Westfalia Orphanage Christmas Party 2013

On Saturday 21st December, Sonrisasenperu hosted our 4th annual Westfalia Orphanage Christmas Party. It was a huge event made possible with lots of help from so many people. A special thanks to Alex and Business Links Institute, Sean C. and family, George S., Mahlon for the amazing photos, and everybody who contributed with gifts, food, or their time! (Way too many names to list here – but you know who you are. You really lit up the day for these kids!). My sincere apologies for taking so long to do this write-up but it’s been hectic of late. I lost my entire computer hard-drive just before Christmas (with no backup!), busy doing the Christmas thing, and my wife and I had our baby, Cristina, on January 4. So time is something I haven’t had a lot of lately.

The party was the best we’ve ever had with an amazing show with dancers, DJ, singing, dancing, games and prizes, face-painting, the usual traditional turkey lunch, and Santa and helpers were handing out the gifts this year which the kids loved. It was such a special day for the 100+ orphans that live at the remote orphanage in Cieneguilla on the outskirts of Lima, Peru.

We had a huge trampoline with safety net and it was amazing seeing how happy the kids were! It was definitely something new and exciting for them.

Like every year, each child received two gifts and it was so rewarding to see the looks on their faces as they came up and collected them from Santa and his helpers. These aren’t kids who have bikes, cell phones, playstations, or toys we took for granted growing up so their faces showed how exciting it really was for them.

The kids were very busy familiarizing themselves with their new gifts which was great to see.

As well as those who got involved in the gift process I’d like to thank those that came out and spent time with the children. It meant a lot to them to spend such a great day with good people.

A big thank you to those who have helped us make this event so special. And thank you to all those who have donated funds, food, clothes, and their time to these amazing children. For over 4 years now I have personally seen amazing changes in these children. They all come from terrible situations whether it be physical or sexual abuse, abandonment, from the streets, or simply that their families cannot afford to care for them. They come from all parts of Peru to join this big family. And they continually grow in character from shy and reserved children into loving, confident, caring, empathetic teenagers. And this doesn’t occur simply from dropping off food or clothes but from constant contact and letting them know that people do care about them, and that they are worthwhile. And the children are well aware of the global help they receive and constantly ask me about the people and countries that contribute. So thank you for making a difference in the lives of others.

Sonrisasenperu has some very important projects coming up for 2014 including a HUGE water project which includes building a high capacity water filter and several large water towers to run clean water to every building at the orphanage (currently there is only one clean water point). This would put a stop to the use of contaminated river water. The project includes the planting of 100 fruit trees and drip irrigation to provide a self-sustaining food source for the orphanage. We will also be assisting in the upgrade of the childrens’ rundown, 24 year old accommodation. We also continue to provide food and clothing for the 100 orphans at Westfalia as well as other rural children in need.

If you can help out please send a donation or help spread the word by copying this post onto your facebook or twitter.

Thanks for helping to make a difference!

If you can help out please send a donation or help spread the word by copying this post onto your facebook or twitter.

Thanks for making a difference! 🙂