. Congrats to Katie. Even though I've yet to meet her, I'm sending along a BIG hug!! :-)
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Tue, 18 Apr 2006 05:07:23 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, how about a photo of all the family on this thread?? :)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 18 Apr 2006 07:20:42 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Thanks everyone:) Michael, I will try? but I'll probably only be successful at getting one of Katie holding her new Canadian Passport. LOL
Ray
By Samuel Ngotho (CCAL30) (264), Wed, 19 Apr 2006 02:50:52 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
That's great Ray.Am touched by that facinating story.Cant wait to see th pictures of the family.
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Wed, 19 Apr 2006 11:36:39 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k said: Thanks everyone:) Michael, I will try? but I'll probably only be successful at getting one of Katie holding her new Canadian Passport.
LOL
Ray
Very cool...go for it!! :)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 24 Apr 2006 07:41:44 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Sorry, been very busy lately, working through most of the night for the last few days, so I need to do a bit of an update.
I postponed our trip to Africa by 4 days not departing LA now till Thurs this week. I was just to far behind in completing 2 small and 1 large HPC mining machines 2 small for Ghana West Africa and the large for Guyana South America.
I managed to get the 2 done for Africa and shipped out and I will have the large one done today for Guyana:) I will post a Picture of it before I leave.
Also I gave the local school a 1000 Save Darfur wrist bands so they can get going on bringing awareness to our community, the teacher said they were already working on posters and banners and stuff, so it will be interesting to see were they are when I return.
Thanks to all of you and we will try and stay in touch as much as I can well we are traveling, Internet in Africa is a bit doggy at times:)
I am completing the forklift deal for Gleaners on my way through Vancouver Wednesday will try and remember to take a picture of it too.
Lots of Pictures coming when we return
Ray
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * ) Tags: community success Comments: 1335 by 61 members (most recent: 1 hour ago by Lois *~end all wars~ Brayton (CCAL30) (335)) Viewed: 17336 times by 547 members
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 24 Apr 2006 08:25:09 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
I thought of something else that had happened and I forgot to tell you about. When we shipped the last two containers out to Fiji and to Swaziland we ran into a few problems. A couple of weeks before loading we were told that the million cups of dehydrated soup mix could not go through a U.S. port with out a special certificate, so I asked ADRA to get the certificate as there is no other way to Swaziland except through a U.S. port.
We loaded the containers and shipped them off, the next day the truckers called and said the bill of ladings were mixed up and they were at the port in Vancouver and the container # didn’t match the shipping destination? We figured out that the truckers had swapped the container # on the paperwork well we were loading, simple mistake as things were a bit frantic that night. So we sorted that out and got the right container going to the right place, we hoped? Then ADRA called a few days later and said it takes 3 months to get the in bond certificate for the food to pass through the U.S. and it’s a very difficult thing to get, lots of paperwork.
I thought that ADRA had already done it and passed it on to the shipping agent, So I decided to say nothing at the time, as I had already shipped both containers and there was not much I could do about it now.
Now for this whole time I have been a bit worried that we are now going to run into a problem in the States with the soup mix but the ship finally left New Jersey and no one called me so I was pretty happy that it was all ok and that the U.S. food agency was ok with it, probably because it is dehydrated and vacuum sealed in one kilogram bags. Now last week the customs agents in Fiji call me and say they wanted to know what 40 barrels of dehydrated soup mix is? I was confused because I only sent 4 to Fiji but I got out the shipping documents and sure enough it was written there, 40 barrels. I got out my copies of the Swaziland documents and there was no soup mix written on it anywhere so now I am really scared I messed up.
My heart sank as I thought we had either loaded the wrong container to the wrong place or that the truckers had not sorted out the papers and delivered the wrong one to the wrong ship?
I told the Fiji customs officer it must be a mistake in the bill of lading as I only planned on sending 4 barrels to Fiji but they said they wanted to fumigate the container now just in case there was any food items inside. They charged me $400 and fumigated, but when they opened the container there was only 4 barrels of soup
I was relived that I hadn’t screwed it up and the kids in Swaziland were still going to get their food. It looks like it all worked out properly in the end, ADRA didn’t get the documents and the truckers screwed up the papers and in all the confusion the soup wasn’t written on the shipping documents to Swaziland therefore going through a U.S. port with out any trouble and the kids get to eat:) Worried but now Happy
Ray
By Robin Leaver (CCAL30) (451), Mon, 24 Apr 2006 09:11:05 PDT Comment feedback score: 2 (* *) +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray and all,
I haven't read this entire thread but I'm in awe of your magnificent commitment and excited by the potential of the opportunity I see. (I was once an int'l banker and trade consultant.) I am all for helping children, wherever they may be in need.
My initial question is: Are there enough skills, knowledge and interest posting here to form the core of a North American group? If we determine that there are, might we get together somewhere (Chicago?), form the entity, make plans, and set long and short term goals and strategies? Should we get that far, I would consider signing on to raise the called-for start-up money and create an on-going fundraising team.
Plus, of course, I'm now making up a load for Grace Ayaa and her nine kids in Uganda, so I have an ulterior motive! Hope I'm not out of line or off subject with my thinking here. Thoughts?
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 02 May 2006 01:28:02 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Hi from Swaziland, things are going well here but we are currently trying to find our containers as they have not arrived yet.
When we get them I will post again. The internet is terribly slow but will try and log on again later.
Thanks
Ray
By Jackie B (CCAL30) (622), Tue, 02 May 2006 01:56:34 PDT Comment feedback score: 16 (* * * * * * * * * *) +|- (net 0 from me)
O.K. now I know this is a rarity for me to post here....LOL but.... Yesterday was so amazing and emtional that I can't resist. :)
We pack the kids in the rental van and drove about 10 miles on dirt roads to a "community center"...right away we were overwhelmed because when we pulled up there were at least 2000 people waiting for us! We had joined our other group memebers to distribute clothing they had sent and the doctors from that group were going to run a clinic. The Swazi's clapped and sang to greet our arrival and then we went inside the gates to begin the clothing distribution...that was chaos...someone had "helpfully" spead out the bails of clothing over a tarped area of the ground inside and nothing was sorted....we had to help over 3000 children...by the end of the day....to come through and each find 2 pieces of clothing to take with them....I still haven't processed the emtions as these beautiful angels came through...shy but desparate to recieve those two precious items....
Some were bolder than others...I had one 10-11 year old say..."I need Levi's...Levi's 501's....I got a big laugh out of that! Kyle kept busy at the end of the line handing each child soap till we ran out and then tooth brushes...at least 2000 toothbrushes!
Katie was on full display....teasing laughing talking to everyone possible...I think it dawned on her that everyone was brown! and she was in her element! LOL What a day....today the group has gone back to have a clinic again just for children...they were unable to see any of them yesterday...as the lines were impossible long and you couldn't even get in...the doors were jammed... The need is so great here...that it is overwhelming! and I haven't even seen the orphans yet! I'm just praying we can help and make a difference here!
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Tue, 02 May 2006 02:00:47 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Jackie said: ~ ~ I'm just praying we can help and make a difference here! ~ You already have. Love 'ya lots : )
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Tue, 02 May 2006 08:55:44 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Great account, Jackie! Almost makes us feel we are there with you. But then, we are there with you. We're there with you all the way! :)
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Wed, 03 May 2006 19:43:57 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
B R A V O Brosseuks!!! Luv yas lotsa ;)
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 04 May 2006 19:05:11 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
hurray, wow, i can jsut imagine the utter joy of giving to those 3000 children, wow, wow, wow.... thank you so much for sharing that... to think of people getting so excited to get 2 pieces of clothing... makes me think of just how incredibly blessed i am here in the usa... and so much of the world as well... ahhh, ty for the little reality check. god bless you guys... he does already, but more more more!!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 05 May 2006 02:15:17 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
A quick update on our container we shipped from Canada. The customs officials here have put a local Value on the contents of $538,000 (Local currency, Emalangeni) about $95,000 U.S. and they are trying to charge us about 15% duty on that amount ($14,250 U.S.)
I have written a letter of appeal to the Minister of Finance and have asked for a waver. They have aggreed to wave the Duty charges but they say it will take 21 days before they can issue the exemption letter. I have two options, to pay the $14,250 U.S. and get the container right away and then get a refund from Ministry of Finance 60 days from now, or stay here for another 21 month and get the exemption letter, but this means I will be charged $504 Emalangeni of ($90 U.S.) per day storage charge for 21 days, Total $1,890 U.S. non refundable. Will try and keep you posted as it unfolds, internet access here is $6 U.S. per hour and sometimes it's so slow I wait 10 minutes for it to log on to O-Net.
As Jackie said before the needs are so great here, the place yesterday had 3000 people mostly children waiting in a field for the American doctors that are with us to treat them, it was just overwhelming.
I found out yesterday that 11% of households here are run by children under the age of 13 because the parents and uncles and aunts have died of Aids. There is about 1,000,000 people in Swaziland so that means over 100,000 children have to fend for themselves, it is heart breaking to witness the magnitude of the situation, you can't help but stand in the field and weep.
The health officials say Food is the biggest need here then medical attention, so I am urgently trying to get at our million cus of soup. We asked a little girl when she asked ate somthing and she just looked at us, we said did you eat today and she shook her head no, we said did you eat yesterday, again she shook her head no, we said how about 3 days ago and she said, yes a little bit.
I could go on and on with stories like this but the internet clock says only 2 minutes left, so take care
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Fri, 05 May 2006 13:49:30 PDT Comment feedback score: 4 (* * * *) +|- (net 0 from me)
I wish one or more of our O.N. angels would step in here... ^i^ I really do! :)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 08 May 2006 03:38:44 PDT Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
A quick update, I drove the American Doctors and their group to the airport in Joberg yesterday, as they were all flying home. The trip is about 500 klm or 300 miles from Swaziland and the roads are not to bad, just have to watch out for wild animals on the road, I just about hit a little dear like animal called a Dik-Dik.
The needs here in Swaziland are huge but I really belive we can make a differance. I plan on working with the local group of women here called Community Services Women. I am going to work on a plan were I can give them the goods we have brought in and through them we will be able to place it were it is most needed. They are women that have already shown that they care for the poor and sick and they already know where the need is the greatest. They have been going out every day and doing what they can to help, they basicly have nothing in which to help with but they do what they can. I know that with the clothes and shoes and other stuff we brought, they will really be able to help and truly bring some hope to a people who have very little hope. I am going to orginize a metting with them this week and work out a long term plan were I can continue to ship containers to them and be assured it is getting to the people who are the most needy.
This seems to be the most logical plan, because if I just come here and spread the stuff around and leave, then there is no garuantee that it is getting into the right hands, plus it would consume the rest of my life 24 hrs a day. I believe the way to acomplish a huge amount here is by empowering the local Community Services women to do what they already want to do and are trying to do.
As far as the containers are conserned, the Minister of Finance has aggreed to try and get the document we need sometime this week ???? hope he will come through:)
Take care
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Wed, 10 May 2006 13:44:23 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
miss you ray ............................ big hugsss to you and jackie and the family............... from me and all of us who miss you and support you HUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Wed, 10 May 2006 21:15:50 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Ditto to what Carla wrote !!!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 14 May 2006 03:36:13 PDT Comment feedback score: 10 (* * * * * * * * * *)
Wow so much to say but not enough time as I type way too slow:) Drove to Joberg again this week (400 miles) and completed a deal to have all my mining equipment manufactured here in South Africa:) I will go home and complete the 5 we are currently building and then build the rest here. I can't believe this has actually happened so quickly, this is something I have been hoping for for a long time, to bring employment to Africa.
Jackie and I have so many AMAZING STORIES to tell all of you when we return to the land of the internet. Some that will just blow you away. hint hint:) Yesterday I was asked to go and visit a village about 120 klm from Manzini where we are staying. When we got there everyone was sitting in the village church and they asked me to preach the sermon, so as you all know I am not a preacher but I can tell stories:) so I stood up and told them that God has heard there prayers and some help is on its way.
Well, you know I said a lot more than that because I talked for over an hour. The message I tried to bring to them was one of hope, one of encouragement, a message that let them know that I will try and be their mouth piece when I return home, that I will try and let everyone I know the desperate situation that they are in. I will try and tell everyone how HIV is destroying there families and leaving their children alone and that I will do my best to bring them help.
I can't explain how it feels to look into the faces of people who are in such need and to see them look at you with hope in their eyes, hoping you will be the one to bring them some help, it just brings you to tears. Faced with that situation, I didn't know what else to say but to try and bring them some kind of hope. I know that it is almost an impossible tast but someone has to try and help these people?
I know that Jackie and I are just two, but after seeing how a few containers has helped in Fiji and other places, I know that we can try and make a differance here in Swaziland too.
I called home the other day and my guys told me that charity stuff is coming in so fast, they can't keep up to it. They said they think that there is enough stuff already to ship two 40 ft containers and probably 3 before I get home, so I geuss you know where I am going to send one right away, yep Swaziland.
I know it is a drop in the bucket here, but over time I think we can make a differance, especially if I can buy them seeds.
I don't know the answer to the HIV problem but I do know that if I can help them with their basic needs of food and help them to be able to buy the seeds nesessary to grow gardens that this will help alot, and it will allow the Uncles, Aunts, and Grandparents of these children to look after them and keep the family structure intact in the village.
All the people here have a small piece of land which is given to them by the Chief of the village to allow them to make their own place which they call home-steads. This allows them to be able to build a house and also gives them a place to plant a garden, the only thing is they don't have the money to buy the seeds.
The people here told me they don't want to send the children whose parents died of Aids to orphanages, but they sometimes have to as a last resort because they just can't feed them.
I can see that if they had a little help in purchasing seeds for gardens along with the clothing and other things we send that it would change their lives alot and most of all it would allow them to look after the orphans within the village structure which is way better than an orphange. Well so much for my slow typing, I owe the internet guy 60 Emenengali $10 U.S. :)
Thanks to all of you
Ray
By Trish Metcalf (CCAL30) (88), Mon, 15 May 2006 10:08:56 PDT Comment feedback score: 4 (* * * *) +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray & All, I have only been a part of a small non-profit handing out backpacks and school supplies in my area. I don't know all your giving entails but I can sense it is truly from your hearts. I spend about two hours a week filling the backpacks and we will give them out at the end of the summer. I have been inspired by the children I have seen through this organization and thinking often of what I would like to do next in the hope I can help humanity. I am inspired by your dedication and careful consideration you have given this project. I am also humbled by all those who have been inspired to write in the hope that it could lend support and help. I have said all this to say, thank you for being a part of our planet and for the positivity that you bring to all the lives you have touched. Respectfully,
Trish
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 15 May 2006 23:56:59 PDT Comment feedback score: 8 (* * * * * * * *)
Thanks Trish for your kind words and for doing what you can, where you are. This is how it starts, meeting the local needs around us then seeing the needs afar off and steping out of our comfort zone to try and help them to. I am on my way to unload 42,000 lbs from the second container today as customs has allowed us to offload it into the same storage place as the other one till the paper work is complete, this will help us so we don't have to pay storage fees on it either.
Take care
Ray
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Tue, 16 May 2006 01:04:33 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Bravo, Ray!!
By Robin Leaver (CCAL30) (451), Tue, 16 May 2006 07:38:40 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hey, I'll say. Listen, remember my story about supporting Grace Ayaa and her nine children in Uganda? Well, my sister, Nan (like my dear wife, an inveterate collector), and I are putting together a small container (crate? standardized crate, about 4' X 5' X 8'?) of things to ship out there and I have zero experience in this business. Anyone have or know where I can get an intro course?
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Tue, 16 May 2006 08:45:49 PDT Edited: Tue, 16 May 2006 08:46:20 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray would be 'da man to talk to. He wrote the text book and is O.net's shipping magnate (without the $$$ ; ) ahhh, the power of prayer and positive thinking.
By Robin Leaver (CCAL30) (451), Tue, 16 May 2006 10:25:17 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Good. Thx. I'll PM him.
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Tue, 16 May 2006 19:28:43 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray will be away for likely two more weeks in Swaziland, so be patient....internet access is hard to come by in Swaziland ;-)
Brosseuk family, so glad to hear that you were able to get the containers through and that more are coming together so quickly! When you return I'd like to chat with you about another shipping project for later this year.... Travel safe and best wishes for everyone you share with!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 16 May 2006 23:52:56 PDT Comment feedback score: 8 (* * * * * * * *)
Yes the internet here is a bit of a challenge but I manage to log on every couple of days. Robin if you are shipping a crate out of the U.S. or Canada you can give Jim at Jimack international a call at 514-626-1262
He is my shipping agent located in eastern Canada. He arranges all my shipping out of Canada or the U.S. Tell him I sent you and that it is for charity purposes and he will get you the best rate and tell you how to package it. It is nessasary to crate it in the right dimentions in order to get the best rates if you are going to use air freight.
Tell him you can package it in any size crate that is right for shipping. He will need the destination details from you to.
Hope this helps let me know if you need any thing else. Thanks for helping like this.
Ray
By Robin Leaver (CCAL30) (451), Wed, 17 May 2006 05:17:34 PDT Comment feedback score: 3 (* * *) +|- (net 0 from me)
Onet works! Thanks, Ray, we'll keep you posted.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 18 May 2006 00:57:14 PDT Comment feedback score: 8 (* * * * * * * *)
Wow we had a full day yesterday, we drove about 100 miles into the southern most rural part of Swaziland. We went out there because a large piece of land was given by the chief of the village so a farming project can be started to help grow food for the orphanes in that area. The land is situated near a beautifull river which will alow for more than enough irrigation. I wish I could up load pictures from here but the internet connection is so slow 26 kpbs :( I can see I will be posting lots of pictures when i get home and telling you all about this in more detail:)
As you can see, well I am waiting for the container to be cleared I have been driving around the country looking at different needs here and hopefully I will be able to find some support back home to try and help some of them become a reality.
I was also able to beg the customs official the day before to allow me to go into the warehouse and get 2 bags of the dehydrated soup mix. I did this because I heard about some ladies who walk every day to a vacant piece of land where there is a big tree. They go there and try and help 128 orphanes who come every day at noon to sing and play sometimes to get some food or clothes if the ladies have any.
I took both bags of soup mix down there and gave it to the ladies who built a fire under the tree and made soup for all the kids.
I can't begin to explain the emotions you feel to see all these precious little children line up so politely even tho they haven't eaten anything for a couple of days and wait for a bowl of soup. Then they go and sit down in an orderly fashion and eat it with there fingers, with smiles on there faces.
Again if I could upload the pictures you would all weep. They say a picture is worth more than a thousand words and in this case, it's so true.
As soon as I can get the stuff cleared I will try and take them enough soup mix so they can feed the kids 3 times a week for the next year.
They desperatly need a building so they don't have to be out in the rain some days, I was lucky yesterday, it was sunny and I can only imagine how bad it is, when its raining:(
I have been able to get a bit of a handle on the cost of things here and it's quite resonable to build concrete block structers here, a building about 30ft x 50ft with a kitchen in it for them would only cost about $8,000 U.S. to build.
Well running out of minutes again, thanks to all, will chat soon:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 18 May 2006 01:09:58 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I posted this over on the Shipping supplies to Phuket thread but not sure if any one will see it, so here it is again.
Wow another crazy turn in the story. I recieved an email today that says the container is now going to be auctioned off, again:(
One day they are not going to charge us anything, the next they want thousands of dollars and the next they are going to take it all and sell it.
I really don't know what to say or do? It looks like Tom has almost given up and Evonne's friend has tried just about everything he knows how and is becoming exhausted too, it looks like he has been doing this all on his own with out much help from anyone. Don't know what else to say, will keep you posted if if turns around again.
Ray
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * ) Tags: community success Comments: 1335 by 61 members (most recent: 1 hour ago by Lois *~end all wars~ Brayton (CCAL30) (335)) Viewed: 17337 times by 547 members
By Jackie B (CCAL30) (622), Thu, 18 May 2006 09:05:32 PDT Comment feedback score: 23 (* * * * * * * * * *) +|- (net 0 from me)
Hmmm a thousand words eh.....Man what a great way to stop Ray from talking so much! Here is the pic!!!!!
Don't ask how long it took to upload this... :) luv, 10.
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Thu, 18 May 2006 09:31:58 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hi Jackie, Hi Ray, How long did it take to upload that?? :)) (j/k)) It is really so touching to see the fruits of your efforts and the kindness of your (both of you) hearts in caring for Humanity in a very real way.
I love the soup picture, and I bet the Garners group will too! it warms the heart to see such a photo. I think your idea of seeds being funded for the area will give a long term alleviation of the dire situation and it will be more like "teaching them to fish instead of just giving them a fish to eat".
I sure wish we could add your project to the new O.net funding venture. I would support it wholeheartedly. Do you have any kind of non-profit structure in the USA, or working association with a valid fundable entity here? Sending love to you and all the locals.
Michael
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Thu, 18 May 2006 11:30:55 PDT Edited: Thu, 18 May 2006 11:31:41 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Michael said: ~ I think your idea of seeds being funded for the area will give a long term alleviation of the dire situation and it will be more like "teaching them to fish instead of just giving them a fish to eat".
I sure wish we could add your project to the new O.net funding venture. I would support it wholeheartedly. Do you have any kind of non-profit structure in the USA, or working association with a valid fundable entity here? I'm liking the seeds for Africa idea too. Kinda' fits in with something I'm cooking up. Maybe we could all team up if we can get past the 501(c)(3) issue. We are up against the clock on that one though.
Ray, when you get the time IM me your thoughts on the seeds thing? Please :D
PS: great picutre Jackie, worth the effort and time!
By Lois ~end all wars~ Brayton (CCAL30) (335), Thu, 18 May 2006 14:22:53 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Beautiful Children.... You are amazing folks. My heart and love goes out to you both. Do remember to take care of yourselves and each other too... The world needs you.
Lois
By Robin Leaver (CCAL30) (451), Thu, 18 May 2006 19:38:53 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
My student, Wendy (in medical school), and I met today, and as she was getting ready to leave I told her about Ray's efforts, and we talked about how transcendent children are, and then I told her about Ray's Swaziland soup, and how mannered the children were as they starved, and we looked into each other's eyes, and our eyes filled with tears. It takes a great deal of faith and courage to serve soup to beautiful little children who are dying.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 19 May 2006 05:50:58 PDT Comment feedback score: 7 (* * * * * * *)
Wow thanks so much to all of you for your kind words:) Yes Robin, it's so hard to stand there and not be able to pick them up and take them all home and give them more than just soup.
Michael, I am not sure if you read some of my earlier posts but Jackie and I do not have a 501(c)(3) but we are fortunate to be able to work with ADRA Canada, they allow us to have donations sent to them and then they will use that money to pay for shipping. They do give tax reciepts to U.S. people too which are accepted by the U.S. government.
The down side is that the money sent to them for our Partners For Others projects can only be used for shipping cost and that leaves Jackie and I paying for all the other costs out of our own pocket, which of coarse we don't mind, it's what we love to do.
However it would be nice to be able to raise funds for projects like this and be able to give out receipts to both U.S. and Canadians and then be able to use the funds for things other than shipping.
Meron I am just talking out loud here as I havn't figured out how to do this yet but I am thinking that if the government here will allow the shippment of seeds into the country then I would orginize a shippment as soon as possible from back home or out of the U.S.
If they won't allow seeds to be brought into Swaziland, then I would need to raise the money nessary to purchase them localy if we can or from South Africa. If it is anything like Fiji they won't allow seeds from out side Africa to enter their country.
Just to let you know I canceled our return tickets with Virgin airlines until we are done here, so we are not sure when we will be returning home? I am guessing about 2 more weeks?????? shhhhh don't tell Jackie, I keep telling here day after tomorrow:):):)
Everyone is happy and healthy, Katie is having a blast, first thing she said when we got here is, hey everyone is brown like me! cool. She is such a great kid, she has such an amazing abilty at 4 to comprehend things in such a grown up way.
I've been spending a fortune on phone calls to back home trying to make sure that my guys in the shop are able to keep working on the 4 HPC 40 machines I left them to complete, looks like they are hanging in there with out me??????
