In the Spring of 2010, I viewed the CBC documentary, ‘Educating Margaret’. The story peaked my interest and I immediately decided that the Canadian Harambee Education Society would benefit from a pulling together of my clients, friends and associates. Our goal was to make a difference in the lives of African girls. In Swahili, Harambee means ‘pulling together’. Within a few short months, 96 Vancouver golfers pulled together to play for the girls. Having taught elementary school for eight years in my first career, I appreciate the painful task that Lorrie Williams faced 25 years ago. A Canadian teacher in Kenya, Lorrie had to tell some girls that they were unable to attend high school due to lack of finances.
Visit www.Harambeegolf.ca for full details
The first annual Harambee Charity Golf Classic, held on 16 July, 2009 at Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy, was a stunning success.
The tournament was very fortunate to have the endorsement and participation of two CPGA members, Ginny Golding and April Stubbs, who volunteered their time and efforts to create such a great event for such an important cause, educating African girls through the Canadian Harambee Education Society.
Ninety-six golfers participated in this event. As well as having a great golf game, the golfers were entertained with a silent auction, yoga, tournament prizes, rhythmic drums, and a delicious dinner. The feedback on the tournament was so positive that we are expecting many of the same golfers in 2010.
The Inaugural Tournament in July 2009 raised close to $22,000.
This money included 8 individual sponsorships (enabling 8 girls to have 4 full years of high-school education), the purchase of textbooks for Kenya, computer update for agents in Kenya, malaria-mosquito nets and other support as determined by CHES, including helping girls who have lost their sponsors, emergency medical or dental help as assessed, workshops (assertiveness training, AIDs information, job training) and so on. The tournament organisers were extremely proud of their first year’s success and look forward to July 2010.
