Surgical Success Story - #81

We'd like you to meet Elfenesh Cholibol. She is 50 years old and has suffered with a prolapse for five years. She has had eleven pregnancies and has seven living children. Her third-degree uterine prolapse, large cystocele and rectocele were repaired in surgery earlier this week. 

Incredibly, Shelley and Val were able to meet Elfenesh and then put on scrubs and watch some of her life-changing surgery. What an amazing opportunity!

Shelley and a small team of volunteers in Ethiopia right now catching up with all of our projects. Our Facebook page has more about what they're seeing and experiencing.

Gems & Java

by Megan Stacey

Friends, food, shopping, and doing good – what’s not to like?

Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia’s flagship fundraiser, Gems & Java, has become a pillar of Woodstock’s local fundraising scene.

Longtime guests say that once you go, you have to go back, usually with a few extra people in tow.

“We brought my mom for Mother’s Day one year, and as soon as my sisters came they were like ‘oh my gosh, this is crazy’ and they fell in love with it, too,” said Lori Otto, who’s attended the event from the very beginning.

She’s introduced many people to the fun that is Gems & Java, recruiting most of the female relatives in her family, including her daughter and one of her daughter’s friends.

“My daughter is just 18 and she comes and goes crazy. She shops and shops and shops,” Lori said.

“I found it’s just such a good time for getting everybody together, all the girls.”

Gems & Java has changed as it picked up steam over the past six years. The very first event drew about 100 people. These days more than 500 guests come to enjoy the merriment.

“It keeps growing every year. Every year the committee adds something to make it exciting. It’s never boring because you never know what you’re going to get,” said Judi VanDeCappelle, a longtime donor and guest at Gems & Java.

“It keeps growing every year. Every year the committee adds something to make it exciting. ”

— Judi VanDeCappelle

There are some constants, of course, like good food, impeccable Ethiopian coffee, and an inspirational speech from Shelley Green to update guests about the impact of their funds in Ethiopia.

But the Bags & Baubles Boutique is another area of constant change. The offerings there have expanded just as much as the crowds at the event.

“It was like going to a little boutique when it started, to a shopping mall, now,” said Lori. “It is just so much fun to go. You feel like you’re in a real store.”

Every guest at Gems & Java is able to select one complimentary purse, scarf, or piece of jewellery. Additional pieces can be purchased, and all the proceeds support Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia.

Lori still remembers what she chose at the very first event.

“It’s a black, leather purse. It was brand new, it had never been used, and now I use it for dressing up,” she said. “The purse is designed like an elephant, the handle goes around and it’s the elephant trunk. It’s really cute.”

One thing sticks out in her mind: “There’s so much to choose from.”

It’s the same story at the silent auction table.

A group of dedicated volunteers work for months leading up to Gems & Java, soliciting gift cards, handmade craft items, and tons of other unique products to entice donors.

“We brainstorm ideas for the kinds of items that we think will generate some excitement on our tables,” said Kim Leuverink, chair of the silent auction committee.

Think pottery, gourmet gift baskets, handmade charcuterie boards – there’s something for everyone.

“We work really hard to make the silent auction appeal to a wide range of people, and we always try to make sure we include some really unique items,” Kim said.

Last year proceeds from the silent auction cracked $10,000.

“It’s always exciting to see those bids run up,” Kim said. “To think about how much that can do for people in Ethiopia is pretty gratifying.”

“To think about how much we can do for the people in Ethiopia is pretty gratifying.”

— Kim Leuverink

And both events have brand new items on display, both in the Bags & Baubles Boutique and atop the silent auction tables, for both the Friday and Saturday events.

It takes a lot to make the two days run smoothly. Lisa Green is in charge of managing the volunteer power at Gems & Java.

“The cause is a great one – helping people in Ethiopia is exciting – and every little bit donated as volunteer time or money is useful,” she said.

Lisa thinks it’s the social time and the feeling of connection that keeps both guests and volunteers coming back.

“A lot of ladies have said that they so look forward to this event to spend the afternoon or evening with their friends for a great cause.”

It’s that great cause part that stays with guests long after they leave the music and jewellery behind. Many are brought to tears by the stories that Shelley shares from Ethiopia. There are new projects to announce, and updates to share.

The impact, the lives changed in Ethiopia, makes all the thousands of hours that go into the event worth it.

“She can tell it just like it is. She’s a very good speaker. She never ceases to hold my attention,” Judi said of Shelley’s speech.

“Each year you think, ‘there’s just such a need.'”

“Each year you think, ‘there’s just such a need.’”

— Judi VanDeCappelle

And the grassroots nature of Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia has some distinct advantages when it comes to donations.

“I honestly believe that when I donate money for something specific here, Shelley is making sure that gets done. I don’t know about other people, but that’s really important to me,” Judi said.

Donors at the event – and those that contribute from afar – know that they’ll be able to see and hear exactly where their dollars went in Ethiopia.

“Because of who we are as Canadians – generally speaking we’re pretty fortunate people here – I think they just see the need to help people who struggle on a daily basis,” Kim said.

“I think that really pulls heartstrings.”

If you’ve never experienced Gems & Java, this is the year to jump on board. Once you see the event in action, it’s likely you’ll be a devotee. 

Volunteer Profile: Heading to Ethiopia

by Megan Stacey

Val and Kyle Easton

Val and Kyle Easton have always been interested in dipping their toes into the waters of international development work.

Long before joining Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia, Val had dreams of living somewhere in Africa during her retirement. Kyle had always planned to spend time with his mom when she went abroad.

So when the opportunity came up to travel to Ethiopia as part of their volunteer work, it was an opportunity too good to pass up.