I don't know if I told you this but the guys in the shop say they are totally out of room because so much charity stuff has been coming in, they think they have enough to fill allmost 3 forty foot containers 120,000 lbs.
Well Thanks again.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 22 May 2006 02:55:20 PDT Comment feedback score: 33 (* * * * * * * * * *)
Here is another story I should share with you. Every day I drive out on a small dirt road about 4 klm long to the main hwy from where we stay and almost every day I meet a young boy about 12 or 13 on the road herding his goats across to another field.
On day I stopped and asked him his name, he barely speaks English but I did find out that his dad has no work and his dad’s bicycle was stolen and he cannot get to his job because it is to far away.
Well last week I was in Johannesburg and I all of a sudden I thought of this little boy and right while I was thinking about him I turned a corner and right in front of me was a huge bicycle shop. Well I new right then and there that I should stop and buy a bike, so I did.
I went in and found an 18-speed bike. I thought it would be about $1,200.00 Rand but it was only $500.00 Rand about $85.00 U.S. much cheaper than at home. I folded down the seats in the car and loaded it up.
About two days after I got home I saw the boy on the road again and stopped and took out the bike, well he could not believe his eyes, they just about popped out of his head. When I told him that I had bought a bike for him, I was amazed at his response, he said “my father be so happy”. I took a picture and went on my way about 3 days later early in the morning the boy and his father should up at our place because they wanted to say thank you.
It turns out that the boy had lost his father and mother I am not sure how but presumably to Aids and that the man he was calling his dad is his cousin. The older cousin is married and just had a baby boy just a week ago but when his uncle died he took the boy in to raise him best he could. The man was so thankful for the bike he could hardly speak he told us that the job his uncle had is far away but it is his, if he can get there and the bike will help him do that. He said he has to wait another 30 more days before he can start his job.
Jackie packed up some new baby clothes and other things for him to take home to his wife for the new baby boy. I know that they are living on nothing for the next 30 days until he starts work, so I am going to find him in the next few days and give him a few dollars to help them get through. He said it has been 3 months now that he has not been able to go to work, so they must be in pretty desperate situation by now especially with a new baby.
Every time something happens like this, I know that when we are impressed to do something good for someone less fortunate than ourselves who have been brought across our path in life, we may not always know the details of there circumstances but I am finding out that we need to listen to our conscience in times like this.
I think the most amazing part of this story is, how this little boy who had lost everything, both of his parents, no able to go to school anymore, only herding goats everyday and now living with his cousin. This boys first thought was not of himself but for the man who has taken him in, who has given him a home with obviously lots of love in it. We could all learn a lesson from this next time we are thinking of how bad we have it and that the world owes us something. I know it’s things like this that help me focus on the real important issues in life.
Thanks Again
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Mon, 22 May 2006 09:15:35 PDT Edited: Mon, 22 May 2006 09:17:21 PDT Comment feedback score: 2 (* *) +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow, Ray, that is simply awe inspiring! The thing that I realize is that these are not staged "TV moments" that we see here so often, but real life magical moments of compassion and true "humanity'.
I am sure that the actions and the emotions you feel and see are your direct and immediate reward, but you deserve praise, feedback and support over and above that.
Bless you!
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Mon, 22 May 2006 09:52:09 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
What a great story Ray! Thank you so much for your natural and honest compassion.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 24 May 2006 08:22:01 PDT Comment feedback score: 34 (* * * * * * * * * *)
There is more to the bicycle story today. About an hour ago I was driving back to the place where we stay and the boy was standing on the side of the road waiting for me.
He waved me down and said my mother wants to thank you for the baby clothes, can you please come. I said ok, jump in and show me where your house is. As we were driving the little boy kept saying "my mother so happy, she sings and dances she so happy" we drove through a field and at the far side was a little hut about 12ft x 16ft, the father and mother as he calls them, came out with big smiles on their faces.
I got out of the car and the wife grab my hand and began to cry saying thank you thank your wife so much for the clothes for the baby, I had nothing for him. She said, where is your wife I want to thank her, so I told her I would get Jackie and come back tomorrow, then I remembered that Jackie had found a few more things for the baby and they were in the back of the car.
I went to get them out and when I opened the bag to give her the clothes, there was one bag of that dehydrated soup mix. I pulled it out and said, here this is soup mix and I explained to them how to prepare it and that it was 300 cups of soup and it tastes very good over rice.
Well both parents started to weep, I didn't know way untill the little boy pulled on my sleeve and said "my mother happy now, today we have no food all day". I didn't know what to say, I could hardly hold back the tears myself but I managed to hange on untill now, I'm sitting in the internet cafe right now trying not to weep to much while I am writing this.
I figure it's ok for a man to cry once and a while especially knowing that they can eat something today and for the next couple of weeks. I excused myself before I completely lost it and while I was getting in the car I put my hand in my pocket to get the keys when I felt some cash I had just pulled from the bank machine an hour before so I pulled it out of my pocket and called the father over and said I know you have no work for at least another month so here please take this and take good care of your wife and children and treat them well.
When I take Jackie there tomorrow I will get a picture of the whole family and get Jackie to try and post it here
Take care, and Thanks
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Wed, 24 May 2006 09:03:11 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
(speechless) W O W Ray! Bravo. :O :)
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Wed, 24 May 2006 10:57:04 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Thanks for inspiring compassion in all of us, Ray and Jackie....
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 30 May 2006 04:40:38 PDT Comment feedback score: 17 (* * * * * * * * * *)
I had mentioned earlier that I had heard about a school in Lesotho that was in absolute ruin and that the 1000 children going there were living in the most deplorable conditions.
Well I asked the person who told me this if they had any photos and she just sent some to me. I will only upload one from here as the internet connection is way to slow:( The conditions in the dorms are sad, the children are sleeping 2 and 3 to a bed. The bath room facilities no longer work and the children keep little pots by their beds and discard it in the morning.
I say the same thing in Fiji when I went there at a boarding school back in 1996 but we have since built a new dorm for them with bunk beds where every kid has his own bed, mosquito net to help prevent malaria and a foam mattress to sleep on, along with new washroom facilities:) In the picture below you will see not only are the washrooms not working but children are sleeping in the bathrooms on top of old tubs.
I am trying to arrange a shippment to this school in the next couple of weeks but I just found out that the shipping is around $6,000 U.S. to Durban South Africa then another $2,500 by train to Lesotho. the train part is costly because there is a charge to have the container returned to Durban because there is no export coming out of Lesotho so they charge to bring it back:(
You can see the blue basin to wash in and then behind it you can see two black pots with red lids for going to the bathroom in. I probably shouldn't say this but the thing that makes my blood boil is, when I see these kind of thing happening to children is that this school is being run by the same world church orginization I belong to. I can't belive that any human could read the same bible I read and let this kind of thing happen?
I guess it happens in any church orginization, not just mine but it really stings.
Thanks again
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 30 May 2006 04:45:34 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Moses this is just a note to let you know I haven't forgot about you, I have just found myself a little lost in Africa:) Will work on following up on helping your projects when I return home.
Take care
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 30 May 2006 04:47:01 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Same with you David, will send you a PM when I know my flight times thru London.
Thanks
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Tue, 30 May 2006 07:14:18 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Thanks Ray! Looking forward to your 'on the spot in Lesotho' reporting. Hug that wonderful family for me. XoX
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 31 May 2006 01:07:52 PDT Comment feedback score: 11 (* * * * * * * * * *)
Huge breakthrough Nick! I have figured out how to write things on my lap top at night and then put it on a memory key and come down to the internet Cafe during the day and post here:)
Some of you are laughing right now, I can here you from here but a few of you know me and you know that it's a huge technilogical step for man kind LOL. Hope I spelt that right:)
Anyways I am working on a new update to post here regarding what projects we have finished in 2006 which ones we are still trying to complete and all about the new ones we want to try and do.
Thanks Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Wed, 31 May 2006 01:16:50 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
LMFAO!!! oppps, caught me! :D
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 01 Jun 2006 09:52:03 PDT Comment feedback score: 21 (* * * * * * * * * *)
March 9th 2006 was the last time I did an update so here it is including new projects that we would like to start working on:)
If I have missed anyone or anything, please let me know. Thailand sent This is still not resolved, I am corresponding by emails with people there who have offered to try and help sort it out, will keep you posted. Breadline Africa The funding for this project is all in and even more. I will meet with David Bale in London and we will work out everything that’s needed to go forward and ship the containers:)
Stop Genocide wristbands Completed We organized with our local high school to have them sell the wristbands to raise awareness and money for this project. They have done this and even went further in their support for our Swaziland projects. Along with the sales of Wristbands they did a clothing drive in our town and collected tons of clothes, toys, bikes, kitchen utensils and more for the next shipments to Swaziland. Will post the results when I get home and find out. Cost of wristbands were covered by an O-Net person:)
The Sudan & Chad Refugee camps project Cost was estimated at $5,000. It turned out that it was not possible to actually ship into Sudan or Chad, so we have been sending the funds directly to Gabriel’s charity to help him as he continues to bring awareness to the problem.
Sudan School project with Moses We have the $1,500 for this project sitting with ADRA Canada but we were unable to share a shipping container with the people out of Calgary Alberta to Sudan. So I am trying to see how to be able to send the funds from ADRA Canada to ADRA Sudan so they can get them to Moses.
Shipment to Fiji in May Completed Cost was $5,430. A close personal friend donated the funds required, the container has arrived and is being distributed Swaziland Children’s Aids Orphans This project flew at lightning speed, heard about it on the 17th of Feb and we loaded out a 40ft container on the 28th and a 20ft container was loaded on May 14th :):):) Cost of the 40ft container was $6,100 U.S. plus Trucking $1,780 CND. Cost of the 20ft container was $4,870 U.S. plus trucking $1,620 CND Cost in Swaziland for trucking and port charges, for both containers $.1,862. U.S. Total needed for this project was $15,232. Well we have been here we have seen so many other needs like the bicycle story that we have spent another $36,000 Emenengali ($6,000U.S.) to try and help out. Total spent 21,232 Along with donations from many of you, Jackie and I were able to do this project and we are now in Swaziland helping a group of local Community Services women with some of the distribution:) I will be utilizing these local women in the distribution of future containers as they already know where the need is the greatest.
New Projects we want to do:)
Shipping another 40ft Container to Swaziland ASAP and then another in September.
Cost of a 40ft container is $6,100 U.S. plus Trucking $1,780 CND. Cost in Swaziland for trucking and port charges, will be $ 931. U.S.
Total needed for the first container is $ 8,811. U.S. and the September container should also be around $ 8,811. U.S. for a total of $ 17,622 U.S.
There are so many other needs I have seen while I have been here in Swaziland.
The Community Services women who are distributing the goods, desperately need a vehicle to be able to deliver the items we send throughout the country. They are currently taking what they can carry on the bus and going out to rural villages to help. I have looked into the cost of buying them around a 2001, 13-seat Toyota Diesel window van with less than 100,000 Klm on it (62,000 miles) from Japan. It will cost around $13,500 U.S. delivered and cleared thru customs.
The picture that Jackie posted above, the one that shows the women feeding the 126 kids soup & rice under a tree. Well I would love to be able to buy the concrete, roofing tin, windows, doors and the concrete building blocks and hire some local men to build them a building about 30ft x 50ft, complete with kitchen facilities. Then they can continue to help the kids without having to be out in the pouring rain or hot sun. I have checked out the cost of building materials already and it is very reasonable to do, it will cost about $ 45,000 Emenengali ($ 7,500 U.S.) Water for a Swaziland primary school
I visited a rural primary school about 80 miles from Manzini with 426 kids. The spring, which used to provide them water dried up and they have now been without running water for the school for years. There is a river down at the bottom of the mountain about 2 klm away and they have been carrying water up from there, something I wouldn’t want to do. It’s really steep up to the school, my car even struggled to climb up the road. Anyways there is another spring further away and I would like to see if I could buy rolls of 2 inch black plastic pipe for them. The local villagers would then be able to dig a shallow ditch to bury it. Cost of this project should only be about $3,500 U.S. We are also looking at sending a 40ft container to Lesotho There is a school there with 1000 children in desperate need of any kind of help we can give. They not only need clothes and food for the kids but the dorms that the children live in are deplorable and they have no toilets either. The cost to send a 40 ft container there is quite high $ so I am still looking into it. I could spend a $100,000 dollars there before the needs of the children were met but one step at a time. Another 40ft container to Fiji around October.
The work in Fiji has become very self sufficient now, this is because I am also using the Community Services women there to help in the distribution of goods. Since coming to Africa I really feel that the 10 years we have helped in the South Pacific can be scaled back now. We will continue to send 1 or 2 containers a year there to support the community Services women in their on going effort to help the poor. Cost should be the same $5,430.
Thanks so much for all your support.
Ray
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Thu, 01 Jun 2006 20:22:35 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Exciting stuff Ray. I'm glad to see what you're working on (although is it really impossible to ship to Chad/Sudan?). I have a rough quote for a charter flight of 12 containers to the Chad/Sudan border with FedEx but it's pretty scary off the scale. If you have more ideas for reaching this region let me know.
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Fri, 02 Jun 2006 18:47:44 PDT Edited: Fri, 02 Jun 2006 18:59:17 PDT Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *) +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, wonderful update, thanks! It strikes me that there is a real need for a strong and capable philanthropy-based international carrier/transport network that would further the balancing of supply from generous goodhearted donors to needy recipients in other countries.
We see that more develpoed countries have supluses that can, and should be donated to our brothers and sisters of the human global family. The type of carrier I am describing would balance supply for the good af all rather than letting imbalances cost lives and happiness. I really think this could be a very valuable entit;in fact it would be a wide-scale life saver. efreight.com? goodheartnetwork.com? rayofhopecarriers.com? :)) M
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Sat, 03 Jun 2006 01:19:33 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
I especially like "rayofhopecarriers.com", Michael. LOL!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 04 Jun 2006 03:49:52 PDT Comment feedback score: 16 (* * * * * * * * * *)
Thanks to all of you and yes a shipping company that would give discount rates for charity would be nice but I have gone right to the top in the UK for the ship lines and they say if they gave in once to charities they would open a door that they could never close and they would not make any money, That's their offical statment:( Anyways back to what I was going to post:) I was in bed the other night and I got an idea. As you drive around Swaziland at night, it’s clear to see that as soon as you are on the outskirts of town there is no electricity. You see people in their houses with small fires burning inside for light.
I notice that flashlights are not used much here because batteries are expensive and they don’t last long, all they sell here is those old red Eveready batteries that die in an hour or two. I was told that flashlight batteries are a health issue here because when the batteries go dead, people chew on them for a while, somehow they get a bit more life out of the batteries by doing this, but there’s the issue of chemical poisoning.
Anyways, Just before I left home John who owns the Surplus Herbies store in B.C. he’s the guy who gives us stuff to ship overseas all the time. He asked if I still need more flashlights because I have been buying them in the past for Fiji. He said he just got a new kind in that doesn’t require batteries. All you do is shake them for about ½ a minute and they will shine for hours, then when they die you just shake them again, they go forever.
I have seen these for the last 3 years back home but they are $40 each. John got some in from China and sold them to me for $2 each, his cost so I bought 2 cases (200 Flashlights)
Well they are a total hit here; people are just blown away by them.
Here is a picture of some of the flashlights.
I went to the stores here and flashlights run from the cheap end $25 Emenengali same as the South African Rand or ($4U.S.) to $60 Emenengali ($10 U.S.) I’m thinking if I could by a 20ft container full (About 400 cases or 40,000 flashlight) and ship them to Swaziland and sell them for around $36 Emenengali or ($6 U.S.) then I would use the profit to fund the shipment of clothes and stuff and projects that need to be done here Here is a simple breakdown of how it could work. . The flashlights will cost $80,000 Shipping will cost is about $6,000 Import duties, taxes ect will be around $14,000 Total cost will be around $100,000 Profit should be around $140,000
Now I am thinking of two ways to try and make this happen. When I get home I will call around and see if I can find a person who will donate a $100,000 to the charity direct or through ADRA Canada if they would do this???? The best would be if it is an outright donation allowing us to use the total amount $240,000 after sales for the charity work and future purchases of more flashlight. Or another way is, someone who will loan us the initial $100,000 and after the first shipment is sold then we pay back the original $100,000 and use $100,000 from the profit to ship another container full and use the $40,000 for the charity. We can continue to do this until some of the local merchants start importing them and under cutting us too much, and then we just stop
I like this idea because it helps solve a big problem here in Africa, cheap light at night and at the same time it generates an income for future projects.
Thanks Again
Ray
By Niny Khor (1415), Sun, 04 Jun 2006 09:56:19 PDT Edited: Sun, 04 Jun 2006 09:58:09 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hi Ray - I like the idea too! Brainstorming here: · Is there a way to do a smaller shipment to test the market first? · How would the cost breakdown look like at a smaller scale? · How does distribution work? What's the cost of it?
By P (CCAL30) (1370), Sun, 04 Jun 2006 10:47:18 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I have seen these things in France (I think they were less than 10 euros each). Very cool. The kids loved them. Fantastic idea for Africa-you are right, who wants the chemical waste from batteries? What about manufacturing them in Africa? Can other materials be used? Cheap plastic is ok but maybe there is something more durable, less heat sensitive, or even more accessible from Africa as a raw material. Niny-I liked your questions.
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * ) Tags: community success Comments: 1335 by 61 members (most recent: 1 hour ago by Lois *~end all wars~ Brayton (CCAL30) (335)) Viewed: 17338 times by 547 members
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sun, 04 Jun 2006 10:55:02 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Riffing off Niny's post: Supposing you could get a donor and your plan to send a aid container to Swaziland anyway, what about half flashlights and half aid supplies? Or some other fraction? (Thinking on not too much sleep here; my son graduated from High School last night and I pulled the late night/early morning chaperone shift.)
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Sun, 04 Jun 2006 11:11:20 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Awesome ideas Ray! We are using these flashlights for an emergency preparedness initiative here in LA too; I believe our team found them for closer to $1 each.....I'll find links and more information for you. I'm sure you could ship some and them teach others to build them there....a whole new industry could spring up!
Ray, I'll have Brent PM you with more details on his solar/LED lighting solutions....we're working at getting the cost per unit down to a manageable level and looking toward a decentralized manufacturing method suitable for village-based new enterprises networked through a common website. I think it's a great idea to get groups making these items locally.
By Nicholas Bentley (CCAL30) (303), Sun, 04 Jun 2006 12:49:31 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k said: All you do is shake them for about ½ a minute and they will shine for hours, then when they die you just shake them again, they go forever. I have a flashlight that looks exactly like this however I find I have to shake it for about 2 minutes to get 2 minutes use. Maybe I just have a duff one but someone told me there were other versions with winding handles that were more reliable and long lasting.
Just to suggest that maybe there should be a little product testing before funds a spent on shipping or other costs. Thanks for your stories an the amazing work you do.
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Sun, 04 Jun 2006 18:42:30 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Great ideas, Ray! Let there be light!! ;) As for the carrier, my basic idea was a new company/agency/501c(3) set up specifically to logistically provide low cost charity shipping ONLY. Some more qualified than I would be able to see how this could be made viable, business plan etc.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 05 Jun 2006 02:29:56 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Ok I will try and answer all your good questions. The flashlights do stay fully light for about 21 hrs after shaking them only 2 minutes, my son kyle did the test on several of them.
I was thinking of shipping 1/4 of them in the next Swaziland container and 1/4 of them in the Lesotho container and 1/4 of them in the container I am sending to Joberg with my mining equipment and 1/4 of them to Fiji. I have good connection in all of the locations except Lesotho to be able to get them into the retail stores Here in Swaziland I know the owner of a huge retail chian and she would love to stock them in her stores. Same in Fiji and the man I am partnering with in Joberg with the manufacturing of my mining equipment is also in Retail and is blown away by them and is willing to market them for me. As far as testing the market I think the response I have seen from both the public and from the retail shop owners willing to market them shows that I won't be able to ship enough:)
As far as manufacturing locally well lots of products that used to be made here are now being taken to india and china because it is much cheaper to make it there and I don't think they have the ability to produce something like this yet.
I am already looking at sourcing them direct from china to bring down the cost, this is only if I could afford to buy a whole container load at a time.
Ray
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Mon, 05 Jun 2006 02:50:32 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow, amazing social ventures springing up here! Ray, this is exciting to hear. I would love to get your contacts for the flashlights -- we're looking at an order of 5-10,000 for MidCity LA's disaster preparedness projects. Brent believes that the components can be manufactured elsewhere and you can teach a small group to assemble them in Swaziland....this is something he is also looking toward for the lighting project he's got in design now. We should talk more about this soon!
Best wishes to the family....I was just talking a bit about Kyle, Jackie and your clan with the Linden Labs team. They love the BWI story and how it ties in with real world LIGHT!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 05 Jun 2006 04:30:11 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Evonne I should hopefully be back in LA by the end of the week and I will call you and we can talk in more detail about it then.
Send me a PM with your phone #
Thanks
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 05 Jun 2006 04:34:16 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Just to say, I have not forgotten that I said I had a big story to tell all of you. I am typing as fast as I can on my lap top so hang on, I am almost finished, then I will put it on my new flash card and post it here:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 05 Jun 2006 09:41:41 PDT Comment feedback score: 44 (* * * * * * * * * *)
The time has come to let you all in on the most UNBELIVABLE MIRACEL of all:):) It started late on the evening of May the 2nd we were getting ready for bed when we heard a commotion next door, I went outside and saw two African ladies who were talking to the group of American doctors that were staying next to us, they were all looking at something that one of the ladies was holding.
We went over to see what was happening and found out that the ladies had just brought down a baby girl that was born only hours before, she was found by a young boy as he was walking through a field.
We were totally shocked by what they were telling us, they said that the police were called to a nearby field where a young boy had seen a plastic bag moving in the grass and when they checked it out, it was a little baby girl who was still attached to the placenta by her umbilical cord. The police called the ladies who came down to collect the baby. The ladies had heard that a group of doctors were here from America, so they decided to bring her down to where we are staying.
Well Jackie and I just stood there listening to this with tears started to well up in our eyes, I tried not to look at her for fear I would just break down and start sobbing out loud. I was just standing there thinking, how could anyone do this? Then Jackie reached out and took the baby and began to softly talk to her while holding her close, I noticed that the baby didn’t smell to good, this was due to a piece of umbilical cord still attached to her that had started to decay. I asked the ladies what would happen to her and they said that she would go to an orphanage like all the rest.
They said the baby was most probably dumped because the mother has Aids and that the child will have HIV too and will eventually die. I asked if they will do any tests to see confirm this and they said no; it’s just the way things are here. I looked at Jackie and at this precious little bundle of humanity she was holding and I knew right there that we needed to do something for her. Life is sometimes so cruel but here we where at this place, at this exact moment in time, in Africa and I new that we where here for just this purpose, to try and prevent what life’s cruel sting was throwing at this little girl.
So I asked the ladies if we could take the child for the night and take here to a clinic in the morning to see if she was HIV positive or negative. They agreed, so we took her in and bathed her, (many times) fed her and wrapped here up in a warm Blanket. We didn’t sleep much that night, we just prayed and prayed that this little girl would be spared from the terrible affects of Aids.
In the morning we called Doctor Rukundo who we had met the night before who was originally from Rwanda. Years ago part of his family was killed because they were of the royal family, they fled to Belgium and he eventually ended up at Loma Linda University in California where he become a doctor. He set up a children’s clinic here in Swaziland and now travels back and forth to help children with HIV. He said please bring the baby down and we will check her out. We drove to the city of Mbabane about a ½ hour drive. She is a tiny baby, only weighing 2.4 kg (5.3 lbs) but as far as he could see she looked very healthy, much better than he expected for a baby that was left in such a condition. He said she had better reflexes than most abandoned babies do that he sees. He was also concerned that her blood stream would be poisoned from the time she had spent still attached to a decomposing placenta.
