Established by the Parish in 2004, The Corpus
Christi Africa Fund (CCAF) is an overseas fundraising initiative
focused currently on supporting two African beneficiaries: Our Lady
of Nazareth Primary School (OLN) in Nairobi, Kenya and SUUBI
Orphanage near Entebbe, Uganda.
Corpus Christi provides Uji (Porridge)
for the Children at OLN
Both OLN and SUUBI support African children in desperate
need. OLN caters for 1,500 children (from 5 to 14) in the
Mukuru Kwa Njenga slum area of Nairobi, while SUUBI provides a
caring home for 22 children with no known living relatives.
The charities were chosen as CCAF beneficiaries because of their
immediate pressing need and, importantly, because of their direct
links with two parishioners; Jeremy Best (OLN) and Pat Kerton
(SUUBI). Jeremy and Pat work very closely with each
beneficiary to identify how our CCAF donations can be of maximum
help and to ensure that the funds reach them directly and
quickly.
For the last five years, the Parish has given very generously to
OLN and SUUBI through Lenten donations and fund-raising activities
undertaken by CCAF and other Parish groups. In 2009 alone,
£27,000 has been raised through donations and gift aid.
Our Lady of Nazareth
The CCAF has provided OLN with: large tanks for collecting
rainwater; badly needed new desks and toilets; their first computer
room, an extension to the library; and most recently a music centre
for students. CCAF has in 2009 provided the funds for the two
most junior forms to have "Uji" daily, which supplements their
often poor diet.
New Music Centre - provided by money from Corpus
Christi
SUUBI
For SUUBI, meanwhile, assistance with educational costs is the
prime focus. The CCAF has paid £5,000 each year for a
Kindergarten and Sunday school teacher and to send children to a
local Christian primary school. In addition, we have provided
funds to help build SUUBI 2 - another desperately needed children's
home - and a Sunday school.
The Parish has provided enormous support to OLN and SUUBI since
2004 and the CCAF Committee continues to be dedicated to raising
funds for chosen beneficiaries that need our help. The CCAF
Committee meets about four times a year to review current projects,
consider how funds should be disbursed and to plan CCAF parish
activities such as the annual CCAF Fun Bike Ride in June. For
further information or to donate please contact Jeremy