He then sent us up to a private clinic that does all the tests for HIV, Hepatitis, and any other diseases. Here in Swaziland the test they do for HIV is not conclusive so they must do it 3 times over 18 months to be sure a newborn does not have HIV. However there is a place in Johannesburg that has the latest testing equipment, were they test through the DNA and it tells them whether the mother had HIV or any other diseases. They can tell immediately whether the baby has HIV. So we paid for both tests, they pricked her little finger to get enough blood to do both tests and then told us to go home and wait.
Well this was the most agonizing few days of our lives, Without saying much about it to each other, Jackie and I where thinking the same thing, we wanted to take this baby home and give her what life had so cruelly tried to take from her. We new that if she had HIV that we would have to leave her here, as Canada will not allow a terminally ill person to enter the country because we have a government health care system. We knew that if she was HIV positive it would tear our hearts out to leave her here to die. So again we prayed and we prayed and we prayed that the tests would come back negative.
Every day we called to see if the tests results were in, after 5 agonizing days the results came back. Doctor Rukundo called and said I have read the test results and I am amazed at the health of this baby. Her blood is unbelievably healthy, all the tests show that she is suffering from nothing, she has no diseases at all and both of the HIV tests show that she is negative; Her blood shows that she is not even suffering from any kind of malnutrition. He said it looks like the mother, who ever she is, is unbelievably healthy.
I can’t explain the relief and joy we felt at that moment, all we could do was just sit in the car and weep for joy. At that moment we knew that our desire to give this little baby girl a better life, would now become a reality:):):):) Now you know why we have been delayed here in Swaziland; we have canceled our return flights and will rebook when we have completed all the paperwork to be able to take her home with us. Virgin Airlines has been amazing, I told them the whole story and they said no problem just call us when your ready to fly home and we will re-book for you. We have been going through quite the struggle for the past month with the adoption process. I will post the story as it unfolded below.
Her name is: Keiara Thembi Dawn Brosseuk
Keiara, means little dark one in Gaelic Thembi, Means Hope in the local language called Swati
Thanks to all of you for your kindness and support, we miss you all.
Ray & Jackie
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 05 Jun 2006 09:43:35 PDT Comment feedback score: 7 (* * * * * * *)
Part Two.
We have been going back and forth to Mbabane trying to see someone and find out what it is we need to do to adopt Keiara. Well it has been a bit of a trial, we drive up to Mbabane but then there is no meeting, we go again and wait all day but nothing. Sonia The lady who brought the baby down the first night, asked us to meet her again to see the head social worker lady in Mbabane. We arrived on time and waited and waited finally we were called in and then the lady in charge looked at us and said, can you please wait outside well I speak with Sonia.
We all went out and waited, then Sonia came out and said that the lady said there are no more adoptions it’s closed! so we cannot adopt the baby, well our hearts just sank. Sonia said the lady can be very angry at times and she is scared of her, she said the lady looked at her and said, “I am watching you, I know everything you are doing” Sonia looked really scared. She asked us to go to her house and meet her there.
We drove to her house and waited for a while and talked about what had just happened. We could not believe that this was true, it didn’t make any sense? I was starting to think that maybe the social welfare lady had some past issues with Sonia and she was just taking it out on us? I was beginning to feel like something was going on behind the scenes, because every time we where to meet with someone, they didn’t happen or we were asked by either Sonia or the other person to wait outside and we were never allowed in on any of the meetings.
So we called doctor Rukundo, the one from Rwanda who schooled in California at Loma Linda. I told him what was happening and he said it doesn’t sound right, I know a lady from Germany who came down and adopted 4 children at once and went home with them. He was also surprised that we were still here, he thought everything should have been done by now and we should be on our way home by now. He said he would make some calls to see how he could help us.
He called us back and said he had spoken with a person with Ministry of Health and one of the Princesses and they would help us do the adoption. He had set up a meeting in Manzini on Tuesday at 12:30pm and that everything would be ok that it could be done by Wednesday, as Thursday is a holiday. We decided to go into town and have a bite to eat and told Sonia’s maid to tell Sonia to call us when she came in. At about 5pm I called Sonia because I had not heard from her yet. Sonia answered the phone and said I am sorry you must bring the baby back, she must stay with me now, she needs to be here if the social welfare lady shows up. I told her that I did not believe the social welfare lady was being fully honest with us and that I was going to go above her or if necessary hire a lawyer to help us. She said she had spoken with the Director of Social welfare and he said come in on Monday, I said ok please call me on Monday and tell me when you want to go in and see him and I will come right up. I also explain to her that to me things did not sound right, that stories were beginning to conflict with each other. She continued to insist that the baby has to stay with her. I finally told her that there was no way I was going to give up the baby and that it was after five on Friday and I am sure the social welfare people were not going to show up over the weekend but I was willing to stay at her home with the baby over the weekend if necessary. Just then she said she had another phone call coming in and needed to take it, so I said please call me back and tell me what she would like me to do. She did not call back, so we finally went back to Gibela, the place where we are staying.
On Monday Sonia called The President of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Dan and said she could not get a hold of me, so Dan called and I said I can see if and when any one try’s to call me and I have not received a call from her, So we drove to Mbabane and called Sonia and said we are here anytime you want to go and see the Director, she said we can’t go now it’s to late now so we went home again. Early Tuesday morning Sonia called us well we were at the conference office talking to pastor Dan about some of our concerns, she said Doctor Rukundo had just told her we must bring the baby back to her house now, I said I will call Doctor Rukundo and speak with him as I did not believe he would say this, as we were to have a meeting in Manzini in just a few hours. She said if you don’t return the child now, the police would come and arrest you. I called the doctor and told him what had just happened and he said no, to the contrary I told Sonia not to bother you and that the baby must stay with you, He suggested that we come to his office and try and work this out with Sonia, which I agreed was a good idea so we immediately drove up there.
When we arrived, He said I have spoken with Sonia on the phone and she says she wants nothing more but for you to be able to adopt the child and she has agreed to go with you to the Director of Social welfare. He suggested we try and go the route that Sonia wants us to do and see how it turns out so we ended up not going to the meeting in Manzini at 12:30 pm that day. He called Sonia to come down to his office and in a few minutes she was there, but the first thing she said was, the baby must be taken to her house before she would go with us. I said no, I am not comfortable at this time, since there has been some harsh things said and some threats been made. I said lets go inside and see what Doctor Rukundo says we should do.
Doctor Rukundo asked her to calm down and as Christians we should work out a compromise. I said, since Friday, when Sonia stated that the baby needed to be brought back to her, I have been willing to stay in her home with the baby and I am still willing to do this now but not to leave the baby there alone. She agreed and so went to her house and stayed the night and in the morning she took us to the SOS clinic where they made up another medical card like the one doctor Rukundo had done but with a different name for the baby on it. Then we took Jackie and the baby back to her house and Sonia and I went to see the Director of Social welfare.
When we arrived Sonia was extremely nervous and scared and she asked me to sit and wait as she went in first, then after a few minutes she came out shaking her head and said, he said no more adoptions, but you can see him if you want, so I went in and asked him how we could proceed with the adoption. He looked at me and said Adoptions are now closed to foreigners, I said why, he told me that they have uncovered 3 groups inside the country who have been child trafficking and they were about to arrest them all and throw them into jail, so this is why it is closed and it will remain closed for some time until the laws on adoption are changed to prevent anymore child trafficking.
I said, I understand but please is there anything we could do to adopt the baby, I am willing to live here if that is what it takes and here is our passports you can hold on to them until it’s done. I told him who we were as a family, why we were in the country, that we did not come to adopt but to bring help and aid to the orphans of this country, I told him about my business, about Katie and how we adopted her from Fiji, I told him everything and when I was done he looked at me for a long time and said I appreciate that you have not been arrogant with me and I do not need your passport, Go and write down in a letter everything you have just told me, along with lots of pictures, go find a place to rent and get a letter from your social worker back home and bring it to me as soon as you can, then I will grant you temporary custody of the baby and I will assign a social worker to your case and sometime in the next six months I will grant you the adoption.
I went back in this morning and gave him all the paper work he asked for and he said he would write a report and send it down to the social worker with his recommendations and that we can go into her office on Tuesday. I asked him if it was ok that Jackie continued to stay at Sonia’s until Tuesday and he said there is no problem with that at all, in fact it is at Sonia’s discretion to decide where the baby stays so if she feels that the baby is in the care and safety of a loving family she can let you go back home to Gibela with the baby right now. I thanked him so much and immediately called Jackie when I left the office. Jackie was in tears when I told her that it is all ok and we are on the path that will eventually lead to Keiara being our baby:) Jackie had been staying at Sonia’s house for the past few days with the baby but she is relived to be able to join us again at Gibela.
I have talked with Sonia and smoothed things out with her to where she seems ok with everything now. I can only guess here but it seems that Sonia was scared that the decision she made that night at Gibela to leave the baby with us was not according to the rules of Social Welfare and that maybe during the investigation that is going on about child trafficking, that somehow it would come to her door and she might get into trouble. I don’t know, but this would explain why she has been so nervous and jumpy about the whole thing.
So we now live in Swaziland folks and we will be here until they grant us the adoption. I don’t know all the reasons why it’s happening this way but we are claiming the promises that God says, “I will not allow anything to come to you that you cannot bear”. He also says “If you could see the end from the beginning you would not choose to be lead any other way”.
So we are settling in for a while and I will be flying home to organize the shipment of another container to Swaziland and to check on my employees and to sell a travel trailer we have in order to pay the rent here and purchase a vehicle to use while we are here then when we leave I am thinking of donating it to ACS Adventist Community Services so they have a vehicle to use to distribute all the items we will be sending over. If I can manage it I will also try and send a container to Emmanuel school in Lesotho too
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 05 Jun 2006 09:47:29 PDT Comment feedback score: 7 (* * * * * * *)
Part 3
Friday morning Jackie and I picked up Antoinette at the hotel and drove to Mbabane. We arrived about 10 minutes early, Jackie waited in the car and Antoinette and I went to the Social welfare ladies office. I knocked on the door and stuck my head in to let her know I was there; she motioned for me to wait outside. We waited and we waited as more people just kept coming and going and we waited. Eventually I stood right in front of the door so ever time someone opened it, to go in and out she could see me standing there. Finally she motioned for me to come in and when she saw Antoinette she waved her hand at her and said no, you wait outside.
Now I’m thinking, here we go again but after the door closed she said I have read most of Mr. Matzia’s report and I have started a file on you and I understand it is urgent so I have called one of my Social Workers in Manzini and I have asked him to come and visit you at 12 noon today, then he will write a repot and bring it to me and if it’s done before 3 pm I will write an order that will allow you to take custody of the child for the purpose of fostering. I could not believe my ears, she was being stern but pleasant and she was saying she was going to give us Keiara in just a few hours. I thanked her and said I will call the social worker in Manzini right away and do what every is necessary to help the process move along smoothly. Then she said, I must inform you that the normal procedures are as follows. “There must be a 1 yr period of Fostering then the adoption will take place, then you must stay for another year after the adoption has been granted well we continue to monitor your family. However Mr. Matzia has the power to wave the second year if he sees fit but the first year is up to me” I said ok but my heart sank a little so I asked if there was any way the first year of fostering could be shortened? She looked at me long and hard and said it is possible but that would have to be done by the courts if they saw fit to do so.
I saw a glimmer of hope in her words that we might not have to live here for the next 12 months so I thanked her and set out for Manzini.
Antoinette went home and Jackie and I raced back to Gibela. Then I called the social worker in Manzini and he said he would be ready to come and see where we stay at lunchtime. He asked if I would I pick him up at 12 o clock, as he had no vehicle. I picked him and a young lady up and drove them back to Gibela where they did a 1-hour interview with all of us, which went very well. When they were done I drove them back to their offices, as we drove he said I like what I have seen and heard so I think this should be able to happen very quickly.
Then he said I don’t have a computer but I will try and write the report and take it up to the head social welfare lady in the morning, would I come at 10am and pick him up from his home and drive him to Mbabane. Then he realized that it would be Saturday and she would not be working till Monday. He said he would come up to Sonia’s anyways and give us the child. I dropped him back at the office and gave him my computer to use along with a flash card so he could write his report then print it somewhere. Sabbath morning I drove Jackie and the baby up to Sonia’s then drove down and picked him up and drove back to Sonia’s. He saw the baby for the first time and then Sonia spoke with him in Sswati for a while. He then turned to us and said I think it’s best that you continue to come back and forth to Sonia’s till Monday morning when the head Social welfare lady can be the one to give you permission to take the baby. He asked me to drive him back home and to pick him up at 9am Monday morning.
We felt a little disappointed he didn’t give us Keiara right away but we will see what Monday brings.
Ray and Jackie
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 05 Jun 2006 09:48:34 PDT Comment feedback score: 10 (* * * * * * * * * *)
Part 4
We drove to Mbabane today and went to see if the main Social Welfare lady would give us custody today. Well it went so easy I thought I was dreaming, She read the report that the Social Welfare guy had written and said it was great. Then she took some papers out and filled them in and said here you now have permanent custody of the child. I asked how long till we can take her to Canada and she said in a couple of weeks it should be done.
Now Jackie and the kids are going to stay here in Swaziland for the next 3 weeks while I go home and ship 2 containers out and move all my manufacturing to South Africa.
Will post when I get home :)
Even as I write this I can’t believe what has happened in the last 30 days, life sure has some amazing turns in it sometimes.
Thanks to all of you: Ray, Jackie, Cassandra, Kyle, Katie and now Keiara:)
Oh I am going to surprise the Social worker guy in Manzini tomorrow by giving him one of the computers we brought over, can’t wait to see the look on his face:) Another thing is on Saturday the 27th of May at about 9am central time the whole story of our trip to Swaziland and the story of Keiara was aired around the world on a television station called 3ABN (3 angels broadcasting network) out of the Southern States. These were the American doctors and tv crew that were here when we arrived, they were setting up small day clinics through out the rural villages for 2 weeks and giving out the clothes and toys.
You may be able to call them and get a copy of the program if you want their number is 618-627-4651
By Nick Ferguson (30), Mon, 05 Jun 2006 10:17:21 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Amazed, virtually speechless, delighted for you all. One of the most wonderful posts I have ever had the pleasure to read.
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Mon, 05 Jun 2006 10:21:35 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow. Brosseuks, you never cease to amaze me. Congrats to the entire clan!
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Mon, 05 Jun 2006 10:43:45 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
WoW! Can't wait 'till you are all home again. I want to hold that baby ... well that's if I can pry her away from Katie!!!
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Mon, 05 Jun 2006 11:48:05 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
W O W !!! Amazing, Ray and Jackie! This has to be the best thread ever on O.net! (my humble opinion) Reality and divine compassion in a mix of generosity, blessings and love. That's what this is all about, and makes O.net a more special place! If we had a prize to give I would vote for it in a heartbeat or less. :))
By Linda ทรัพยากร Nowakowski (CCAL30) (2515), Mon, 05 Jun 2006 17:56:12 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I am speechless. Awed...
Ray and Jackie....you lift the bar for each of us. You show in your lives the ppower of faith and love. Thank you for sharing and I thank God, that my path has touched yours even if only in cyberspace!
By Niny Khor (1415), Mon, 05 Jun 2006 18:42:21 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
WOW Congratulations! The photo of Katie and Keaira is too adorable!!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 06 Jun 2006 09:19:14 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks so much to all of you:) You can't imagine how I wanted to post about this everyday, we felt it would be to much agony to put you all through a month of suspense of not knowing whether we were going to get the baby or not????
Every day was tough as we waited for the social worker to say "ok she is yours now". It was the sweetest words we have ever heard, well we heard them once before with Katie:) Well I'll be off for a week while I travel home. I leave tomorrow night from Joberg then to London then to LA then drive home to B.C. will chat with you all hopefully by next monday.
Thanks again for sharing this wonderfull experiance with us.
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Tue, 06 Jun 2006 09:28:55 PDT Comment feedback score: 8 (* * * * * * * *) +|- (net 0 from
me) sigh...................... wow, once again i am completely floor and amazed by you and jackie. i just can't tell you how amazing it is to read about what you DO and GIVE and the risks you take. i just don't know how to put it into words, but wow... most people would never interrupt their "lives" to do what you did... they would just start thinking of all the "why we cant" reasons, and yet time after time ray (and jackie) i see you say, "why not?" in stead of "we can't".... blows my mind... you are a walking, talking, living & breathing example compassion, love, hope and life... my admiration and respect for you both is beyond my feeble attempt to convey it... and i must say, you give me hope... and you help me to believe more in God... because i see miracle after miracle happen as you walk out these things... willing to "adjust" YOUR plans for an even "greater" one, so it seems...
God only knows what this sweet little one will do in her life, and how she may be used in the future to bring change, love and hope in the world, and maybe even to africa. with all my love and respect i write this post and agree with michael, this is an amazing thread, one of those hidden pearls on o.net, and always refreshing, exciting and just "unbelievable"
carla
By Gabriel Stauring (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 06 Jun 2006 19:06:38 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
:)
By Kari Gray (44), Wed, 07 Jun 2006 11:06:33 PDT Comment feedback score: 2 (* *) +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow. This thread and this story are just amazing. This may be the most powerful and inspirational story I have read in a very long time. Really.
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us and your work with the world.
kari
By P (CCAL30) (1370), Thu, 08 Jun 2006 18:25:52 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow, Ray, I was so tense reading every word of your posts until the ending. It is so wonderful it is working out and you are the miracles. Humanity before politics prevails with love and honesty and persistance! The photo of Katie and Keiara is beautiful.
By Patricia Savitri Burbank (CCAL30) (429), Thu, 08 Jun 2006 23:06:05 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow Ray. I just stumbled on this thread of news and miracles. Thank you so much for posting these stories of frustration and hope and love. Lucky Baby! that is for sure. Please check out the webpage for our non-profit, One World Children's Fund, http://www.owcf.org. We also have a project supporting Aids orphans in South Africa (through ASAP - African Solutions to African Problems)and libraries in Lesotho. Maybe there are ways that we can support each other. Please let me know if there are ways that we can assist what you are doing. The way you and Jackie are leading your lives and responding to what life offers you is so inspiring!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 10 Jun 2006 22:28:21 PDT Comment feedback score: 33 (* * * * * * * * * *)
Hi everyone, I am back on American soil for a while:) not quite home yet, sleeping in Oregon tonight and should be home Monday night?
Thanks for your kind words; I don't know what to say except I needed to find a tissue while I was reading them. Remember I said I was going to surprise the Social Welfare guy in Manzini by giving him a computer, well I did it and here is what happened.
Jackie and I drove down to the container and picked out a computer and plugged it in and made sure it worked then we loaded it up and drove to his office. When we got there he was just coming out of his office for lunch, Jackie waved him over and said hey we have a present for you. He looked surprised and said ok I will get in. He went around to my side and got in the back and sat down right beside the computer. I said there is your present and pointed at the computer, well he couldn’t believe his eyes. He started yelling and clapping saying oh this is to much, I have always wanted a computer we have asked our head office for a computer for a long time and they have never given us one, now we have one! We can now get our reports done on time and when the courts ask for the files we can find them and print them and get it to them on time. He was totally blown away.
I asked him if his boss had a computer and he said no, none of us do, so I asked him, how many people were in his office, he said, there’s 4 of us. I said let’s go back to the container and get 3 more computers for your colleagues. Well all the way back to the container he was jumping around in the back of the car like a four year old kid. When we got back to the office we went in and talked to his boss to ask if it was ok for them to except the gift. I had told him before that I wanted to give him the computers before but I didn’t want it to look like I was bribing him so I waited until he had written his report and his job was completely done.
When he told his boss about the computers she also started jumping around in her office clapping and saying thank you, thank you. She laughed and said we will now be the most efficient Social Welfare office in the country.
I went to the car and brought the computers in and set the first one up on her desk and turned it on for her. One of the Social workers was away in Joberg and they kept laughing at how surprised she will be when she returns and finds a computer on her desk next week. Well all I can say is, days like this are what make me smile:):):)
Ray
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * ) Tags: community success Comments: 1335 by 61 members (most recent: 1 hour ago by Lois *~end all wars~ Brayton (CCAL30) (335)) Viewed: 17339 times by 547 members
By Linda ทรัพยากร Nowakowski (CCAL30) (2515), Sun, 11 Jun 2006 02:19:57 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
It's about time YOU have to be the one with tissues! You are my hero!
By Mark Grimes (4074), Mon, 12 Jun 2006 07:35:19 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
I had a great lunch Sunday afternoon with Ray and his Dad as they drove thru Portland on their way to Canada/ We met at Stanford's where I-5 t-bones with highway 217. A great place to meet when you're towing a 30 foot rig. We sat outside in the sunshine and they partook of "The Original Gardenburger" and "Grilled Portobello Mushroom Sandwich" while we enjoyed real tangy sweet hand-squeezed, homemade lemonade. Ray's Dad is simply just thrilled (and just as surprised) at being a new grandfather.
It was great to see Ray again (and meet this Dad) and hear more Swaziland tales. Jackie, they're tired looking but doing okay. Please tell Kyle to stop throwing rocks at Black Mamba's (holy cow) and hope you get your attic looked at soon (gads). Sorry for no pix, Pam had the camera with her at a kid's birthday party.
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Mon, 12 Jun 2006 20:53:06 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ok Mark, how about telling us the new Swaziland tales?? ;)
By Mark Grimes (4074), Mon, 12 Jun 2006 21:04:19 PDT Comment feedback score: 2 (* *) +|- (net 0 from me)
Yeah, like I could do any real justice to telling their stories. I'll save that for Ray when he re-coups and gets back to posting soon. Well, here's a quickie. Ray learned that going to the internet café an hour before closing is best because people want to get home before the snakes come out. He's also discovered the magic of writing email messages and such on your thumb drive prior to paying by the hour at the internet café and the added magic of drag and drop. Well, not great stories the way Ray can tell...but a little something.
While I can’t do justice to true tales of Swaziland I can tell you the gleam of happiness and joy in Ray's dad's eyes was incredible when he spoke about getting the news of his new granddaughter. It was great to hookup, and better yet it wasn't at a KFC in front of bulletproof glass in LA. (though Cynthia Gentry and I will appreciate that drive for years to come)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 13 Jun 2006 19:41:35 PDT Comment feedback score: 21 (* * * * * * * * * *)
I need to tell you the latest story, I'm a bit tired but will try and stay awake a little longer:) Well the day I was leaving Swaziland I stopped by to pick up a letter that was hand written by the ladies under the tree, they wrote a beautiful letter of thanks to Gleaners for the soup mix.
The guy who gave me the letter said that lots of the Community Services Women where asking if I could find sewing machines and fabric as they all like to sew, I said well I'll try but I am only home for 10 days and don't have much time to look.
Well when I got off the plane in LA I hadn’t been driving for more than 45 minutes when the phone rang and a lady in Vancouver who had been given my name by another charity that no longer exists asked if I needed some fabric, I said yes, I sure do and I will be in Vancouver on Monday and can pick it up then.
On Monday I called her and asked where to pick up the fabric and she said that it was not only fabric but thread, zippers and buttons too and it was about 3000 lbs worth did I have a big truck? I asked my brother’s friend who owns a 3-ton cub van and he let me borrow it for the week. The lady asked if I needed more fabric as she would introduce me to the Factory that gives it to her, I said yes but wasn’t prepared for what happened next. We drove down to the factory and met the owner, I told him who I was and I even showed him some pictures of Swaziland I had on my computer. I told him I was shipping next Wed to
Swaziland and that his fabric would be going there and I told him about the women there who had just ask for fabric only 2 days before.
He said come with me I will give you 100 rolls of new Fabric (5000 lbs worth:) They are about 6 ft long and about 10 inch Diameter, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Then he said do you need tee shirts? By now I was already overwhelmed by his generosity so I politely said sure the kids would love a few, good he said I will give you 10 pallets worth! Now I don’t know how many tee shirts are on ten pallets but he said do you have a transport truck to pick them up so I called the trucker that is coming up on Wed next week with the empty container and he will go to the factory on Teu and pick it all up and then we will re- pack it on Wed.
I finnaly made it home and looked at the warehouse and with the fabric and shirts he’s giving I could send more than 3 containers if I had the funds.
Remember I said a few months ago I was trying to sell our travel trailer well I did today, $12,800 cnd:) can’t tell you how much we needed it right now, being away this long and spending the kind of money I did in Swaziland we are sure behind on the bills but just when we needed it the most, it happened, so paying all the bills tomorrow:)
I have asked a friend of my in Vancouver if he would help with the cost of shipping and he indicated he might be able to send ADRA about $2,000? With the left over money from the trailer, we should be able to fully pay for the one container next week:)
Thanks
Ray
By Lois ~end all wars~ Brayton (CCAL30) (335), Tue, 13 Jun 2006 20:37:49 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Isn't life magical.... especially with the kind of Karma you and Jackie create.....
By Annie (328), Wed, 14 Jun 2006 08:04:02 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Congratulation for Keriaba Thembi! Being called "Hope", what a destiny! Congratulations to Jackie and you, Ray. A french Godmother!
Ann A sweet photo!
Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k said: The time has come to let you all in on the most UNBELIVABLE MIRACEL of all:):) It started late on the evening of May the 2nd we were getting ready for bed when we heard a commotion next door, I went outside and saw two African ladies who were talking to the group of American doctors that were staying next to us, they were all looking at something that one of the ladies was holding.
We went over to see what was happening and found out that the ladies had just brought down a baby girl that was born only hours before, she was found by a young boy as he was walking through a field.
We were totally shocked by what they were telling us, they said that the police were called to a nearby field where a young boy had seen a plastic bag moving in the grass and when they checked it out, it was a little baby girl who was still attached to the placenta by her umbilical cord. The police called the ladies who came down to collect the baby. The ladies had heard that a group of doctors were here from America, so they decided to bring her down to where we are staying.
Well Jackie and I just stood there listening to this with tears started to well up in our eyes, I tried not to look at her for fear I would just break down and start sobbing out loud. I was just standing there thinking, how could anyone do this? Then Jackie reached out and took the baby and began to softly talk to her while holding her close, I noticed that the baby didn’t smell to good, this was due to a piece of umbilical cord still attached to her that had started to decay. I asked the ladies what would happen to her and they said that she would go to an orphanage like all the rest.
They said the baby was most probably dumped because the mother has Aids and that the child will have HIV too and will eventually die. I asked if they will do any tests to see confirm this and they said no; it’s just the way things are here. I looked at Jackie and at this precious little bundle of humanity she was holding and I knew right there that we needed to do something for her. Life is sometimes so cruel but here we where at this place, at this exact moment in time, in Africa and I new that we where here for just this purpose, to try and prevent what life’s cruel sting was throwing at this little girl.
So I asked the ladies if we could take the child for the night and take here to a clinic in the morning to see if she was HIV positive or negative. They agreed, so we took her in and bathed her, (many times) fed her and wrapped here up in a warm Blanket. We didn’t sleep much that night, we just prayed and prayed that this little girl would be spared from the terrible affects of Aids.
In the morning we called Doctor Rukundo who we had met the night before who was originally from Rwanda. Years ago part of his family was killed because they were of the royal family, they fled to Belgium and he eventually ended up at Loma Linda University in California where he become a doctor. He set up a children’s clinic here in Swaziland and now travels back and forth to help children with HIV. He said please bring the baby down and we will check her out. We drove to the city of Mbabane about a ½ hour drive. She is a tiny baby, only weighing 2.4 kg (5.3 lbs) but as far as he could see she looked very healthy, much better than he expected for a baby that was left in such a condition. He said she had better reflexes than most abandoned babies do that he sees. He was also concerned that her blood stream would be poisoned from the time she had spent still attached to a decomposing placenta.
He then sent us up to a private clinic that does all the tests for HIV, Hepatitis, and any other diseases. Here in Swaziland the test they do for HIV is not conclusive so they must do it 3 times over 18 months to be sure a newborn does not have HIV. However there is a place in Johannesburg that has the latest testing equipment, were they test through the DNA and it tells them whether the mother had HIV or any other diseases. They can tell immediately whether the baby has HIV. So we paid for both tests, they pricked her little finger to get enough blood to do both tests and then told us to go home and wait.
Well this was the most agonizing few days of our lives, Without saying much about it to each other, Jackie and I where thinking the same thing, we wanted to take this baby home and give her what life had so cruelly tried to take from her. We new that if she had HIV that we would have to leave her here, as Canada will not allow a terminally ill person to enter the country because we have a government health care system. We knew that if she was HIV positive it would tear our hearts out to leave her here to die. So again we prayed and we prayed and we prayed that the tests would come back negative.
Every day we called to see if the tests results were in, after 5 agonizing days the results came back. Doctor Rukundo called and said I have read the test results and I am amazed at the health of this baby. Her blood is unbelievably healthy, all the tests show that she is suffering from nothing, she has no diseases at all and both of the HIV tests show that she is negative; Her blood shows that she is not even suffering from any kind of malnutrition. He said it looks like the mother, who ever she is, is unbelievably healthy.
I can’t explain the relief and joy we felt at that moment, all we could do was just sit in the car and weep for joy. At that moment we knew that our desire to give this little baby girl a better life, would now become a reality:):):):) Now you know why we have been delayed here in Swaziland; we have canceled our return flights and will rebook when we have completed all the paperwork to be able to take her home with us. Virgin Airlines has been amazing, I told them the whole story and they said no problem just call us when your ready to fly home and we will re-book for you.
We have been going through quite the struggle for the past month with the adoption process. I will post the story as it unfolded below.
Her name is: Keiara Thembi Dawn Brosseuk
Keiara, means little dark one in Gaelic Thembi, Means Hope in the local language called Swati Thanks to all of you for your kindness and support, we miss you all.
Ray & Jackie
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 14 Jun 2006 11:07:07 PDT Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
Forgot to tell you another great story When we were handing out clothes to the kids in Swaziland many of the kids were asking us for blue jeans, they kept saying, you have Levi 501? Well we stopped in at Surplus Herbies again and you would not believe what he had ready for us to pick up? Yep over 600 pairs of Blue Jeans:) Can't wait to go back to those kids and give them blue Jeans, and there is a few Levi 501 in there that I think might fit me:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 14 Jun 2006 12:05:48 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Here is the qoute I just got for the shipping to Swaziland next week. The total will be $8,380.00 U.S. a little more then the last one:(
Thanks
Ray
Pls note we can quote you as follows: Term Vancouver BC/Term Railhead Matsapha Ocean Freight: Term Vancouver BC/Term Durban: US$ 5770/40ft Shipper Owned Oncarriage to Matsapha Railramp: ZAR 8317/40ft S/O **** Routing is USA (Newark NJ) thfore no edibiles or medicines. **** At ROE US$ 0.1471/ZAR = US$ 1224/40ft - ROE ruling at time of slg of vsl will apply.
Kind Regards, Jim
By Susan Megy (CCAL30) (1566), Wed, 14 Jun 2006 12:11:59 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow. Words can't express (echoing the sentiments of everyone else here) how in awe I am of the good work you are doing in Africa. Thank you for sharing your incredible life-changing moments with us all.
Many, many congratulations to you and your family on the newest member of the Brosseuk clan. With parents like you and Jackie, little Keiara is sure to have a very blessed life. You are powerful role models; compassionate, humble and giving.
Thank you for all that you contribute to this community and to the world. :)
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Wed, 14 Jun 2006 12:58:16 PDT Edited: Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:47:15 PDT Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *) +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray,
I have heard from Edna that Breadline Africa would prefer the option of being sent the Kids in Cans money. This is just as well, since the container option is no longer realistic or possible! :)
That also means that we would love you to use the container donated to Kids in Cans for the Swaziland trip and to partner with you in next week's shipment. Your idea of donating the container to the ladies under the tree is great!
I'll post my email to Edna and her inspiring reply on the Kids in Cans thread later tonight.
Wow! Ray, when are you going to take a breather?!! :D [edited for typo]
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:43:57 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
David,
I think Ray enjoys this, so taking a breather might be real work! After all it is very inspiring, i.e. the breath of Life (from "inspirare": to breathe). I guess Ray could allow himself to sleep past his alarm clock once in a while though? What an AMAZING thread this is! (a whopping great jewel in O.net's crown)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:55:33 PDT Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
Thanks Daivid for sorting this all out, your a good man. I still wish we could have sent a few containers with soup mix and clothes to Cape Town but it just wasn't possible :( Thanks for the container for the ladies under the tree:) I will call the guy who donated it and tell him to have it sent up on Wed the 21st for loading to Swaziland:) Many Pictures to follow.
I went back to a post I did on Jan 19th this year and it look like I have $4,600 Cnd at ADRA Canada for breadline Africa.
David can you get the information where to send the money for Bread line Africa and I will work with ADRA Canada to see how they can send it over to them.
Thanks
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:58:11 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I noticed at the shop today that 6 pallets of latex paint was delivered while I was gone (3000 gallons) or about 14,000 litres. Will be putting some of it in the Swaziland container:)
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 14 Jun 2006 18:06:52 PDT Comment feedback score: 2 (* *)
I have tried sleeping past the alarm clock and it just dosen't work. It dosen't matter what time I set the alarm for in the morning, I always wake up 3 minutes before it goes off, Drives Jackie mad:)
When I wake up, she says what are you doing and I reply, I am turning off the alarm and she says but it hasn't gone off yet, go back to sleep till it does. Can't ever seem to get back to sleep in 3 minutes LOL
Ray
Michael Pattinson said: David,
I think Ray enjoys this, so taking a breather might be real work! After all it is very inspiring, i.e. the breath of Life (from "inspirare": to breathe). I guess Ray could allow himself to sleep past his alarm clock once in a while though? What an AMAZING thread this is! (a whopping great jewel in O.net's crown)
By Rory Turner (CCAL30) (1114), Wed, 14 Jun 2006 19:57:57 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
So beautiful. May joy shine on!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 15 Jun 2006 10:44:29 PDT Comment feedback score: 63 (* * * * * * * * * *)
I just recived these photos from Swaziland:) When I look at the smiles on these kids faces, It makes it all worth while.
Dear Ray
I have enclosed some pictures for your consideration. These were taken in the Kwaluseni feeding centre. We gave them a barrel of soup and 3 baileys of clothing.
God Bless Nkhanyiso Gamedze ADRA Swaziland
Ray :):):):):):)
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Thu, 15 Jun 2006 13:29:08 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
:)) x 100
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 16 Jun 2006 06:36:33 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
More Pictures:) It makes me so happy to see that the people I left in charge of distribution took me seriously when I said it will be really hard to ask people in the future to continue to help with more shipments unless there is a strict accounting, pictures and written reports for everything as it's given out.
Dear Ray
Yesterday we had an official handover of the anasthesia machine, drugs and medical supplies to the ministry of health and social welfare. The minister and his permanent secretary came to recieve the donation. I have enclosed a few pictures for your consideration. Last we donated 2 computers to Mhlume High and Primary schools. See pictures We kindly request that you bring the Canadian flag in July.
Happy Sabbath!
Nkhanyiso Gamedze ADRA Swaziland
Ray :)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 16 Jun 2006 06:53:28 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Posted this on the June Sudan thread too. Ok I need some help here, I don't have all the numbers yet but I need some ideas from all of you on what to do with the money raised so far? and what to do with the rest of the braclets?
The local school raised around $400 from selling them and I sent Meron about 700 ???, HELP here Meron! and we need to decide how to use the rest of them, I will count them and post it here.
We are thinking along the lines of giving it to a project that helps keep it working as a leverage towards more awareness and action?
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 16 Jun 2006 07:46:10 PDT Edited: Fri, 16 Jun 2006 07:46:43 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Ray said: ~ [...] The local school raised around $400 from selling them and I sent Meron about 700 ???, HELP here Meron! and we need to decide how to use the rest of them, I will count them and post it here. [...] Huh? Ummm, hmmm, there was a big box of 'em! :D Does that help, Ray? <Sorry, I didn't count. I didn't know there was going to be a test later.> PS: Love the pictures and notes, keep them coming!
By P (CCAL30) (1370), Fri, 16 Jun 2006 07:52:21 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow. Fantastic pictures. Someone should tell the Canadian government, eh? :-) Maybe the Ministry of Health (Dept?) can step up with more donations to support your great works.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 16 Jun 2006 18:59:33 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Thanks Pam your post reminded me that I need to send these photos to the Interior Health Ministry in BC and thank them for those 10 pallets of medical supplies they gave us.
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 16 Jun 2006 19:09:55 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Ray said: ~ ~ Thanks Pam your post reminded me that I need to send these photos to the Interior Health Ministry in BC and thank them for those 10 pallets of medical supplies they gave us. ~ Awesome : )
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 16 Jun 2006 19:18:25 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I think I sent you, 2 bags of Adults + 1 Bag of Kids + 3 Bags of Adults + 1 more Bag of Kids =? and I think there is 100 ? braclets to a bag, does that help you with the skill testing question:)
Ray
Meron s'Mor'z ; ) said: ~ Ray said: ~ [...] The local school raised around $400 from selling them and I sent Meron about 700 ???, HELP here Meron! and we need to decide how to use the rest of them, I will count them and post it here. [...] Huh? Ummm, hmmm, there was a big box of 'em! :D Does that help, Ray? <Sorry, I didn't count. I didn't know there was going to be a test later.> PS: Love the pictures and notes, keep them coming!
By Ray Brosseuk (30), Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:19:52 PDT
Comment feedback score: 0 +|-
Archive pages 35 to 40
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 16 Jun 2006 22:52:08 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
What was the question? :$
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Sat, 17 Jun 2006 01:16:13 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hmmmmmm Ok, after putting the above into the galactic hitchhiker super computer, and subtracting 42, it came up with a quantity which it guarantees. The amount is exactly twice as much as half the total. Hope that helps... ;) Now, I could not just let Meron off the hook now, could I??
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sat, 17 Jun 2006 01:22:36 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
:P
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sat, 17 Jun 2006 13:39:02 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
hahah.... laughing from the sidelines
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 17 Jun 2006 15:53:37 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
c•a•r•l•a (white) said: hahah.... laughing from the sidelines ME TOO :)
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Sat, 17 Jun 2006 18:58:46 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
You guys are just plain MEAN!!! But I love 'ya anyways : )
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Sat, 17 Jun 2006 20:52:28 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Luv ya 2 :))
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Mon, 19 Jun 2006 10:35:01 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
luv ya 3! and thomas too! haha
By Jackie B (CCAL30) (622), Wed, 21 Jun 2006 07:26:42 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
<giggle> you guys are going "nuts" in my absence ....gotta get home! LOL LOL LOL hugs to all!!!!! 10.
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Wed, 21 Jun 2006 07:31:31 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Jackie said: ~ <giggle> you guys are going "nuts" in my absence ....gotta get home! LOL LOL LOL <<< maniacal laugh? Who is going nuts?
:D
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 21 Jun 2006 07:48:52 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Good news on the flashlights. Remember I sold our travel trailer so I figured I had enough money to buy about 5000 flashlight ($2.97 each cnd) Well I called last week and ordered them so they could be shipped out from LA. ASAP so they would arrive it time for the shippment to Swaziland on Wed 21st. It turned out I didn't have enough time so I re-booked the container to Sunday the 25th and my flight back to Africa on Teu 27th. The flashlights should be in Tomorrow:)
It sounds like I better get back to AFRICA and rescue Jackie, but who going to save Meron???? or is that even possible???? LOL
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 21 Jun 2006 07:51:33 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Oh I just about forgot, shame on me:( A friend in Vancouver sent ADRA Canada $4,000 cnd to help towards the shipping costs for this container to Swaziland. Stiil need to find $10,000 for the toyota van for the Community Services Women. :):):):)
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Wed, 21 Jun 2006 10:00:09 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, I think we will put Meron on a chocolate therapy program till you and Jackie get back. That should work just fine.
;)D
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Wed, 21 Jun 2006 13:20:30 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Oh no you don't!!! I'm so NOT going there :P
:D
By Linda ทรัพยากร Nowakowski (CCAL30) (2515), Wed, 21 Jun 2006 16:48:32 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
What ever you say Meron! NO chocolate for her....none, nada, zilch...even if she begs. :-D
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Wed, 21 Jun 2006 16:52:39 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Whoaaaaa, baby! That is definately NOT what I meant. It's the therapy I'm not diggin'.
:D
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Wed, 21 Jun 2006 18:59:54 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Now, now Meron, you gotta follow your chocodoc's orders..
:)D
Chocolate buffet (Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver, Sundays-that's the outpatient therapy part) once a week and high dose milk or dark chocolate squares or truffles 4 times a day.
Can ya handle it?
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Wed, 21 Jun 2006 21:05:19 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Uh huh! ; )
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Thu, 22 Jun 2006 13:00:00 PDT Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *) +|- (net 0 from me)
Man, we have a rough life.....chocolate dipped delights and new children and flashlights! Come home safe, we're fixing up Better World Island for you ;-)
xo evo
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 22 Jun 2006 20:20:19 PDT Comment feedback score: 20 (* * * * * * * * * *)
Speaking of Flashlights you better sit down for this Unbelievable story. Remember I said I sold our trailer so I have enough to buy about 5000 flashlights @ 2.97 cnd each = $14,850. Well the flashlights arrived today and there was 144 boxes equaling 14,256 flashlights @ 2.97 cnd equaling $42,340.32 ? The owner’s son said his dad told him to send more than I ordered or could pay for because he knew I was doing a good thing with them and he said he trusted me and knew I was good for it.
He said they are very happy to carry $34,340.32 of the total bill until I sell them all in Africa and Fiji. I am totally blown away by the kind-heartedness of some of the people I am meeting in life it just amazes me:) This means if I sell them on average for $10 each, it will be about $142,560 in total minus the cost $42,340.32 leaving over $100,000 in profits to be shared 50/50 with the local distributor I partnered up with, leaving $50,000 towards helping projects like the kids under the tree :) And to top it off, another friend of mine has sent $1,000 cnd to ADRA Canada today and another person I know very well has also sent $8,000 U.S. to ADRA.
This means a total of about $12,500 U.S. has now been sent to ADRA, which will pay for the whole container to Swaziland, shipping, all the trucking and all the customs costs and leave about $3,500 to put towards a Toyota van:):):)
A Very Very Happy Happy
Ray
Flashlights for charity anyone? $10.00 each LOL
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Thu, 22 Jun 2006 21:45:20 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, I just want to know how you managed all that math without Jackie's help?
:D
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Thu, 22 Jun 2006 21:59:27 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, is that $10 canadian? If so, I'll take one! PM me where I send the check. The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.
:)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 23 Jun 2006 08:42:26 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
At first I was struggling but then I found Microsoft Excel:)
Ray
Meron s'Mor'z ; ) said: Ray, I just want to know how you managed all that math without Jackie's help?
:D
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Fri, 23 Jun 2006 13:58:36 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
i love this jewel of a thread... it warms my heart, delights my soul and quite often, makes my face wet ;) (well from the eyes down) hahaha god bless you ray, jackie and everyone who participates here... it is unbelievable...
By Carlos Diaz (50), Fri, 23 Jun 2006 14:45:48 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
This has been an incredible journey just reading about it! Ray, Jackie I have no words. So beautiful everything you have done for the people and the children. I'm very happy for your enormous family and so glad I finally took the afternoon to read this thread, though as Jackie recommended I only read the last. . . 8 or 9 pages. She said five, but I like a challenge. :-)
To meet people like you, is exactly why I signed up to Onet. Thank you for inspiring myself and others. Now, how much for a ticket to Africa? Need an extra couple of hands?
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1337 by 61 members (most recent: 2 minutes ago by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371)) Viewed: 17362 times by 547 members
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Fri, 23 Jun 2006 16:20:01 PDT Comment feedback score: 3 (* * *) +|- (net 3 from me)
Carlos, I think Ray needs a big container drive on Second Life.....can you imagine if all avies donated their old inventory items for a gigantic rotating yard sale to benefit this project?
Ray and Brosseuk family, we want to share some of your story in Second Life this monday if that's alright with you. We'll need to do an abbreviated version! Travel safe and come home soon.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 23 Jun 2006 19:39:33 PDT Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
Thanks so much for your kind words Carla and Carlos. I'm so glad that with the support and encouragement from many of you we are able to help people around the world and my heart is touched when I hear that the stories of our journey through life are inspiring you too:) I must say, because of this place and the ability to share all the Unbelievable things that are happening in our life, it has encouraged me to step out so much more than I ever have or would have. Being able to post here has helped me not to worry about the “how” but to look ahead and just step out and start to help the people in need that are crossing my path in life, not even if they are way over in Africa, (I’m coming to get you Jackie) :)
I know that I am the one here receiving the most unbelievable blessing of all and I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for this. I will post pictures Sunday night after I load the container to Swaziland and then off to the airport. Thank You so much!
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 23 Jun 2006 19:42:51 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Evonne and please feel free to share any of the stories:) Yard sales, hum better keep Jackie and Meron away from that one. LOL Evonne Heyning said:
Carlos, I think Ray needs a big container drive on Second Life.....can you imagine if all avies donated their old inventory items for a gigantic rotating yard sale to benefit this project?
Ray and Brosseuk family, we want to share some of your story in Second Life this monday if that's alright with you. We'll need to do an abbreviated version! Travel safe and come home soon.
Th
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 24 Jun 2006 08:38:45 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
If anyone would like to help us with the purchase of the toyota van for the Community Services ladies you can also use Jackies Pay Pal account. Pay pal account ID is jackiegb@rctvonline.net
Thanks so much
Ray
By Gina Del Vecchio (CCAL30) (871), Sat, 24 Jun 2006 14:58:15 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me) Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k said:
I will post pictures Sunday night after I load the container to Swaziland and then off to the airport. Ok, let's get a picture of these $10 flash lights. I think I can move a few :)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 25 Jun 2006 20:48:30 PDT Comment feedback score: 41 (* * * * * * * * * *)
A hard day loading I only had 4 people to help me but we got it done 42,000 lbs off to Swaziland and I am heading to the airport so won't be able to talk to any of you till Thursday from Swaziland.
Getting Ready
Truck Arrives
The Flashlights
3 of my Helpers one has to take the picture
The truck is gone:)
A Happy Happy
Ray
Doesn't take much to make me Happy, just a hard days work LOL
By Jackie B (CCAL30) (622), Tue, 27 Jun 2006 01:41:05 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ah...pictures of home....sigh.... It's so darn cold here in Swazi today, I'm longing for July in B.C.!!!!!
By the way I'm not joking it is really really cold! 41 F/5 C last night! and no heat in these cement and stone cottages! Felt like staying in bed all day long! :) I've got the baby wrapped up like an African Eskimo? <chuckle> Someone send a hotwater bottle...Oh,better yet ...a hot Ray! LOL LOL LOL
Love to all of you!
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Tue, 27 Jun 2006 12:07:45 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
I'm sure he can't wait to get back to you and the tots too! We miss you Jackie. Last night we threw a superhero mashup bash in your honor. We have an award here for you when you return; we gave out heroism awards to the Green Lanterns, scout spirit awards to Whirlwind Banshee, scout's patience to Common Cure and the empowerment award to Haney Heaney. All parents were honored as we shared a bit of your story and why our owners could not be here with us tonight. Everyone is eager to hear it straight from you!
I didn't get a picture of our giant squid friend, but there was some mech conversion happening with our friend from Global Giving. He's got some great ideas on how to empower work like yours in Second Life to build a stronger web of support for you. One of our newest avies, Karma Dou, had a little birthday cake-eating problem, but otherwise our guests were not very unruly. Some came because they had heard of Camp Darfur and wanted to know if there was any other heroic help needed ;-) We've installed a special art piece on BWI for the next three weeks in your honor Jackie...thanks again for inspiring good from afar!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 29 Jun 2006 08:28:44 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Just arrived in Swaziland and I am really tired. I locked the house up back home at 6am monday morning and it is now 8:30 am Thursday morning, that means it took me 74.5 hrs :( Will post more later when I am a little more coherent.
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Thu, 29 Jun 2006 15:14:41 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray that is one heck of a commute!! I hope your trip is fantastic and very rewarding. Love to you and the family. :))
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Thu, 29 Jun 2006 15:24:38 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
What a man will do to get home to his family..... Best of luck there to the whole crew....come home (again) safe soon!
By Linda ทรัพยากร Nowakowski (CCAL30) (2515), Thu, 29 Jun 2006 17:40:25 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k said:
Just arrived in Swaziland and I am really tired. I locked the house up back home at 6am monday morning and it is now 8:30 am Thursday morning, that means it took me 74.5 hrs :( Will post more later when I am a little more coherent.
Ray
That's worse than traffic on the last Friday of the month (payday) when it is raining in Bangkok! Be safe!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 02 Jul 2006 04:37:21 PDT Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
Well on the surface it looked like Jackie and the kids survived but after a few hours it was clear they are suffering from a little cabin fever, they kept saying when can we go home, when can we go home. Katie kept saying "I like Swaziland but I sure want to go home and see my dog Nick :)
Well I went up and saw the boss lady at Social Welfare on Friday morning and she said the courts are still looking into our adoption request and that she will go and talk to the judge on Monday morning and let me know how much longer we will have to wait.
I booked our return tickets for July 12th to london then July 18th to LA. Don't know if we will be done by then but it sure cheered the kids up LOL.
Ray
By Jackie B (CCAL30) (622), Wed, 05 Jul 2006 02:04:25 PDT Comment feedback score: 45 (* * * * * * * * * *) +|- (net 0 from me)
ADOPTION COMPLETED!!!!
Not flesh of my flesh Nor bone of my bone But still miraculously my own Never forget for a single moment You were not born under my heart but in it....
By Jackie B (CCAL30) (622), Wed, 05 Jul 2006 02:12:52 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Kyle and Ray went mad at the Chinese shop and bought firecrackers to celebrate! We're gonna light em up and pop all the eardrums in Swazi tonight! LOL LOL
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Wed, 05 Jul 2006 03:14:23 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
What a gorgeous photo! (No, not Kyle - though that's good too! LOL) :)
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Wed, 05 Jul 2006 07:16:03 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Beautiful, congratulations.
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Wed, 05 Jul 2006 12:19:47 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Meron s'Mor'z ; ) said: Beautiful, congratulations. Ditto!! :))goo goo gah gah... cutie
By P (CCAL30) (1370), Wed, 05 Jul 2006 22:37:36 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
So happy it is all working out. Keiara is growing - dang that happens fast! She is so beautiful.
This is a wonderful thread. Inspiring.
By Lois ~end all wars~ Brayton (CCAL30) (335), Thu, 06 Jul 2006 07:46:58 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
You are all so beautiful.... Wishing you all possible happiness.
Lois
By Jan Benet~Love~Vincent (CCAL30) (2764), Thu, 06 Jul 2006 19:39:01 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
So cute!...She has pinchie cheeks!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 07 Jul 2006 09:09:47 PDT Comment feedback score: 12 (* * * * * * * * * *)
Great news we were able to get Keiara a birth certificate today which allowed us to then get a passport, so she can now travel outside Swaziland. The last thing to get now is a transit visa so she can go through LAX. The U.S consulate here said they would give her one on Monday morning, so we should be able to leave on Wed the 12th for London and then to LA on the 19th and then home. yippy :) thats from Jackie and the kids. When I get home I will sit down and really tell you about the desperate needs for the children in Swaziland, it breaks my heart to think about it but I know that we were brought here for a purpose, beyond that of baby Keiara and I know there is something I am supposed to do about it, It goes around and around in my head every night and I am slowly forming a plan of how to help the children here, so I will share it in more detail when I get home and have it thought out better.
Thanks Ray
By Annie (328), Sun, 09 Jul 2006 08:48:33 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I'll be an active listener to what yo suggest to help Swaziland children! Congratulations.
Annie Flore
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Sun, 09 Jul 2006 12:15:52 PDT Edited: Sun, 09 Jul 2006 12:16:22 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, global warming may be a problem, but this thread is globally heart-warming! I feel you, ADRA and O.net are going to help a lot of children survive. That's very important.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 10 Jul 2006 03:55:53 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks all of you, we are now ready to head for home:) We will be leaving Swaziland tomorrow for Johanesburg and then flying to London. I promised the kids a week in London to see a few things because they have never been there berfore then off to LA on the 19th and then home to Canada. I have to laugh a bit because back on March 2nd I said to Jackie and the kids "come on" lets go to Palm Springs and Africa, it will be fun! and we won't be gone long! Well 5 months later and they think they are heading for home. LOL Don't know if they will hop in the car with me the next time I say, hey lets go on a trip to ????
Anyone else out there want to go on the next trip to Africa with me:)
Take care will sign in when we get to London.
Ray
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1337 by 61 members (most recent: 13 minutes ago by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371)) Viewed: 17367 times by 547 members
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Mon, 10 Jul 2006 09:28:32 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Ray asked: ~ ~ Don't know if they will hop in the car with me the next time I say, hey lets go on a trip to ???? ~ Sure they will, who would turn down an adventure? But I bet there will be a lot of "Ohhhh, DAD!" groaning and an exchange of knowing looks. Have a blast in London! ~ Anyone else out there want to go on the next trip to Africa with me:) ~ You bettcha! Always up for an adventure :D
By Richard Zuccala (CCAL30) (21), Sat, 15 Jul 2006 05:04:11 PDT Edited: Sat, 15 Jul 2006 05:07:53 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Once again you've made a 265lb man reach for the tissues, humbled and grateful,
Richard.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 18 Jul 2006 02:28:22 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
We're in London and having a good time, so far we have managed to take the kids to see the Tower of London and Saint Pauls Cathedral. Today we're meeting David Bale and then taking the double decker bus tour around London and then at 7am tomorrow we're off to the airport.
Thanks
Ray
By Linda ทรัพยากร Nowakowski (CCAL30) (2515), Tue, 18 Jul 2006 05:55:35 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Give David a hug for me!
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Tue, 18 Jul 2006 11:28:36 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Four words to make the Green and Hopeful Gardener even greener... I held the baby
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Tue, 18 Jul 2006 11:33:54 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Thanks, Linda. Lots of hugs. And what a terrific family they are! It made today, for me, the best possible Onet summer f2f event - though doubtless Chicago would have run it pretty close! ;)
By Linda ทรัพยากร Nowakowski (CCAL30) (2515), Tue, 18 Jul 2006 13:59:32 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
I understand completely.....meeting Ray and family is a lifetime goal!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 18 Jul 2006 14:31:42 PDT Comment feedback score: 15 (* * * * * * * * * *)
Yippee! we're going to shop for shoes today:)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 18 Jul 2006 14:37:22 PDT Comment feedback score: 11 (* * * * * * * * * *)
David Bale said: Four words to make the Green and Hopeful Gardener even greener... I held the baby
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 18 Jul 2006 14:47:14 PDT Comment feedback score: 4 (* * * *)
We all had a great day seeing the sights around London, including a nice cruise on the Thames River but the heat was almost too much, London had record temp today, the news paper says it hasn't been this hot since 1911. 39 deg C.
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Tue, 18 Jul 2006 15:24:59 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
What beautiful eyes she has!!! Your's too David ; ) Now mine are green with envy : ) ... Oh! oppps they started out that way LOL! Wonderful to see you all together; happy that everything turned out okay and y'all found one another. :D
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Tue, 18 Jul 2006 20:57:55 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
This is beautiful, glad you're enjoying your time in London!
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Fri, 21 Jul 2006 13:15:53 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I wonder how BC is going to feel now after all this travel?? :))
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Fri, 21 Jul 2006 14:49:35 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
It's gonna' feel very, very, very HOT!!! :D
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 22 Jul 2006 15:12:12 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Well we are finally home :) the sad thing is, it's not for long, we promised the kids they could go to camp meeting at Hope B.C. and it started yesterday, so we are going down tomorrow and will stay till next Sunday when it ends. Then I've been invited to Dallas Texas from Wed Aug 2nd to Sunday the 6th, were some people have asked me to speak to them about the needs in Africa, as they really want to help us with some of the future projects we are planning. That reminds me, I said I would tell you more about the needs in Swaziland and how I would like to help.
I will post that next and then I will post an update too. Just to let you know we were a little unsure how all the customs officers in each country were going to react to the baby because her birth certificate says we are the birth parents and her emergency Swaziland passport said she was a Canadian citizen born abroad.
Well not one official in any of the countries we passed thru South Africa, UK, U.S. gave us any hassle and the Canadian officials looked at all the papers and then I told them the story and they said cool and gave her a 6 month Visa and told us to apply for her Canadian citizenship during the 6 month period.
Oh by the way the warehouse is completely full, you can’t even get in the front door, it was completely empty when we loaded out the last container for Swaziland on June 25th it's hard to believe it’s only been a month. I will take a picture for you, it will blow your mind.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 22 Jul 2006 19:10:22 PDT Comment feedback score: 28 (* * * * * * * * * *)
On the last day we were in Swaziland I was running around with the guy from Social Welfare. I brought clothes down to their office to give out because it was the day when the elderly women who lost their husbands to war were getting their pension check ($160 emenengeli about $26 U.S. once every three months) he thought it would be really nice to give them clothes along with their check. You could tell he really cares for the people he could not stop smiling as he gave each one of them some clothes. He turned to me later in the day and said “thank you for giving me these things so I can help my people, thank you for making it possible to give how my heart has always wanted to.
Then we took clothes to a place were some ladies are taking care of and trying to feed over 300 kids who are orphaned because of the aids crises, it was really heart wrenching to see these little kids in such need. Anyways as we were handing out clothes, I noticed they were cooking some corn meal on an open fire so I asked the lady in charge who was funding her and where did the corn meal come from. She said the world food organization came in January and gave her a few sacks and that they said they would come again in March, but they never did and that she was opening the last bag and she didn’t know what she was going to do after it was gone.
She said the only financial support they get is from the government for school fees for everything else, they are on their own, food, water, medicine and clothes. I looked around and realized that these kids were going to be without food in about 2 weeks so I went back to the container and got bags and bags of the soup mix, enough for them until I get back sometime in October.
Another huge need in Swaziland is clean water, well I was talking to the lady, two older kids came up with 2 buckets of water from the nearby stream that ran through the cow fields and it was brown, they poured it into the big pot and added the soup mix. I asked if this was the only place she could get water and she said there is a well a mile away at the school and they have offered to bring her water for free but she has no tank to store it in.
The next day as we were leaving I went to the hardware store and bought a 5000 liter tank (1000 Gal) and had it delivered to her. When she saw it arriving on the truck she broke down and cried she couldn’t even speak, she just went over to the truck and wrapped her arms around the tank and wept. I just couldn’t leave there without knowing that those little kids would have clean water and be able to eat.
Another thing that came to my attention well giving out clothes to the old people was the desperate need for Eyeglasses. I saw an old lady about 85, holding a pair of glasses up to her eyes because one of the arms was missing. She came over to me before I left and asked if we had glasses, I asked the social worker guy if the government helps the elderly with things like glasses and he said no. He said the old people can go to the government hospital and pay 10 emenengeli ($1.75 U.S) for an eye exam but then they must save up the money to buy glasses for themselves. Jackie bought new glasses well she was there and they run from a low of $1000 to $2500 emenengeli ($180 to $450 U.S.) not much hope of an old person there ever getting a pair of glasses from $26 U.S. every three months.
Well the minute I landed in Canada I got on the phone and I was able to track down an organization in Alberta that collects glasses from optometrists, glasses that you and I leave at the doctor’s offices when we get a new pair. They take the glasses to a prison in Alberta were the inmates sterilize them, write down the prescription of each pair and put them in a zip lock bag and box them 350 pair per box. I told the lady who we were and about our recent trip to Africa and the need for glasses in Swaziland. She said they had lots of glasses and for me to email them with a request and they would be happy to send us some:) So to summarize on the needs in Swaziland that I will try to attend to this year.
To try and help the local women who are dedicating their time to looking after orphans in their communities. Everywhere you go you see groups of local women trying to care for the orphaned children. I believe our main focus should be to give these women who have already shown that their hearts are right the things they need to care for the kids.
This includes Clothes, Food, Story books, Toys, Medicine, Clean water either by purchasing a water tank or by drilling a well for them. Eye glasses for the elderly, a vehicle for the Community Services women to be able to deliver stuff around the country.
I will tell you one more story that shows how desperate things are. The social welfare lady called me the day we were leaving and asked if I could stop at the main hospital in Mbabane and go to ward 5 and speak to the head nurse, I said yes I would even though we were already late in leaving for the airport 300 miles away. We stopped and spoke to the head nurse and she showed us a little boy who’s eye was being eaten up by some sort of disease, she said they can do the surgery necessary to fix it in Johannesburg but they did not have the 150 Emenengali ($23 U.S.) needed to get his paperwork in order so he could ravel from Swaziland to South Africa. The boy had been sitting on his hospital bed since May because he has no parents or family and the nurse couldn’t find the money. I reached in my pocket and I had $500 emenengeli left over from buying the water tank ($85 U.S.) so I gave it to her and said here take it all and see that he gets all the treatment he needs.
It’s sometimes very hard for us here to grasp the thought that there are little boys and girls sitting for months on a hospital bed somewhere in Africa not getting the necessary treatment because of just $23. I know that this is playing out all over Africa again and again; that there is no way any of us can fix it all, in fact if you think about the enormity of the wounds in Africa it will break your soul. You have to tell yourself that you know you can’t fix it all so you will just help with the things that you can and that’s ok, however it doesn’t stop me from wishing I had the means to help 100 times more then I can right now:)
Take care
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 23 Jul 2006 18:33:10 PDT Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
Here is the picture of the clothes that have come into the warehouse in less than a month. I am estimating that there is around 800 to 1000 bags or around 20,000 lbs. The front door is in the far left corner,you can just see the top of it :)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 23 Jul 2006 19:21:23 PDT Comment feedback score: 10 (* * * * * * * * * *)
Now this will blow your mind. I mentioned yesterday that there was a need for eye glasses in Swaziland. Well I made a phone call on Friday to a guy I know in Vancouver who gave me a number he had from 5 years ago for an organization in Calgary Alberta, so I called the number and the lady said know we don't do that anymore but call this number.
I called the number and talked to a lady who said yes they have eyeglasses, she gave me her husbands email address and asked me to send him some info, I did and look at the email I just received.
Ray.
Thank you for the wonderful work you are doing to help those less fortunate than ourselves Thank you for the information What do we do? Collection boxes are distributed from Coast to Coast in Canada. Glasses are mainly collected by Lions and Lions Clubs Glasses are shipped to Calgary. Glasses are received at our Centre Our Centre and the Eyeglass shop is located at the Calgary Correctional Centre, (CCC) All processing is done by the volunteer offenders at the centre, We use the following procedure for processing. Glasses received are sorted, Sanitized, Hand Dried, Inspected, repaired. Once this is complete the glasses are read for prescription on one of 8 Lensometeres. Attached to each Lensometer is a printer. Once the prescription is read and printed it is placed in a zip loc bag with the glasses. Glasses are packaged in boxes of 350 according to type. Reading, Single Vision, Bifocal,Children, Frames, Safety Glasses, Glasses are shipped to organizations just like yours within Canada ready to take overseas for Distribution to Bring Sight to those in the greatest need. We at CLERC would be happy to ship whatever amount of glasses you require for your next Mission. The following is a list of Eyeglasses as of June 30, 2006 we have on hand ready for shipping, and we would be happy to get them to you for your program. Single Vision 280 Cases 98,000 Bifocal 130 Cases 45,500 Sunglasses (Non Prescription) 14 Cases 4,900 Reading 2 Cases 700 Children's 2 Cases 700 TOTAL 428 Cases 149,800
We have 109 Cases of Frames but do not have the Uncut Lenses These would require an organization who would provide the Uncut Lenses and a group that has a Edging machine to make the into Eyeglasses. Our boxes are 18" X 15" X 12 inches high the exact same size box used by Operation Eyesight Universal If I can be of further assistance please advise. I will call you after I have sent this email and answer any questions you may have
Regards
Bernie Gribben Chairman CLERC
There is 2,560 sq ft in a 40ft container so 428 cases of eye glasses would take up a 1/3 or 856 sq ft of the container. Once again I am amazed at how things come together when you are trying to help someone in need:) I think I will have to send 2 containers in the next month to Swaziland instead of 1 in order to keep up to the stuff that's coming in.
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 23 Jul 2006 19:33:51 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
wow, wow, wow, once again i am completely blown away!!! if i didn't believe in miracles, i do NOW... thanks ray for jumping with NO net in sight and doing way more than people with much more could ever do.. you're an amazing blessing, inspiration and............... UNBELIEVABLE!!!! god bless YOU!!
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Sun, 23 Jul 2006 21:16:27 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
:O s p e e c h l e s s w o w Better get some boxes of lens cleaner cloths too!! Was that 150,000 pairs, or do I need glasses?? ;)
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Sun, 23 Jul 2006 23:49:24 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
That's wonderful, Ray!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 24 Jul 2006 07:52:41 PDT Comment feedback score: 6 (* * * * * *)
No Michael, your vision is just fine and I just recieved another email asking if we need Bikes. Yes you guessed it, we do. An ophanage in Manzini called McCorkindales asked me just before I left if I could find some bikes for them and I haven't even tried to yet but look at this.
Ray, I forgot to mention that we have another project at the Corectional Centre We clean, refurbish and distribute Bicycles to less fortunate children I do this in conjunction with the local Kiwanis Club They have recently donated 200 bikes to Cuba and that is part of their 2000 bikes since the program's inception in 1998.
If you are interested in bicycles please let me know. Just a thought
Regards
Bernie
Well I let him know :) Thanks from a very happy happy Ray as I think of the looks on the kids faces when they get their very first bike:):)
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Mon, 24 Jul 2006 12:24:31 PDT Comment feedback score: 2 (* *) +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, this is AMAZING. Over 100,000 pairs of glasses? We're working on getting leftover bikes from Burning Man (usually 200-700 bikes) to NOLA for areas hardest hit post-Katrina. If you need more bikes let me know and we can figure out how to get more bikes to you.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 28 Jul 2006 10:28:30 PDT Edited: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 14:31:58 PDT Comment feedback score: 35 (* * * * * * * * * *)
UPDATE ON 2006 PROJECTS
June 1st was the last update, so here is another one If I have missed anything, please let me know.
Thailand All Paid, Shipped, but still not resolved in Thailand.
Breadline Africa, Met with David Bale in London :) will be sending the monies we have at ADRA over to BreadLine Africa.
Stop Genocide wristbands Completed, sent the wristbands that we did not sell along with a check to Gabriel.
The Sudan & Chad Refugee camps project Completed, cost was estimated at $5,000. It turned out that it was not possible to actually ship into Sudan or Chad, so all the money have been sent to Gabriel.
Sudan School project with Moses We have the $1,500 for this project sitting with ADRA Canada but we were unable to share a shipping container with the people out of Calgary Alberta to Sudan. So I am trying to see how to be able to send the funds from ADRA Canada to ADRA Sudan so they can get them to Moses.
Shipment to Fiji in May Completed, Cost was $5,430. A close personal friend donated the funds required; the container has arrived and is being distributed.
Swaziland Children’s Aids Orphans This project flew at lightning speed, heard about it on the 17th of Feb and we loaded out a 40ft container on the 28th and a 20ft container was loaded on May 14th :):):) Cost of the 40ft container was $6,100 U.S. plus Trucking $1,780 CND. Cost of the 20ft container was $4,870 U.S. plus trucking $1,620 CND Cost in Swaziland for trucking and port charges, for both containers $.1,862. U.S. Total needed for this project was $15,232. Well we have been here we have seen so many other needs like the bicycle story that we have spent another $36,000 Emenengali ($6,000U.S.) to try and help out. Total spent $21,232 Along with donations from many of you, Jackie and I were able to complete this project.
Another 40ft container to Swaziland Sent to Swaziland on June 25th, it’s still on the water, should arrive around Aug 20th. All Paid for Aprox. $8500.00 Spent to date on this years completed projects, Approximately $51,662.00 U.S.
New Projects still to do:)
Shipping another 40ft Container to Swaziland ASAP The warehouse is full again; Cost of a 40ft container is $6,100 U.S. plus Trucking $1,780 CND. Cost in Swaziland for trucking and port charges, will be $ 931. U.S. Total needed for the next container should be around $ 8,811. U.S. We will try to put in 15 tons of Clothes, 1 million cups of soup mix, 150,000 pairs of Eye Glasses, lots of Toys, 25 bicycles, 1000 gallons of latex Paint, 4000 Flashlights, 4 tons of Ceramic tiles and 800 Blue jeans in the next container.
** Ship another 40ft container to Swaziland in October** The October container should be around the same cost $ 8,811. U.S.
Toyota Van Still trying to get the Community Services women who are distributing the goods a vehicle to be able to deliver the items we send throughout the country. They are currently taking what they can carry on the bus and going out to rural villages to help. I have looked into the cost of buying them around a 2001, 13-seat Toyota Diesel window van with less than 100,000 Klm on it (62,000 miles) from Japan. It will cost around $13,500 U.S. delivered and cleared thru customs. $500.00 U.S. Raised so far thanks to an O-Net Member :)
Kitchen building Trying to buy the concrete, roofing tin, windows, doors and the concrete building blocks and hire some local men to build a building about 30ft x 50ft, complete with kitchen facilities for the women under the tree. The cost will be about $ 45,000 Emenengali ($7,500 U.S.)
Water for a primary school Cost of this project should only be about $3,500 U.S.
Lesotho We were looking at sending a 40ft container to Lesotho, It doesn’t look like we will be able to do this because the custom officials there are not allowing used clothing or food ect. Into the country because they say it is hurting local merchants. Same issue sending things into South Africa.
Another 40ft container to Fiji around October. The work in Fiji has become very self sufficient now, this is because I am also using the Community Services women there to help in the distribution of goods. Since coming to Africa I really feel that the 10 years we have helped in the South Pacific can be scaled back now. We will continue to send 1 or 2 containers a year there to support the community Services women in their on going effort to help the poor. Cost should be the same $5,430. Cost to complete new Projects, Approximately $48,000.00
Thanks so much for all your support.
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Sun, 30 Jul 2006 13:56:57 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, don't forget the lens cleaners!! ;)
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1337 by 61 members (most recent: 21 minutes ago by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371)) Viewed: 17368 times by 547 members
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Sun, 30 Jul 2006 18:31:50 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Brosseuks, you're my heroes. I have a hero award waiting for you in Second Life too!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 30 Jul 2006 22:53:18 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks all of you, we are in Seattle for the night and off to Dallas in the morning. Tired, so will tell you more when we get there.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 07 Aug 2006 17:32:16 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Well I am still tired, but I'm back:) Still not home yet, flew back to Vancouver last night, then Jackie drove home with the baby this morning and I got on another plane for N.Y.
I will be here for the rest of the week as I am setting up one of our HPC 40 mining machines for a costumer, Miller environmental, they will be starting a lead clean up operation at a shooting range.
The 150,000 pairs of eye glasses are suppose to delivered this week to the warehouse so I will take a picture and post it this week end, the people in Swaziland are so happy to here that they will be getting glasses, even the broker I am using in Swaziland is excited.
We had a great time in Dallas and met some really nice people who maybe interested in helping us with our charity work in Swaziland. At the convention there was about 4 to 5 thousand people in attendance, Jackie and I were talking to some people and telling them the story of baby Keiara and one of them handed us a check for $600.00 U.S. Many others were asking us to send them emails and more info, as they too would like to help; I think it’s finally time to set up a 501.c3 :)
Will post more, later.
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Mon, 07 Aug 2006 19:46:54 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Ray said: ~ ~ I think it’s finally time to set up a 501.c3 :) ~ Ray, before going that route I highly recommend that you look more closely at International Humanities Centre. Thrilled to hear that, well most of you anyways, have made it home. Have fun in NY! (just don't tell Jackie about it ; )
By Jackie B (CCAL30) (622), Mon, 07 Aug 2006 20:02:53 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me) Meron s'Mor'z ; ) said:
Have fun in NY! (just don't tell Jackie about it ; ) Meron, didn't I tell you that I have an electronic monitoring device attached to Ray? LOL LOL One wrong move...and I zap him! LOL LOL
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Mon, 07 Aug 2006 21:03:14 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Can I borrow that next time we are together?
:D
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Mon, 07 Aug 2006 21:17:49 PDT Edited: Mon, 07 Aug 2006 21:18:11 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Meron, I don't think Adam will put up with that! :0
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Tue, 08 Aug 2006 16:38:16 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, you may want to incorporate as a Canadian charity sometime, but International Humanities Center can serve as your proxy and US sponsorship go-through while you go work through the process. I believe Steve Sugarman offered to waive the registration fee for ONet groups joining IHCenter.
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Tue, 08 Aug 2006 18:46:07 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
My read was that Steve was waiving the registration fee for teams needing a US fiscal agent for the Collaborative Funding Project. We've been playing telephone tag these past few days, if I catch up with him before I leave for Toronto tomorrow I'll ask for clarification on that.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 08 Aug 2006 19:00:39 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Evonne but I have a question, is it not possible for a charity to register in Canada and be recognized by the U.S. tax laws.
The reason I ask is, I know if you are a Canadian or an American and you send money to ADRA Canada they will send you a U.S. tax receipt if you are a U.S. citizen or a Canadian tax receipt if you are Canadian. I guess I should ask the president of ADRA. Let me know if you know the answer or I will call ADRA and find out and post the answer.
Ray
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Tue, 08 Aug 2006 19:18:21 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
That's right, you work with ADRA Canada already! Best to check with Steve Sugarman and see then, I'm not sure what will work best for you now.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 13 Aug 2006 11:23:47 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Well it's turned out that I need to stay in N.Y. for an extra week, so I won't be shipping another container till probably the first week in Sept now, I can only imagine what the warehouse will look like when I get there:( Everything here in N.Y. is going extremely well, I've been really amazed at how well the machine is working to clean the lead out of the soil from the gun range. The amount of lead is staggering, in some places it is as high as 30% lead in the soil, (this means 3,000 to 4,000 lbs of lead per hour coming out of the machine), because of this amount lead, I've had to build an automated system to handle it. The new part is designed to fill 45 gal barrels with cleaned lead during the process.
After the machine is done cleaning the lead out of the soil then the soil can be put back out in the field, some early tests are showing that not 1 lead pellet has escaped the machine yet :)
It's been a great week with the lead results but it even gets better than that. I also received a phone call from South Africa this week, I had sent down one of our small HPC 10 machines 2 months ago in the Swaziland container and a guy there took it out into an area near Kimberly to try and see if it would work on diamonds.
He and several other guys who mine diamonds in the area played with it all day. They have little orange colored cubes that are called diamond tracers which are the same weight and characteristics as diamonds, they kept throwing them into the machine trying to see if it would loose one, but after doing this all day the machine didn’t loose a one :):):):)
They called to see how soon they could have a bigger machine they could use instead of their current equipment, which they say looses lots of small diamonds and is labor intensive, uses more water and costly to operate. Anybody have any spare change for my up and coming environmental mining company LOL. All jokes aside I haven’t been able to sell my gold mine yet, so I am looking around to see how I can borrow a couple of hundred thousand for the new company www.ie-tec.com till I sell the mine.
www.ac-mine.com
Jackies not here to help me so I'm also trying to figure out how to put up some video of Swaziland all by myself :( will post it here as soon as I figure it out.
Ray
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Sun, 13 Aug 2006 12:13:46 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
For video of swaziland, I'd use BlipTV or Google, both are fast and easy. Click SHARE when you're done and you'll get some <object> code that you can paste here with the .. raw:: html code. Leave a line after the .. raw line and then indent the code three spaces on the first line. Then you'll get this:
By Signing Out (1050), Mon, 14 Aug 2006 10:08:22 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me) Its great to be back to Kenya after 5 months away in Southern Sudan.Let me first read the hundreds of comments sent here before i jump in.However i can tell good things are happening here. Moses
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Wed, 16 Aug 2006 10:49:33 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I would love to hear your perspectives on this PDF, a lesson for teaching "creation care" based on the book of Nehemiah: www.ncm.org/pdf/Nehemiahstudentguide.pdf When I was a missionary Marah was one of the first nonprofit groups we catalyzed back in Romania to clean up severely polluted areas while teaching ecology. Somehow this seems useful for you; it's written by old friends who are doing very good work teaching environmental education. They empower volunteers in the US to assist with projects in many countries.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 19 Aug 2006 07:36:56 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Sorry everyone, I've been working long hours here in NY and every night when I get back to the hotel, I just crash. I have to stay in NY now untill the end of next week, hopefully I will get everything done by then and get to go home:) I will try and catch up on everything here, then.
Thanks
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Sat, 19 Aug 2006 15:31:38 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, Jackie may sign you up for Workaholics Anonymous at this rate! Are you still getting lead out of mounds of earth? Do you have any photos of that machine or process? It sounds fascinating. Best Regards, Michael.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 20 Aug 2006 07:56:56 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
No photos yet but this week my business partner is coming up to take pictures and video to put up on our web site, I will let you know when they are up. Signed up years ago for W.A.A. but haven't found the time to attend yet. LOL
Ray
Michael Pattinson said:
Ray, Jackie may sign you up for Workaholics Anonymous at this rate! Are you still getting lead out of mounds of earth? Do you have any photos of that machine or process? It sounds fascinating.
Best Regards,
Michael.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 20 Aug 2006 10:06:58 PDT Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
I want to post this link here and encourage you to go and read it and see if you could help in making something good happen here :) http://www.omidyar.net/user/u493 052934/news/2/
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 27 Aug 2006 11:33:57 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I finally made it home :):) but not sure for how long ? Still trying to figure out how to put video links up here. Sorry Evonne but I'm a bit slow when it comes to this kind of stuff, maybe Jackie will help me this week, Please.... I'm going to try and get another container sent out to Swaziland again, hopefully before I have to go somewhere again.
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Sun, 27 Aug 2006 11:48:28 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Jackie, now may be the time for that ankle bracelet...lol. ;)
By Signing Out (1050), Mon, 28 Aug 2006 04:44:18 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Glad to hear that you are finally home Ray.Regarding the Sudan school Project there are some people who will be going to Kiechkuon Village in September and October and they can assist us in taking some supplies there.If its possible for you to handle it before October it would be great.I will play my part here.
Thanks
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 28 Aug 2006 07:45:26 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Moses can you send me your banking details and I will try and see if I can get ADRA Canada to send you the money directly. It has been really difficult in the past getting ADRA to send money to people, It worked for Gabriel because he had a 501c3 that it was going to. Right now I am trying to get them to send money to Breadline Africa and they are asking a lot of questions and want more info.
If they won't send the money to you, then I will send it myself and just use the $1,500 that is sitting at ADRA for you towards our next shipment to Swaziland.
Thanks Ray
Ray
Moses Kariuki said: Glad to hear that you are finally home Ray.Regarding the Sudan school Project there are some people who will be going to Kiechkuon Village in September and October and they can assist us in taking some supplies there.If its possible for you to handle it before October it would be great.I will play my part here. Thanks
By Signing Out (1050), Tue, 29 Aug 2006 04:46:10 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Well i will send the details to you through a PM.I will post a list of the Supplies to be bought here later.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 30 Aug 2006 17:04:54 PDT Comment feedback score: 22 (* * * * * * * * * *)
Well I have another amazing story to tell you:) You all know that we were given 150,000 eye glasses, well I‘ve been trying to get them moved from Alberta to our warehouse for over three weeks now but I haven't been able to find a trucker who would do it on a back haul which is usually less than half price.
Yesterday I was on the phone trying again and I was about to give up and pay $1,300 to a truck lines that quoted me last week, when I decided to make one last call just before noon.
The other day when I was driving home there was an accident 10 miles west of town were a transport truck had flipped over and all its cargo was spilled all over the highway. One of our local trucker was there picking everything up so I called him and told him about the glasses in Calgary and ask if he had any trucks out in Calgary? He said you know that accident the other day well I just took all the cargo into Calgary and my guy should be unloading it right now, hang on well I call him on the other line He called and found out that in fact his driver had just off loaded and was crawling into the truck to come home. The only hours we are allowed to pick up the glasses at the prison are 9am to 11:30 am and then 1pm to 2pm and guess what it was exactly 1pm and the trucker was only 5 blocks from the prison so he went right over and picked them all up and now there here, and I have unloaded them all.
Here are some pictures.
Relic on my nice fork lift.
12 pallets all together
All labeled for Swaziland:)
Nicely sterilized, marked and baged.
25 reconditioned bikes from the prison.
Over a 1000 bages of clothes have come in since June 28th. A huge job ahead of us but have to start somewhere :(
Starting somewhere :)
Thanks again
Ray
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1337 by 61 members (most recent: 27 minutes ago by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371)) Viewed: 17369 times by 547 members
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Wed, 30 Aug 2006 19:02:15 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
UNBELIEVABLE BUT I BELIEVE IT! Bravo Ray!!
By Jackie B (CCAL30) (622), Mon, 04 Sep 2006 10:34:29 PDT Comment feedback score: 10 (* * * * * * * * * *) +|- (net 0 from me)
Hey all, Just a little note to say that today, Ray and I have been married 18 years! We went to New York for our 10th anniversary, and went to Tiffany and bought a Paloma Picasso designed silver ring to celebrate.
Well since our Katie arrived on the scene and went through the "terrible twos" that ring has disappeared. I felt really bad and have looked everywhere for it since. This morning my darling presented me with a Kmart bag...for our anniversary....hmmm KMART! I tried to smile....LOL Inside was a TIFFANY bag! and a lovely new silver ring just like the one I had lost....
I LOVE YOU RAY! and I'd do it all again in a heart beat! crazy crazy! :) 10.
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Mon, 04 Sep 2006 20:20:03 PDT Edited: Mon, 04 Sep 2006 21:47:04 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Congratulations you two! May you have many more happy crazy years together : )
By Mark Grimes (4074), Mon, 04 Sep 2006 21:07:35 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
18 is KMART, 19 is Target, 20 is Pizza Hut ;-) Happy Anniversary, keep up all the great things you do ... your family is an inspiration to many.
By Linda ทรัพยากร Nowakowski (CCAL30) (2515), Mon, 04 Sep 2006 22:39:24 PDT Comment feedback score: 3 (* * *) +|- (net 0 from me)
I think 19 should be Ned! :-)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 10 Sep 2006 21:52:21 PDT Comment feedback score: 6 (* * * * * *)
Well I got this email the other day and I sent it on to Gleaners.
Dear Ray
On Friday we finished off-loading the container and once again thanks for all the goods you sent. We are looking forward to receiving the other container you will be sending soon. The glasses on the photos look almost new When we opened one of the drums looking for soup, we came across a drum full of dried apples. The children love them very much. I was wondering if you could get more of those. Lastly, recently I met with the ladies of Kwaluseni feeding and they wanted to know how far have you gone with the fundraising for their kitchen building. This week a grader will be leveling the ground on which the kitchen shall be built.
God Bless!
Nkhanyiso
Gleaners called me back and said we could have 10 barrels of Apples for Swaziland, so I am off in the morning to pick them up along with 3 pallets (6,000 lbs) of individualy wraped fruit bars:)
Ray
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Mon, 11 Sep 2006 11:03:07 PDT Comment feedback score: 6 (* * * * * *) +|- (net 0 from me)
Santa Ray is here to stay We love him much for his angel touch. · Kitchens and kids cook up smiles to say wow, thanks! across the miles. · Thanks Ray for the good you do and Life will surely send it back to you. :)) Smileses and happy tummies Michael.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 11 Sep 2006 19:56:28 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
You made me smile Michael :) Well I made it home safely with the dried apples and I have already managed to unload everything into the warehouse. It looks like I will be going up to the Yukon tomorrow to my gold mine, it's a 37 hr drive but I need to go and check on everything.
The mines inspector said that the creek has breached one of the berms and it needs some repairing, so I’m off to fix it. A motor in one of my bulldozers broke just before I shut everything down and I had completely rebuilt but I had not put it back in yet so I’ll put it back in well I’m up there. It's a huge job, the motor is a V12 700 hp Cummins diesel it's about the same size as a small car and weighs twice as much.
I should only be gone for 10 days and will try and check in when I can.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 12 Sep 2006 18:49:15 PDT Comment feedback score: 22 (* * * * * * * * * *)
I just got these two pictures from Swaziland and once again I know why I do what I do :) The smile on His face is worth a million dollars, dried apples in one hand and a stuffy in the other.
The second container arrived and waiting for the crane to off load.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 12 Sep 2006 19:04:33 PDT Comment feedback score: 30 (* * * * * * * * * *)
I might have already told you this but We got a call from the people in Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory, they have donated another 100 Pentium 111 computers with windows 2000, they should arrive in a week or so.
I recieved a desperatly needed donation of $6,000 today so now I can finally send out one of the three container we have in the warehouse. We are terribly over loaded at the moment in the warehouse so if anyone can help with the cost of shipping more containers we would really appreciate.
Thanks
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Tue, 12 Sep 2006 23:15:22 PDT Comment feedback score: 15 (* * * * * * * * * *)
It's not work the way I wanted it to, so I will try again later but here is the first attempt anyways. It.s the video were I was giving out clothes to the old people that came in to get their welfare check of $23.00 U.S. once every 3 months.
This is where the old lady asked me if I had any glasses. http://video.google.ca/videoplay ?docid=7477868961963045580&h l=en-CA
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 16 Sep 2006 07:07:14 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I am on the Alaska Highway half way up to my Gold mine in the Yukon. I need to apologize, Moses and David because I won't be able to continue to follow up with ADRA Canada re $ to be sent. Here is the latest email I got just before I left, so still waiting. Hi Ray,
The funds were approved to send to Swaziland and those will be sent asap. Stephen may have a question re the banking…banks always come up with new ideas when it comes to wires and we often need additional numbers. I will let you know if there is a trouble.
Regarding the other charities, I will ask Stephen what the CRA rules are and we will let you know. Thanks for the pictures, we always love to get those. Like you say, it makes all the hard work so worthwhile!
Have a great day!
Lydia Matveev
I will be away from civilization for the next two weeks as I am doing some clean up at the gold mine and some mechanical repairs to my equipment. Cold up here, snowed all day yesterday while driving. Will take pictures while I'm up here and post when I return. I will have a satelite phone while I am up here but $3 a minute so just for emergency (Yes, Sweetie I will call you once a day:)
Ray
By Jackie B (CCAL30) (622), Sun, 17 Sep 2006 21:58:55 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
Anybody know who this Sweetie chick is? I'm going to have to have a "talk" with her! <grin> 10.
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Sun, 17 Sep 2006 22:44:01 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Jackie, Ray put a mirror on a new bathroom decoration that looks remarkably like an ankle bracelet. I guess you could have your talk with "her" there...lol.
By Signing Out (1050), Mon, 18 Sep 2006 07:21:48 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray have a good time at the gold mine. :)
By Jackie B (CCAL30) (622), Sun, 24 Sep 2006 20:45:30 PDT Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *) +|- (net 0 from me)
Hello All, Ray will probably kill me for this..but he sent pictures last night and I must post them.... I figure he's far enough away that by the time he can reach me...he'll have calmed down! <smile> Plus what guy doesn't like to show off his catch of the day!
View from the mine site dock..(old original Caterpillar from the building of the Alaska Hwy)
Ray in the Zodiac with the "catch"
Ray and his Dad, hmmm love the hat Ray! <grin>
Big Big barge load! (hint the tires on those trucks are taller than Ray)
Bull Moose...seen on the way to town...
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Sun, 24 Sep 2006 22:31:05 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Well, Jackie, it is comforting to know he read your note tied to the end of the fishing pole.... ;)
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Mon, 25 Sep 2006 00:09:32 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hmmm, I thought he was suppose to be working?
By Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (614), Mon, 25 Sep 2006 09:09:53 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Meron s'Mor'z ; ) said: Hmmm, I thought he was suppose to be working? My thought, exactly! Well anyhow, let's face it, even saints need time off ! :))
By Lois ~end all wars~ Brayton (CCAL30) (335), Mon, 25 Sep 2006 09:54:29 PDT Comment feedback score: 1 (*) +|- (net 0 from me)
.....wonder why the Moose was on his way to town??? <smile> I snagged that pic for my "desktop". It is very tranquill.
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Mon, 25 Sep 2006 10:37:11 PDT Edited: Mon, 25 Sep 2006 10:37:31 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
~ Lois asked: ~ ~ .....wonder why the Moose was on his way to town??? <smile> ~ 'Cause Ray was out in the bush??? :D
By Evonne Heyning (CCAL30) (2421), Mon, 25 Sep 2006 23:23:56 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Awesome pics J. Did Ray see the mines and mountain we've been building for him to come play with in Second Life? I keep going back to the http://www.ac-mine.com website, not sure why but I get lots of ideas when on that website. I like the big bull moose....got any clearer shots we can photoshop?? I haven't seen a moose in ten years! Ray, call J. and make it home safe soon.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 02 Oct 2006 22:18:08 PDT Comment feedback score: 20 (* * * * * * * * * *)
I made it home safely, drove a 1,000 miles yesterday to make it home by midnight:) I was working, the fishing only happened well I was barging out the rock trucks and excavator:) 6 hrs one-way on the lake, nothing else to do but fish. Everything went well at the mine, got everything cleaned up and running. The number 4 rock truck got some water in the oil pan last year and froze during the winter, ended up breaking the oil pan so I had to get another oil pan and change it, when I was done it started up nice and ran great. Here is a few more pictures.
View from camp, I think the Yukon is the most beautiful place
Here is wear I dig for the gold:)
When you see this color you know you have struck gold.
Last load out 1 rock truck and excavator, sold the excavator the next day.
All Three trucks safely on the other side of the lake.
A herd of Buffalo.
Stopped at Liard Hot springs on the way home to have a much needed soak.
Ray
By David Bale (CCAL30) (1825), Mon, 02 Oct 2006 23:28:55 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow!
And great pics too!
By Signing Out (1050), Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:15:18 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Great Pictures.Welcome back Ray !
By Ray Brosseuk (30), Sat, 24 May 2008 09:33:38 PDT
Comment feedback score: 0 +|-
Archive Pages 1 to 5
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1315 by 61 members (most recent yesterday by Michael Pattinson Viewed: 17057 times by 547 members
Two years have gone by since the first post on Unbelievable Donations.
Jackie and I want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for the warm friendship we have found at O-Net and for the incredible supported you have given to help make all these amazing things happen. It would not have been possible without you.
Here is the overview or update of 2005 and then 2006 January to April 2005 Donated items start to come in.
April 2005 tried to send a container to Sri Lanka for Tsunami relieve, unable to, due to political problems in Sri Lanka
April 24/2005 Shipped a full 40 ft container to Fiji, with some items going on to Papua New Guinea. Arrived May 27th
June 20th/2005 Shipment of items to Tanzania, Toye Wigley’s project
September 16th/2005 Shipped computers, clothing and schoolbooks to Belize Central America
September 30th/2005 another 40ft container to Fiji, arrived Nov 16th.
August 7th/2005 40ft container to Phuket,Thailand, Meron Moroz project
October 3rd/2005 40 ft container to Ghana,West Africa.
November 2005 Started working on a project with David Bale for Bread Line Africa to ship containers to Africa, going extremely well.
December 2005 trying to send items to Moses’ school project in Sudan.
December 2005 started working on sending a 40 ft container of dehydrated food, clothes and tents to Gabriel’s Project in Sudan Africa. I think this is the most exciting and meaningful project to date.
I want to say that this has been an amazing year and it could not have been done without all of your support.
Ray and Jackie Brosseuk
SUMMARY OF 2006 PROJECTS
Breadline Africa Kids in Cans, thanks goes to David Bale
Stop Genocide wristbands Completed, sent the wristbands that we did not sell along with a check to Gabriel.
The Sudan & Chad Refugee camps project Completed, all the money was sent to Gabriel.
Sudan School project with Moses We raised money and sent it to Moses.
Shipment to Fiji in May Completed, A close personal friend donated the funds required, Jackie and I sent cash to help pay for the distribution costs throughout the islands.
Shipments to Swaziland Children’s Aids Orphans Two containers a 40ft and a 20ft were sent in Feb. June 25th another 40ft container to Swaziland Arrived, distributed.
Kamae Children Money sent to them in August.
Oct 15th another 40ft container to Swaziland Arrived Dec 18th, All Paid for and distributed
Nov 15th another 40ft container to Swaziland Arrived, all Paid for.
Kitchen Building for the kids under the tree Completed, we gave them a container to use, they are trying to sell it and then use the funds to build a block building.
Second Life, Better World Island Jackie and I were asked if we would take over Better World Island in 2006, we are thrilled with the potential of this Virtual world and the enormous possiblities that lie ahead.
Looking Forward to an AMAZING 2007.
2006 was an amazing year, Thanks to the O-Net community and to all of you who helped make this happen.
Ray
Original first Post.
My wife and I were just given two transport truckloads of construction nails, 37 tons, all in 50 lb boxes. We will be shipping them overseas to be used for the rebuilding in the tsunami region and also some into the south pacific for the building of schools and dormitories ect.
I can't tell you how incredible this is. I went home this week to unload all of them into my warehouse; I am a little sore right now.
It will take more than five, forty-foot containers this year to get all the nails shipped. We will be able to put roughly 7 or 8 tons per container and the rest will be clothes, shoes, food ect, otherwise the container will be to heavy, maximum weight forty two thousand pounds. These nails were from Tree Island Nails in Vancouver It just goes to show you that there is really good people out there.
All we have to do if we want to make a difference in this world is believe we can and move forward (action) with that belief and commitment and it will happen. I asked the owner why he would give such a large donation and he said he was inspired by what my wife and I are trying to do and just wanted to help. So it just goes to show you that if you just start trying even if the nay sayers say it can’t be done keep on trying
Pictures
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005-1/938053/IMG_2608.JPG http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005-1/938053/IMG_2610.JPG
Thanks again
Ray
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2022), Sat, 22 Jan 2005 12:37:03 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, this is simply incredible! Will you need assistance with garnering funding for transport? Or perhaps for the donation of services for this? A colleague of mine helped with international shipping on a CD project I did a few years back. Not sure if that is still an option, but I can check into it if it would be of use.
Thanks so much for sharing this.
c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330) Sat, 22 Jan 2005 12:40:15 PST Comment feedback score: 0 (net 0 from me)
Ray, amazing! What an inspiring story.... really amazing to me... thank you so much for sharing it... and thank you for what you're doing.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317) Sat, 22 Jan 2005 21:56:50 PST Comment feedback score: 1(*)
Over the past 9 years we have shipped over a million pounds of goods to the poor. My wife and I work on a very simple philosophy, just collect it as it is given, get it ready and organize it, then when there is enough collected to fill a 40 ft container ship it. The funds for doing this usually come from our own pockets but there has been times over the years were we have prepared stuff for shipping and not had the money to pay for it. It has amazed us that every time we are short someone comes forward and donates the cash. After seeing this happen more than once we decided not to worry about the funds any more we just take the leap of faith and go forward believing that its for someone in need so it will happen and it always does. Example; the nails, we don't have the money currently to ship them all but that's no reason to say no to them. Last year five 40-foot containers shipped out and we paid for only two; the rest was paid by others. To answer Sue's question we are always glad for financial support as it just allows us to ship more. I would ask if your friend has any pull with the shipping companies regarding rates. I have tried over the years to get them to lower their rates for charity, but with no success. When we first started in 1995 the first container cost $3,900 U.S. and now they are $5,700 U.S. so if any of you have ideas on how to get cheaper shipping please let us know. Please don't take this as us asking for funds, I am just trying to answer Sue' direct question "Will you need assistance with garnering funding for transport?" Thanks to all of you, I have received real inspiration here over the past few months and I just want to encourage every one to step out and do something good even if you think its beyond your means or your personality. I used to think, how could I, one person make any difference out there. Think again you can, it may be small in your eyes but collectively if we all do it, it will shift the compass. Thanks Ray
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2022), Sun, 23 Jan 2005 10:41:24 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, thanks a bunch for sharing a bit more info on this, and for caring enough to have taken this on out of your own pocket!
Perhaps there's a simple way that we can help defray the costs. We've set PayPal campaigns up in the 1 Tin Cup area to help fund small projects that crop up on the network. Let me know if this might be of use, or if you'd like to know a little bit more about how this could one one potential tool to help offset the costs for shipping the nails?
Regardless, I'm commited to serving as a personal magnet to this project of your's, and will do whatever I can to get a few more eyes to it. Thank you, Ray, and to your wife!
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2022) Sun, 23 Jan 2005 11:06:21 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +- (net 0 from me)
Ray, how would you feel about people sending a small, personal thank you note to the owner of "Tree Island Nails" as well? It's something I'm inclined to do. How would you feel about that?
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317), Sun, 23 Jan 2005 17:12:13 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Sue for your support and willingness to help in some way.
We won't be shipping the first container until March this year as we have to sort, fold and bail clothing that will go into a container with the nails. It takes roughly 200 bails of clothing mixed with the nails and other stuff to make up a load.
In a typical container load this year we will put: 200 boxes of nails 10,000 lbs 200 bails of clothes 20,000 lbs Miscellaneous stuff 12,000 lbs The miscellaneous stuff consist of 100's of new rubber boots, 1000's of new womens nylons, new frying pans, new womens makeup purses, shoes, Wheelchairs, Walkers, crutches, hospital beds, dehydrated vegetable soup mix, children's storybooks, and more, Thanks for the tin cup suggestion. I will think about it for a while, I'm just a little unsure as we are not a registered charity and we personally can't give tax-deductible receipts for any donations. As for a letter of thanks to Tree Island Nails. I think that would be wonderful. I will get all the info for you and post it here later, I am sure he would really appreciate it.
Thanks again Sue
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 23 Jan 2005 17:15:14 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, do it anyway, ted isn't a registered charity and he's gotten a lot of support from people here. i don't care if i give to a charity or not.. i don't have a lot of money, but would love to help fill you "cup." Every little bit adds up! Just ask Ted Ernst! I believe his goal was met last week! Your faith inspires me.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317), Sun, 23 Jan 2005 17:45:11 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Carla White said:
Ray, do it anyway, ted isn't a registered charity and he's gotten a lot of support from people here. i don't care if i give to a charity or not.. i don't have a lot of money, but would love to help fill you "cup." Every little bit adds up! Just ask Ted Ernst! I believe his goal was met last week! Your faith inspires me. Thanks Carla, I am reading how to do it now and hopefully after I have figure it out I will have made up my mind.
Thanks Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317), Sun, 23 Jan 2005 19:30:43 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Carla: I made up my mind, thanks for the encouragment. Sue is helping me do it, as I couldn't quite figure it out, close but no cigar.
Thanks Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 23 Jan 2005 19:32:58 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
you're quite welcome... you faith inspires me greatly... may your "tin cup" overflow! sue, you're awesome.
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2022), Sun, 23 Jan 2005 20:10:43 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
No. This simply needed to be bubbled up. What a shame it would be if it were missed! We're in the process of getting Ray's proposal up in the Tin Cup area with a DropCash campaign (donation box) attached to it.
By Meron s'Mor'z (1840), Sun, 23 Jan 2005 21:20:03 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
You people rock!!! Thank you, once again, for shedding more light on the path, leading the way and reminding us all of what we showed up here for.
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2022), Mon, 24 Jan 2005 11:27:33 PST Edited: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 11:28:46 PST Comment feedback score: 0+-(net 0 from me)
Ray:
The Campaign to help defray shipping costs has been set up here This is also linked to from the main This Week's Campaigns workspace. The donation function isn't active yet. I've sent a note to let you know what you'll need to do to activate your TypeKey account so that I can open the dropcash function for you. Let me know when you've sent in the confirmation, and I'll get the donation function opened right away and linked to on the campaign page above. Hope this will help even a little. I'll give people a heads-up on it when it's live and invite them to throw a bit of spare change in the digital cup.
By Meron s'Mor'z (1840), Mon, 24 Jan 2005 13:03:53 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray,
I greatly admire what you are doing. You seem to have a great deal of knowledge about containers, shipping etc. I'd like to pick your brains about that some time. The container that was collected by my step-monster (my father's second wife, who is truly and angel and I love to bits) for shipment through JAM International was gathered in March 2004 and not delivered until January of this year. The one previous to that took just as long. Is that normal?
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317), Mon, 24 Jan 2005 19:48:16 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Sue, I mean really really thanks. It looks great. Question ? can I put up a picture here of our warehouse full of stuff.
Ray
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2022), Mon, 24 Jan 2005 19:53:19 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
A picture would be great, Ray. It would make the outreach that much more personal :^) Thinking perhaps it would be good to also pull this into the mini-action network: http://www.omidyar.net/group/min i-action/ There are some wonderful, engaged people over there!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317), Mon, 24 Jan 2005 20:12:41 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Meron Moroz said:
Ray,
I greatly admire what you are doing. You seem to have a great deal of knowledge about containers, shipping etc. I'd like to pick your brains about that some time. The container that was collected by my step-monster (my father's second wife, who is truly and angel and I love to bits) for shipment through JAM International was gathered in March 2004 and not delivered until January of this year. The one previous to that took just as long. Is that normal? The actual on the water time depending on were it is going usually takes less than a month. example: from the west coast to Fiji 21 days, Grenada 29 days, Indian ocean side of Africa 45 days, West Africa from the east coast of north America 21 days. These are aprox times.
I find that if you do not go to the country you are shipping to and clear the container with port authorities and the customs agents it will sit for a long time on the wharf. Sad to say but this happens in most countries because they can charge a daily fee as it sits on the wharf, usually very small amounts per day according to us, but large to them.
Anywhere from $11.00 U.S to $65.00 U.S. per day. It's not so much about the money but the time. When I first started this it took me usually 3 weeks to clear, now I am on to the game and I clear it before they unload it off the ship, so I can take immediate delivery.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317), Mon, 24 Jan 2005 20:30:42 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Sue Braiden said:
Ray, how would you feel about people sending a small, personal thank you note to the owner of "Tree Island Nails" as well? It's something I'm inclined to do. How would you feel about that? Here is the info were you can send a note of thanks. Tree Island Industries Ltd. P.O. Box 50 New Westminster, B.C. Canada V3L 4Y1 Att. Bob Regehr Sue I think it will be great for him to get a thanks other than from me.
Ray
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2022), Mon, 24 Jan 2005 20:33:13 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Terrific, Ray! Thanks for this ...
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Mon, 24 Jan 2005 20:34:06 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
i'll send one as well...
By Meron s'Mor'z (1840), Mon, 24 Jan 2005 21:48:26 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|-(net 0 from me)
Ray,
Thanks for responding to my container, shipping times question. So 10 months from Sooke, BC to Africa seems unreasonable?!? Hope we get this O'netCanada thing happenin'. Would appreciate chatting to you and learning some of your tricks. Give us some notice when you are going to be in Vancouver next time.
Meron
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317), Mon, 24 Jan 2005 22:08:15 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Meron Moroz said:
Ray,
Thanks for responding to my container, shipping times question. So 10 months from Sooke, BC to Africa seems unreasonable?!? Hope we get this O'netCanada thing happenin'. Would appreciate chatting to you and learning some of your tricks. Give us some notice when you are going to be in Vancouver next time.
Meron
Every week from Monday to Fri morning, then I drive home to be with the family for the weekend. I know I bought a truck a year ago with 65,000 klm and now it has 175,000 klm. :( Call me if you want and I'll try and answer some of your questions. Vancouver cell #604-805-8191
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317), Mon, 24 Jan 2005 22:40:54 PST Comment feedback score: 2 (* *)
Here is a picture of the warehouse, which is starting to fill up again. We just emptied it in Oct. Hope this works my wife is trying to tell me how to do it over the phone. It's times like this I question my own IQ :) http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005-1/938053/IMG_2608.JPG http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005-1/938053/IMG_2610.JPG In the picture you can see that we are using some of the pallets of nails as benches to put the clothes on after we sort and fold before they are taken to the bailer. Clarification I said we and it is mostly my wife and kids lately, as I have been so busy manufacturing the mining equipment.
A couple of months ago we realized that with me being so busy out of town that we should see if we could find someone to help out. We decided to try and see if we could make the project help people not only overseas but locally to. So we hired some people in town that have no jobs and are in need of a little money two days a week. So now five people come in and help two days a week for $54 a day.
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (1840), Mon, 24 Jan 2005 22:54:44 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Awesome Ray!!!
You are an inspiration. You done good on the photos btw.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317), Tue, 25 Jan 2005 21:34:43 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I put the links to the photos at the top of the post and when I go home this weekend I will take a few more and post them.
Thanks
Ray
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30)(1317) Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1315 by 61 members (most recent: yesterday by Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (546) Viewed: 17058 times by 547 members
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2022), Wed, 26 Jan 2005 09:31:42 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Terrific, Ray!
(BTW -- I'm trying to regenerate a TypeList key for Jackie and will get a note out to you on this shortly).
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317), Mon, 31 Jan 2005 18:02:41 PST Comment feedback score: 0
More stuff. We were just given 30 brand new 3-room tents. These tent are extremely large and are made of nylon not canvas, they would sell for probably more than $400 a piece. The same store gave us 100s of new rain coats too. Just thought I'd let you know how great things are going.
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Mon, 31 Jan 2005 18:05:03 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
you're amazing ray! way to go!
By Meron s'Mor'z (1840), Mon, 31 Jan 2005 19:52:07 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Beyond amazing!
By RicHARD ~The Anointed One~ Makepeace (CCAL30) (2319), Tue, 01 Feb 2005 14:05:32 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I was a carpenter, read nail-banger, for twenty-plus years; just hearing you talk about so many nails gave me a back ache. I can't imagine carrying all of them. Whoa, I take that back; I've moved a lot of kegs, half-kegs and boxes of all sorts of screws and nails. When I first started out, we were still carrying cast iron tubs up many flights of stairs in New
I hope you didn't do all that schlepping by yourself. I think this is a fantastic contribution: the title fits the topic and its creator. Peace to you, R
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317), Tue, 01 Feb 2005 17:28:52 PST Comment feedback score: 0
RicHARD Makepeace said:
I was a carpenter, read nail-banger, for twenty-plus years; just hearing you talk about so many nails gave me a back ache. I can't imagine carrying all of them. Whoa, I take that back; I've moved a lot of kegs, half-kegs and boxes of all sorts of screws and nails. When I first started out, we were still carrying cast iron tubs up many flights of stairs in New York City wallk-ups and brownstones. I hope you didn't do all that schlepping by yourself. I think this is a fantastic contribution: the title fits the topic and its creator. Peace to you, R No Richard I am very thankful for the neighbors fork lift. They were nice enough to come over and lift the pallets off the truck and set them into the warehouse for me. After they left I used the pallet jack and maneuvered the 23 pallets (over 2000 lbs each) around to try and organize things a little bit. I felt it the next morning.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317), Wed, 02 Feb 2005 07:41:27 PST Comment feedback score: 3 (* * *)
More incredible things are happening.
Sue Said Earlier:
"Ray, this is simply incredible! "Will you need assistance with garnering funding for transport? Or perhaps for the donation of services for this? I answered Sue regarding the shipping costs overseas and not about the local trucking costs from Vancouver to our warehouse. I don't know which one sue was referring to but let me tell you what happened yesterday. it is incredible. I called the trucking company yesterday the ones I hired to bring the nails up from Vancouver. I wanted to see if they had sent out the bill yet for the two truck loads of nails because I haven't received it. The owner of the company said no way, no bill the trucking is on us we are glad to do our part in such a good cause. Wow. This usually costs $1,385.00 cnd. Per load. Now it's free.
Again I just want to say, when it comes to helping the needy, just do it, action is what it takes and more people will join in and pretty soon huge things will be happing just because one person said I'll try even if I am just one. Have a great day all of you:)
Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (1840), Wed, 02 Feb 2005 14:04:03 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray,
Your latest entry has me all choked up. It is amazing. I was so moved I went back to read the entire thread again; I'm needing some inspiration at the moment. Caught your number and the invitation to call this time through ... I'll take you up on that. Your closing paragraph reminded me of: ... "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can still do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do.". -Helen Keller. ...
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317), Wed, 02 Feb 2005 20:15:15 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Meron
Love the quote.
I will be back in Vancouver next week, feel free to call. ... "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can still do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do.". -Helen Keller. ...
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317), Wed, 02 Feb 2005 20:26:58 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Some better Pictures of the nails. A Picture showing over 100 garbage bags, full of clothes that come in each week Another showing how we sort them into flats, then how they end up compressed into 100lb bails. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005-1/938053/IMG_2619.JPG http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005-1/938053/IMG_2621.JPG http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005-1/938053/IMG_2622.JPG http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005-1/938053/IMG_2620.JPG
Thanks Ray
By ted ernst (CCAL30) (2599), Thu, 03 Feb 2005 12:29:03 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
These are Ray's photos for those that don't like to click elsewhere:
By ted ernst (CCAL30) (2599), Thu, 03 Feb 2005 12:31:02 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Sue, what's the status of Ray's dropcash campaign? Anything I can do to help?
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317) Thu, 03 Feb 2005 17:55:05 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks so much Ted, I couldn't figure out how to do that. I am going to post a wonderful thank you letter I got in the mail today from Union Gospel Mission. Some of you may remember another post of mine before Christmas called "Winter Jackets for the street people of Vancouver" Well, this is why I got the letter. Just thought I would share. It goes to show that sometimes you wonder if what you are trying to do is making a difference and it sure feels good when you get a letter like this that shows people really appreciate the help. Just on another note, I think we need to encourage you ever receives the $25,000 to continue to post on how the money was used and who it has helped. For two reasons to encourage accountability and it is just plain great to here the stories of people making a difference. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005-1/938053/UnionGospelMissionl etter.jpg
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317), Fri, 04 Feb 2005 16:05:19 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I picked up another 300 Garbage bags of clothes today from the local Thrift store. It seems the more I sort, bail and ship away the more that comes in. For the past three years the local thrift store has been giving us all the used clothes we can handle. It started at 30 bags a week, now over 150 bags a week.
Thanks Ray
By Therese Fitzpatrick (117), Sat, 05 Feb 2005 21:11:32 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Thanks, Ray, for doing this work. I can do this: send you good vibrations.
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2022), Sat, 05 Feb 2005 21:18:41 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, is it possible for us to send a thank you note to the trucker as with the donor of the nails? Would like to send one to them too ...
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2022), Sat, 05 Feb 2005 21:22:51 PST Edited: Sat, 05 Feb 2005 21:26:46 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ted, DropCash campaign is temporarily stuck in TypeKey limbo. (Ray ... sent another one to Jackie. Same userid and password. If she doesn't have it, or if you need me to resend the id/pword, let me know, and we'll skin this cat another way ;^)
By Niny Khor (1410), Sat, 05 Feb 2005 21:25:41 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hi Ray - just saw this thread following Sue's magnet links. A M A Z I N G! :)
Thanks for the inspiration!
By Darlene Charneco (CCAL30) (594), Sat, 05 Feb 2005 21:56:14 PST Comment feedback score: 0 + - (net 0 from me)
truly beautiful and inspiring.:) Love to you and your wife.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317), Mon, 07 Feb 2005 15:45:52 PST Comment feedback score: 0
No Sue it appears it got lost somehow and I am probably the one to blame. So if you could regenerate it some how would appreciate it.
Thanks Ray
Sue Braiden said: Ted, DropCash campaign is temporarily stuck in TypeKey limbo. (Ray ... sent another one to Jackie. Same userid and password. If she doesn't have it, or if you need me to resend the id/pword, let me know, and we'll skin this cat another way ;^)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1317), Mon, 07 Feb 2005 15:51:31 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks for the good vibes Therese and from the rest of you. I am glad I can share this with all of you, I know it encourages me every time I sit and type it out, it's like it makes it more real or something after sharing it and I hope it sends encouragement to all of you.
Thanks
Ray
By ted ernst (CCAL30) (2599), Wed, 09 Feb 2005 08:46:18 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Any news on Ray's tip jar?
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Wed, 09 Feb 2005 08:51:17 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
ray, again, you continue to inspire me. thank you so very much and god bless you more!!!
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2022), Wed, 09 Feb 2005 18:08:03 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, two suggestions:
Have Jackie go here directly to process the registration: http://www.dropcash.com or, I can set it up under my name, and simply PayPal the donations to you. I certainly don't mind doing that at all. Whichever you and Jackier prefer to do. If you want me to open a cup under my name for now, I can have it done in 5 minutes, and up so you can start receiving donations. If you want to do this with Jackie's email addy as it's attached to her own PayPal account, you'll find the DropCash registration is quite simple. There are two parts. The first requires her to sign up for a TypeKey account. Simple and free. Don't know why it's not sending the email to her. Does she have a spam filter that's maybe catching it instead of passing it on? The second step is to give your campaign a name, and a brief description. Once you've got that you'll be given a URL that we can share through this thread and through the tin cup area so that people can start filling it up ;^)
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2022), Fri, 11 Feb 2005 13:28:01 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Just a quick heads-up to let you know that Ray and Jackie have their tin cup online now. If you'd like to kick in a little spare change to help defray the cost of shipping these supplies, here's where you can do it: http://www.dropcash.com/campaign /jackiegb/shipping_goods_for_tsu nami_reconstruction/
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1334 by 61 members (most recent: 9 hours ago by Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (611) Viewed: 17276 times by 547 members By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Fri, 11 Feb 2005 13:34:14 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me) thanks sue for the link!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 11 Feb 2005 14:26:40 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Sue, looks great. I really enjoy sharing all the great things that are happing with our little endeavor, so I will keep all of you posted. I just thought of a great thing to tell, all of you here at Omidyar are great people; keep up the momentum in making a difference.
Thanks
Ray
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2031), Fri, 11 Feb 2005 14:38:50 PST Edited: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 14:39:42 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Love the description you put on your DropCash campaign, Ray. Glad you and Jackie were able to arm wrestle the sucker to the ground. Hope we fill it up!!! (BTW ... we like you sharing all these things with us too :^)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 12 Feb 2005 20:16:43 PST Edited: Wed, 20 Apr 2005 20:57:33 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
I want to tell all of you something that has been slowly increasing over the last two years. In order to find enough clothes three years ago to ship at least two containers a year, we needed to get clothes from three different towns Salmon arm, Kamloops and our town. Last year we stopped getting from the other two towns as our town started giving us over a 100 bags a month. Now in the last 3 months I have had to go to the local thrift store every Friday and pick up around 80 bags, this means 320 a month.
It does not make any sense, this town only has 8,000 people in it and the thrift store says that despite giving us three times more clothing than before their sales have doubled in the last year. I can't help but think of a Bible verse that says: Give and it shall be given unto you good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over. After shipping out 5 containers last year our 10,000 sq ft warehouse was empty in November. If you look in our warehouse right now you would have to say good measure, pressed down and running over. Time to give it away.
Thanks
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 16 Feb 2005 14:55:59 PST Comment feedback score: 0
This week we are starting to sell some of our raw Gold nuggets that we have made into jewelry on Ebay. Item number: 4967790795 Item number: 4967798779 We do this each year to help pay for our charity work. Just thought you would like to see what some of it looks like. The first one is not for sale it's my favorite one. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005-1/938053/IMG_2856.JPG http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005-1/938053/IMG_2702.JPG http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005-1/938053/IMG_2666.JPG http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005-1/938053/IMG_2665.JPG http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005-1/938053/IMG_2644.JPG http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005-1/938053/IMG_2686.JPG sorry I haven't figured out how to put the pictures here, just the links
All this gold comes from our mine in the Yukon. If you click here you can see where and how we dig it out of the creek. Go to photo album at http://www.ac-mine.com/ Thanks for all the support at the Tin cup fund, we really appreciate it
Ray
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2031), Wed, 16 Feb 2005 18:18:17 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, here's an example of the code you can use to insert an image into a posting (or your profile, or a PM): code:
You don't have to call the tag "pic". You can call it whatever you want, as long as the name is the same as the label you give to the link code. The only part that matters in terms of where you place it in the page is the
tag, because this shows where you want the image to be displayed. The link code below it can go anywhere in the document, so long as you leave at least one line between it and whatever else is above it. It doesn't disrupt the actual flow of text on the page.
Regarding the link code: you don't need anything other than the source of the image. If you leave the other arguments out, it doesn't affect the display. They just help to speed the display up by giving it the information to tell the page how much space to leave for it when it's drawing the image. The target allows you to link the picture to another web page.
Here's what the code would look like:
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 16 Feb 2005 19:10:56 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Sue for the info, I really appreciate it. I'll try it next time. This nugget is almost two ounces. I have found them bigger, but not as nice, that's why I kept this one. Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 23 Feb 2005 20:48:59 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I have another incredible story to tell all of you. I contacted an American group I know, called Global missions to see if I could organize a shipment of nails for them. They are currently working in Sri Lanka and would be able to distribute everything through out the tsunami stricken region.
I sent an email to them last Wednesday and the next morning I got a reply. They said that they could use the nails but no clothes as the government of Sri Lanka won't allow any clothing into the country as clothing is made there. (Don't always understand governments, especially when there people are suffering and in need?)
This got me thinking, how can I fill a container if I am not allowed to put in clothing. The container would only be half full in volume if it was just nails. I was planning on putting 30,000 lbs of nails, then the other half 12,000lbs of clothes.
That evening I was thinking of what other things I could put in the container to fill it. I currently have 6 hospital beds, a few wheel chairs and some crutches but that is still not enough stuff to fill it. Then the doorbell rang and when I answered it, a gentleman introduced himself as the Pentecostal minister. He asked me if I was the one who is shipping humanitarian aid overseas, I said yes. He explained to me that he had tracked me down through the bank manager in town who told him that we might be the people that are doing this as he sees us come in to the bank quite often and wire money overseas to help people. Small town! Then he told me that they had collected items that they wanted to send overseas but they could not arrange the shipment and would I want to have the stuff. I politely said yes and then asked what was the stuff, He replied, its all medical supplies. I was in shock; I could not believe what I was hearing.
The next morning I opened my email to find another one from Sri Lanka asking me if I could find Medical equipment to put in the container with the nails as it is desperately needed. I just sat there and smiled and then sent back an email and said yes we have medical equipment instead of clothes.
My son and I then went to the basement of the bank were the stuff was stored and loaded over a 100 boxes of new medical supplies, all of it was stuff you would see in an emergency room, cases of gauze, gloves, masks, needles, suturing supplies, more then I can mention. More than enough to fill a container with 30,000 lbs of nails and 12,000 lbs of medical supplies.
Amazing, I think so.
Thanks Ray
Sorry I haven't been around lately, really busy working in Vancouver every week on the mining equipment.
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Wed, 23 Feb 2005 20:52:25 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, that is such awesome news!!! I've noticed that your tin cup isn't getting much attention... how can we help raise awareness of this wonderful work you're doing and help fill that cup! I don't have a lot of money or I would fill it myself... Any ideas on how we can help you get the money to send this stuff???
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Wed, 23 Feb 2005 21:14:12 PST Comment feedback score: 0 ~ Carla White ~ said:
Ray, that is such awesome news!!! I've noticed that your tin cup isn't getting much attention... how can we help raise awareness of this wonderful work you're doing and help fill that cup! I don't have a lot of money or I would fill it myself... Any ideas on how we can help you get the money to send this stuff???
Thanks Carla, we are selling gold on Ebay to raise money and I called a few friends I know and asked them to help They said they would ?? So the money is starting to come in. I will let you know how much has come in at the end of next week when the ebay auction is over.
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Wed, 23 Feb 2005 22:35:13 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
i hope and pray you find a big gold boulder!!!
By Rory Turner (CCAL30) (1114), Thu, 24 Feb 2005 07:41:55 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray,
You and your wife are truly amazing. Is there a way to propagate the request for help with the tin cup out into our other communities? I would be glad to send an email to my circles letting them know about this good work. Ray, do you have a nice blurb about what you do that I could paste into a letter like that?
By Niny Khor (1415), Thu, 24 Feb 2005 17:57:47 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hi Ray - what an amazing story! Can you also give us the link to the auction in eBay? :)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 24 Feb 2005 18:49:57 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Rory "please vote this week" Turner said:
Ray, You and your wife are truly amazing. Is there a way to propagate the request for help with the tin cup out into our other communities? I would be glad to send an email to my circles letting them know about this good work. Ray, do you have a nice blurb about what you do that I could paste into a letter like that? I haven't written anything like that Rory but last November an article was written in our local news paper so I'll post it here for you. Thanks for your support all of you.
Ray
Canada World Youth pitch in Shelley Irish/Times Review Two volunteers from Canada World Youth wheel out supplies bound for Grenada. The Caribbean island was devastated by hurricanes this fall. By Shelley Irish Staff Writer
In 1995, Raymond and Jackie Brosseuk started the program Partners for Others, an effort that ships containers filled with goods to aid those in need in the South Pacific. Since that time over one million pounds of materials have been shipped and distributed to schools, hospitals and clinics for the poverty-stricken. This year, the ever hard-working group from Canada World Youth helped the Brosseuk's fill the large rail containers with bundles of clothes, shoes, stuffed animals, and boxes of books. These items are destined for Grenada after Hurricane Ivan devastated the Caribbean island. Since the island has suffered the loss of electricity, 300 kerosene lanterns were added to the list of deliveries. On top of that, medical supplies such as walkers, wheelchairs and hospital beds have been gathered to send to medical clinics in the area as well. The non-denominational Partners for Others is entirely made up of volunteers who donate their energy, time and part of their own incomes to gather and distribute the warm clothes and nourishing food they're able to glean. Collected from around the province, Partners for Others distributes their offerings to the needy along Vancouver's infamous Hastings St. and to the underprivileged in Nunavut as well as the Caribbean and South Pacific. "This is a great idea, everyone should do this," said one member of Canada's World Youth. With their many volunteer efforts the small CWY contingent, along with Partners for Others, are leaving a positive mark on both their local and global communities. ? Copyright 2004
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 24 Feb 2005 19:08:19 PST Comment feedback score: 0 Niny Khor said:
Hi Ray - what an amazing story! Can you also give us the link to the auction in eBay? :)
My wife and kids are with me in Vancouver this week, she is out right now, when she comes in I will ask her for the link and post it.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 24 Feb 2005 19:58:23 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Here is the links to the gold on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item= 4969892825&ssPageName=STRK:M ESE:IT http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item= 4969916659&ssPageName=STRK:M ESE:IT http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item= 4969928035&ssPageName=STRK:M ESE:IT
Thanks
Ray
By Niny Khor (1415), Thu, 24 Feb 2005 20:19:33 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
wow, the second pendant looks almost like africa ..
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Thu, 24 Feb 2005 21:12:28 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow ... it looks amazingly like Africa! Ray, I'll say it again, you are awesome and inspiring.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 27 Feb 2005 17:05:51 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Great news on the money for freight. I called a friend in Vancouver this last week and he said he would donate $1,000 towards the cost of shipping. We are well on our way now.
Thanks
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 27 Feb 2005 17:17:09 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|-(net 0 from me)
ah such great news!!!! i'm so glad to hear that! again ray, i so admire you and your wife... and still hoping you find a big gold rock or boulder! it could happen right?
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2031), Sun, 27 Feb 2005 17:46:01 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, I am just thunderstruck by the serendipity that surrounds you! The story you shared above about the knock on the door and the medical supplies made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. There's a whopping pile of divine intervention going on around you, my friend! I'm going to help get that tin cup back up into the public eye again. I've got a few ideas. I'll be back shortly ...
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 27 Feb 2005 18:44:02 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks to both of you. Carla It could happen, our neighbor took out 300 ounces for the whole year then in the last week before quitting for the season he hit a 1000 ounces. It hasn't happened to us yet, the best so far was 150 ounces in 9 hours. No boulders just nuggets from 5 ounces down to dust. Sue I feel it to, I am still shocked at the whole thing it is really amazing how thing are coming together. When things like this happen you know that what you are doing for others must be right.
Thanks
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 28 Feb 2005 08:29:15 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks to everyone thats helping. The tin cup fund is growing 175.00 now. Even my hair dresser in Vancouver is getting involved. Over the past year I told him a few things about what we are doing and now he has collected clothes and other stuff to help, it is so neat to see other people getting involved in this project. It's a great feeling when you are doing something for someone else and other people around you get excited about it to and before you know it, they have caught the bug of helping others.
Thanks Ray
By Meron s'Mor'z (2013), Mon, 28 Feb 2005 08:35:35 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me) Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k said:
~ It's a great feeling when you are doing something for someone else and other people around you get excited about it to and before you know it, they have caught the bug of helping others. ~ Kinda' works like a Yawwwwwwwn ; )
By sooner (565), Mon, 28 Feb 2005 09:33:26 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
I think we need a single place that shows all the current tin cups. I had to search for this one. Or maybe we do and I don't know where it is. Great work Ray.
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1334 by 61 members (most recent: 9 hours ago by Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (611) Viewed: 17277 times by 547 members
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 28 Feb 2005 23:23:38 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Terry Fritts said:
I think we need a single place that shows all the current tin cups. I had to search for this one. Or maybe we do and I don't know where it is. Great work Ray.
Thanks Terry for your encouragement and support. I think Sue is working on it.
Ray
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2031), Tue, 01 Mar 2005 11:13:29 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Terry Fritts said:
I think we need a single place that shows all the current tin cups. I had to search for this one. It's about to be unwrapped this week. I think you'll find it's easy, and kinda colourful to boot ;^) More news soon ...
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2031), Tue, 01 Mar 2005 11:18:12 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Something wonderful is incubating in a small little corner not unlike this project that Ray has graciously shared with us here. Might be interesting to collaborate. Have a look: http://www.omidyar.net/group/tsu nami/news/1/ It's a lengthy thread, but it transforms into something that has me quite excited, and I think many of you are natural allies to help guide this with a little good old fashioned grassroots wisdom. This, in partnership with Ray's project, and Douglas Arellanes' ACEH radio project, could be the kind of convergence that might create "the perfect storm". I realize that may be an insensitive metaphor, and it's surely not intended that way, but have a look and see what you think. Wouldn't it be a lovely set of synergies to blend?
Seems sympatico.
By sooner (565), Tue, 01 Mar 2005 13:55:48 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Thank you Sue - I love the opportunities to participate in these Tin Cup projects - makes me really feel like I'm doing something to help out a bit. If something has you excited then I'm excited, too.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 05 Mar 2005 20:43:31 PST Edited: Wed, 20 Apr 2005 20:58:46 PDT Comment feedback score: 0
Update on the aid for Sri Lanka. I received 6 phone calls this week while I was in Vancouver, all of them amazing. The first was from an organization called Gleaners in the Okanagan area of BC. They gave us 12 barrels of dehydrated soup mix and apples. Each barrel holds 80-1 kilo or 2.2lb bags of soup mix and each bag when mixed with water and boiled makes 300 cups of soup, so each barrel has 24,000 cups of soup. They also have some wheel chairs and crutches to give us.
The second and third was more wheel chairs, crutches and medical supplies from the Salmon Arm Red Cross and our local Red cross. I couldn't believe the Red Cross was giving stuff to us. They said they were really thrilled to see that this stuff would be going to Sri Lanka. Fourth call, 100 more tents, donated from a merchant in Kamloops BC.
Fifth call, A friend I know in Oregon called me and asked if I was sending any more containers this year I said yes, one to Sri Lanka and we now have so much stuff I think I will need to send another one to Fiji. He said how are you for finances. I told him about the Tin cup $175 and the $1,000 donated from a friend in Vancouver and that we have $500 ourselves so far. He said how much to send both containers? I told him it would be about $9,000 US He said well I will send you $6,200 towards the cause. I am still in shock. That means we have a total of about $7,500 US, wow not far to go.
I have lots of driving this week picking all this up but it's worth it. J
Thanks to all of you and I enjoy sharing this with you.
Thanks Ray
By Lars Hasselblad Torres (3514), Sat, 05 Mar 2005 20:46:23 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, way to go!!! Great to see a pure-bred operations man at work :)
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sat, 05 Mar 2005 20:46:57 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
OH MY GOSH!!! RAY THIS IS SO WONDERFUL!!! YOU ARE SUCH A MIRACLE OF REAPING AND SOWING.... I love it! THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS WITH US!!!! you are such an inspiration!!! GOD BLESS YOU! (even more!)
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2031), Sat, 05 Mar 2005 22:13:30 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me) Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k said:
He said well I will send you $6,200 towards the cause. I am still in shock. That means we have a total of about $7,500 US, wow not far to go.
Ray, that's incredible! You are just an amazing karma magnet! Bless you and Jackie for this wonderful work that you continue to do, and thanks for continuing to share it with us.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 06 Mar 2005 13:58:13 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I was logging on just to tell you that I got another call from a charitable group in Langley BC just out of Vancouver. They are going to donate clothes and blankets to us. Things are coming in faster than I can pick them up. I also checked the tin cup and noticed that the funds have grown a lot today thanks to someone very nice who added $500. :):):)
Thanks Thanks
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Mon, 07 Mar 2005 20:27:14 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Gone tomorrow picking up more supplies. Driving down to Washington state 10 hours round trip. Gone the next day 8 hours driving to pick up the dehydrated soup mix. Will tell you all about it Thursday after I pick up all the stuff from the red cross only 2 a hour trip. I am tired already and I haven't left yet. :):)
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Mon, 07 Mar 2005 20:32:38 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
safe travels... god be with you...
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2031), Tue, 08 Mar 2005 12:49:28 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Nice to see that your tin cup has attracted a bit more generosity, Ray! Also glad to hear that the generosity is still continuing in meatspace too :^) Love the way that you keep us in the loop ...
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 13:57:27 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I am back from two trips picking up 35,000 lbs of stuff with only one flat tire. I have some incredible news to share with everyone here. I am busy writing and will post a little later. Believe me when I say, you won't want to miss this story.
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 14:23:23 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
ohhhh can't wait ray, always LOVE what you share.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 15:59:31 PST Comment feedback score: 10 (* * * * * * * * * *)
A courier showed up at my door today. I called my wife and kids around and told them the story of what has been happening for the past 5 days. We then gathered around and slowly opened the envelope to see if it was really true. It's true; tears welled up in my eyes when I saw what was inside. We sat there stunned wondering why someone, a complete stranger would do this for us. Then I thought of all the people that we have helped over the years. It helped me understand how they felt when they received the gifts that we have taken over to them. I understand now why they sit and weep for joy at receiving something they never thought they could afford, with no string attached, just because someone cares about them. Now, those people have someone else who cares for them as well, the people behind The Maya Foundation. Here is how the events of the past week unfolded. I received an email on March 4th with four words in it?..
--- Michael Wilson wrote:
Checked your mailbox lately? I responded?..
--- Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k wrote:
Help, do you mean my email or my regular mail ? If you mean my regular mail, I have not been to the post office for 2 weeks as I have been away. Ray Then?..
--- Michael Wilson wrote: Regular mail. Might want to check it.
Then I wrote back?..
--- Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k wrote: I just went to the post office there was nothing unusual. What am I supposed to be looking for? can you give me a hint. If not, I will just keep checking the mail and let you know when I find something. Thanks Ray Then I get this?.
--- Michael Wilson wrote: http://www.omidyar.net/group/com munity-general/news/606/ Then?.
Now I am in a bit of a shock as I had never seen or heard of this post. I feel a little stupid now for not seeing this post when it was going on. I write back.
--- Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k wrote: Michael I am a little lost for words after reading the thread. I will start by saying on behalf of all the people whose lives this will touch, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! It is quite amazing over the last two months I found myself reading the 25k thread, saying boy, if I had some money right now if my new business was further along, I would just give some money to one of these people that I think deserve it and show people on the thread that action is needed. Now I read this and see that you were able to act on it. I send my congrats to you for doing this, not because it is coming to our project but because I admire you for doing something that makes a real difference in this world This is how my wife and I have learned to work, we step forward in faith believing that if we just do all that we can, it will work out and I can tell you for 9 years now it has every time. I was actually thinking the other day that when I get everything collected, there is probably going to be more than 4 containers of stuff to ship and clearly not enough money. As you are probably aware from my posts, with the small amount of money we have and what we have been given there is almost enough funds to send two containers in the next three weeks. Now with your donation it is clear to me that this is why so much extra stuff was donated to us, because someone bigger than you and I knew there would be enough money to send it. We have a quote on our web site that says "By many hands the work of God is done" We thank you for your hands. After the check arrives, I would like to say a public thank you on o.net if that is ok with you. I really feel it will encourage a lot of good people here. It will let them know that they shouldn't let the "nay sayers" get them down. Good things will and do happen. Ray Brosseuk Last email Sender: Michael Wilson (63) Date sent: Mon, 07 Mar 2005 17:33:47 PST Date opened: Mon, 07 Mar 2005 17:36:41 PST As it says in the thread, you are free to thank us in public or not, it's your choice. END.
I hope after reading this everyone working on the 25k challenge will be inspired to come together and get the job done. Let us set aside our differences and work together to bring this kind of joy to someone else. I am thrilled to share this with all of you and I want each and everyone of you to not give up on making a difference in this world, it does work and you will experience a fulfillment in your life like never before. To Michael, we send our heartfelt thanks to you, from ourselves personally, and on behalf of all the people who will benefit from your generous gift.
Photo http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005- 1/938053/IMG_2926edit.JPG
I will continue to keep you all updated as we continue this incredible journey.
Thanks Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:03:31 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
guess you got the gold boulder i've been praying for hun???? god bless you ray!!! i am so very happy for you!!!! still gonna pray for more gold boulders... "he who refreshes others, he himself will be refreshed!" Love it!!!!
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:07:03 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
and what a cute family!!!! i'd LOVE to send one of our videos to you for them to enjoy... pm me your address!!! THANK YOU AGAIN RAY FOR WHAT YOU DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you're a true inspiration!!! i am so happy i could spit!!!, cry? jump? something!!!!
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:09:38 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
i'll add one more thing... i've been a bit bummed that your tin cup wasn't filling up that fast. i know you don't go around "bragging" about what you do... but you just do it, but i was hoping it'd fill up quicker... well, well, god knew the whole time HOW it'd get filled.... oh me of little faith! sorry i keep posting, i just can't tell you how happy i am!!!
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:14:34 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Carla, we need to post on the tin cup, Goal more than Acomplished!
By Rory Turner (CCAL30) (1114), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:17:10 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +- (net 0 from me)
Bravo Ray, bravo Michael Wilson! What else do you need Ray?
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:28:24 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Rory Turner said: Bravo Ray, bravo Michael Wilson! What else do you need Ray? If you were here right now, I would say I need you to help me unload my truck and trailer its been sitting in the yard loaded with barrels of dehydrated food and medical supplies since last night and I just don't want to do it:) The night before last I unloaded 374 boxes, each one weighing 65 lbs for a total of 24,310 lbs of books. I am a little tired ! :)
Thanks, Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:29:48 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
so you need a massage!!! or some neighbors to help lighten the load... somehow those 3 adorable kiddies probably can't lift too much...
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:32:35 PST Comment feedback score: 0
?~?Carla White ?~? said: so you need a massage!!! or some neighbors to help lighten the load... somehow those 3 adorable kiddies probably can't lift too much... To bad for them, I am going to need their help today:)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:35:55 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Gone for two hours to unload, I will catch up with the posts after I have worked the kids really hard :) My wife says to let you know, I am just "kidding" pardon the pun,
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2031), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:37:49 PST Comment feedback score: 0+- (net 0 from me)
Ray, my dear, I will absolutely update your Tin Cup ;^) I can't imagine anyone who deserves this wonderful help more than you and Jackie, and it seems destined as did most everything you've shared with us in this wonderful thread. Blessings, Sue.
Unbelievable Donation
Posted to: Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371) by Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 21 Jan 2005 22:00:13 PST Edited: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:28:55 PST Feedback score: 313 (* * * * * * * * * *) Tags: community success Comments: 1334 by 61 members (most recent: 10 hours ago by Michael Pattinson (CCAL30) (611)) Viewed: 17281 times by 547 members
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2031), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:40:02 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
For those of you who may have missed it, we did the Member Spotlight on Ray in ONTopic last week: http://www.omidyar.net/group/com munity-general/ws/ontopic/rev/29 / He shared some wonderful things in his background piece with me. Have a look when you have a moment.
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:45:15 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
i don't know, i feel like we should be having a party or something!!! to celebrate... sue's where's that karaoke??? LOL...
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2031), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:48:57 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2031), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:57:42 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Tin Cup's been updated to reflect your goal having been reached, and doubled ;^) http://www.omidyar.net/group/tin cup/ws/Shipping%20Goods%20for%20 Tsunami%20Reconstruction/
By Tom Munnecke (1530), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 17:00:02 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Congratulations, Ray... and Thanks, Michael! By the way, Direct Relief International in Santa Barbara ships a lot of containers like this, Thomas Tighe is their CEOand a good guy..
By Ed Runner (212), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 17:11:40 PST Edited: Thu, 10 Mar 2005 17:13:55 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Wonderful! Thanks to both Michael and Ray.
By u329009328 (1110), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 17:24:30 PST Edited: Thu, 11 May 2006 02:13:56 PDT Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Removed.
By Cynthia Gentry (CCAL30) (1880), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 19:14:46 PST Edited: Thu, 10 Mar 2005 19:15:22 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Wow!! This is such a joy to read. Congratulations you so deserve this! for the work you and your family do, Ray. Blessings are raining where they are needed...hurrah! I love the picture above. Think how the lives of those three smiling faces will be uplifted by this gift. Ripples...wonderful ripples! Michael, you rock!
By Niny Khor (1415), Thu, 10 Mar 2005 21:50:28 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hello Ray! Congratulations!!! :) :) :) :)
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 11 Mar 2005 17:44:05 PST Comment feedback score: 1 (*)
Some more pictures of the stuff I have been picking up this week. I think I need a fork lift, my back is sore :) http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005-1/938053/IMG_2946.JPG http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2 005-1/938053/IMG_2948.JPG More clothes in bages to be sorted and bailed. Dehydrated soup mix and apples in the drums. Medical supplies are all in another small room, forgot to take a picture. Books.
Thanks
Ray
By Tom Munnecke (1530), Fri, 11 Mar 2005 18:03:37 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
great pics, Ray... Just out of curiosity, how do you decide where to send this stuff?
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Fri, 11 Mar 2005 18:25:10 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray,
maybe since you have more than you need for your crates... you could use some of the money Maya donated to buy a forklift??? I don't know how much those are, but it would sure be a help for you, as it seem like these donations to you aren't gonna stop, AND it's important that you don't get injured!!! Just thinking out loud...
Carla
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Fri, 11 Mar 2005 18:31:11 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Tom, Up until last year we focused on the South Pacific as I grew up there. Lately it has been wherever we hear of a need like the one we sent to Grenada last year because of hurricane Ivan and now Sri Lanka because of the tsunami. Before I will ship to places that I don't know or can't be present to distribute it personally, I make sure to find someone or a reputable organization on the ground that I have a comfort level with.
Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 13 Mar 2005 21:42:59 PST Comment feedback score: 3 (* * *)
Going to Vancouver in the morning, gone all week will try and drop in every evening if its not to late, I don't want to miss anything. A charity in Vancouver has called and donated clothing that is already cleaned, sorted and bailed, so I will be picking up 12,000 lbs to bring home on Fri. It just keeps coming in. I hired a lady in town today thanks to Michael. Her husband works at the local grocery store and he has been diagnosed with lung cancer. He is still trying to work a little but his health is failing. His wife was working but got laid of a month ago and we heard they are pretty hard up right now. I asked her if she would want to sort and fold clothes for me and I will bail on the weekend when I am home. She was so thankful for the job as they have two kids still at home. It's kind of cool we are now helping someone locally who is helping us, help someone overseas.
Thanks
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 13 Mar 2005 23:41:20 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, what can I say but "praise the lord!" this is great news... amazing!!! thank you again for sharing it with us.. I love it!!!
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sat, 19 Mar 2005 09:43:40 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hi Ray, Any updates? Forklifts? Really enjoy following this story. Can't wait to hear your next report.
Carla
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2031), Sat, 19 Mar 2005 11:02:58 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, this thread seems to be a continuous source of uplift and renewal. It's wonderful to see that you've reached out to someone else who needs assistance and that this project of your's and Jackie's can provide it. Thanks for continuing to keep us up-to-date despite how hectic things are for you right now. Would it be worth while to start a tin cup for this woman and her husband so that other ommidyar.net members can throw in a bit of spare change to help out too?
Blessings, Sue.
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 19 Mar 2005 18:37:37 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I'm home and I will be going down to the warehouse tomorrow to unload another 12,000 lbs that's sitting on my truck and trailer.
Carla, no fork lift yet, I probably won't buy one until I'm 80. I keep telling myself that this is good for me it's my exercise program, the one I should be doing, but never do. We were given boxes of new towels and linens, wheel chairs, walkers, canes, 200 more new tents, new rain gear and boots, 40 cases with 12 boxes in each of baby pablum, cases of arrow root cookies, 300 new kerosene barn lanterns, I think that's it ???
I get such a rush thinking about how each and every item that is in our warehouse will change someone's life for the better and most of all bring them joy and let them know that there is people on the other side of the world that care about them.
Thanks Ray
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sat, 19 Mar 2005 18:43:03 PST Comment feedback score: 0
Thanks Sue for the Tin Cup offer, but I think they are going to be ok now, she got a job this week at Dennys restaurant and she will continue to work for us part time, this will help them get caught up.
Thanks
Ray
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2031), Sat, 19 Mar 2005 19:38:10 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, thanks for the continued updates. Please let us know if the situation changes and assistance would be of use? I read this thread and have a hard time visualizing what you are doing. It seems so huge! This really is just incredibly to see it unfold. You're a great pipeline of good energy into the community ;^)
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sat, 19 Mar 2005 19:55:33 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Ray, do you wear a lifting belt when you lift all this stuff? If not, please get one... one slip and you could be down for good... (one slip of a disc that is!) I worry about you... Amazing about all the new donations!!! Seems like heaven is surely opening up those storehouses, so much that you can't contain it hun? God Bless you and ALL you do... :) I think of you all the time and smile and think of all the blessings you are spreading.
By Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2031), Sat, 19 Mar 2005 20:00:52 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Hey, Carla, I think Ray's got the kind of "lift belt" you can't buy in stores ;^)
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sat, 19 Mar 2005 20:01:31 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
Amen to that... but I still worry about that back of his... :(
By Ray B-r-o-s-s-e-u-k (CCAL30) (1371), Sun, 20 Mar 2005 08:35:25 PST Comment feedback score: 0
I read what you girls posted and laughed, I've never used one of those in my life, I been lifting stuff like this since I could remember. Then I read to Jackie what you posted and now i have to buy one and wear it, Thanks alot :) (Did you catch the small i,:)
Ray
By c•a•r•l•a (white) (1330), Sun, 20 Mar 2005 08:39:57 PST Comment feedback score: 0 +|- (net 0 from me)
i caught the small i but what does it mean? ray, i can't believe you do all that lifting without a belt AND i am happy that you will now be wearing one... and get one for your son too if he starts lifting things that are too heavy... sorry, don't want to be heavy handed, just wanna keep you strong for all the work you guys do! i still think you need a forklift, maybe someone can donate one to you... who even makes those things? we really gotta get you one... somehow.