“I had always had it in mind that I wanted to do this. I wanted to see for myself. I just think it’s going to be really life-changing,” Val said.

When she found out Kyle was planning to go on the next Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia trip, Val made a decision almost instantly.

“I said, ‘that’s it! If Kyle’s going, I’m definitely going.’”

Kyle, a member of the board, said he jumped at the chance when it was mentioned at a meeting.

“I want to see how it all works. The systems they have, how do they put our money to use, how the projects function on the ground,” he said.

For Val, the priority is meeting and connecting with people at the core of Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia’s work. She wants to share and sing and smile with the children in our projects and the women receiving surgeries.

“It’s different than a larger organization because you can really see the fruits of your labour, quickly.”

— Kyle Easton

“Shelley has said several times something that really sticks with me,” Val explained. “The only difference between them and me is where we were born.”

It’s clearly been a hot topic for the Easton family.

“That’s bothered me for many, many years,” Kyle said.

“You and I have talked many times about this, and how guilty it makes you feel when you have so many advantages,” Val added.

It’s part of what drives both mother and son in their volunteer roles. Val sits on the Promotions Committee, and is a self-described “gopher” in the lead-up to Gems & Java. Kyle, a CPA, is able to offer financial and accounting expertise to the board.

“I’d been interested in charitable work overseas for a while and hadn’t had an avenue to pursue that,” Kyle said. “This was a good fit.”

They’re prepared for some of the stress and culture shock that comes with a cross-continental journey to a developing country.

“We know what we’re going to see, to some extent. Obviously the whole experience, the sounds, the sights, the smells, all of that, will make it a lot realer than just talking about it now, but I think I’m prepared for that,” Kyle added.

The Eastons feel grateful that the trip is a possibility, financially and logistically, for them this year. Val and Kyle know that it will help guide their future work with Mothers.

“It’s different than a larger organization because you can really see the fruits of your labour, quickly, and you know what’s happening. We raise money and send it directly to projects, and then get feedback to tell people about those projects,” Kyle said.

“It feels good inside to know you’re doing a wee bit.”

— Val Easton

For Kyle, it’s comforting to be able to tell someone exactly what their $20 will help accomplish in the lives of Ethiopian women and children.

That’s what motivates Val, too.

“It feels good inside to know you’re doing a wee bit,” she said.

Spotlight on... Girls Gotta Run Foundation

by Megan Stacey

It’s about so much more than running.

The Girls Gotta Run Foundation offers about 100 young ladies the chance to form a community, to exercise and share meals among friends, to get a quality education, and to build the foundation for a better life.

Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia funds these athletic scholarships for five students in Sodo through Girls Gotta Run, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2016.

“It’s right up our alley,” said Barb Reid, a retired school principal who chairs Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia’s education advisory committee and board of directors. “It’s setting them up, definitely, for success.”

“It’s setting them up... for success.”

— Barb Reid, MWAHFE Education Advisory Committee

Girls Gotta Run is about reaching out to young women at a time of transition when many drop out of school, usually between Grade 5 and 8. At that age many girls are pressured to get married or work to support their families.

“They didn’t have any access to family planning information or health care facilities and were at a high risk of dying during childbirth. They really weren’t able to access the tools they need[ed] to build economic resilience or sustainability in their family,” said Girls Gotta Run executive director Kayla Nolan.

Sodo, Ethiopia

“So we decided to hone in on that age to help girls build a better tool set so they can reach their goals.”

The three-year athletic scholarship includes transportation to school, uniforms and running gear, medical care for the student and her mother, team lessons, practices, and coaching, plus healthy snacks and meals.

“We use athletics to create that safe environment, where girls can talk to each other about issues they may be facing and form a peer support network,” Kayla said.

Ultimately, it’s a “listening organization,” she added.

“As we became more in tune with what challenges the girls were specifically facing in rural areas and also in the city, we adapted our structure to address those needs,” she explained.

Part of that adjustment led to including the families of the girls in the program, including entrepreneurial training and a group savings plan for their mothers.

GGRF Athletic Scholar Firehiwote and her new puppy at her home in Sodo, Ethiopia.

“Not only are you keeping a girl in school, but you’re helping her family.”

— Barb Reid

“A lot of women don’t have the space to be able to talk about financial issues or learn how to manage money,” Kayla said. “It’s been really inspiring to see the moms get excited about that.”

Each woman contributes 2 birr (about ten cents) per week to a communal pot that they can draw from to enrich their businesses – everything from spice grinding to selling shoes to making injera.

“They invest in each other and then return those loans,” Kayla explained. The funds allowed one woman to hire an employee to help with her labour-intensive baskets, and another family was able to open a small shop in which to sell their traditional, homemade alcohol.

“Not only are you keeping a girl in school, but you’re helping her family,” said Barb.

Thanks to Girls Gotta Run, young Ethiopian women have gone to post-secondary school or job training, many embarking upon their dream careers and some even competing on the international running scene.

And though most of the girls are more interested in running as a recreational activity, that central tenet of the program is key to its success.

“There’s a lot of need in Ethiopia and there’s a lot of ways to invest and contribute to communities, but it’s exciting to use something that’s a source of pride for Ethiopians, like running,” Kayla said.

Girls get ready to stretch out after practice in Sodo, Ethiopia.

“It’s more dignified and speaks to the community in a way that is respectful and meaningful, and a way they can feel part of the programming we’re working on.”

Kayla said it’s validating to know that many of the girls would have left school if it weren’t for the program.

It pulls on Barb’s heartstrings, too.

“To continue their education, that’s the key. To me, with my background, without an education you don’t have much hope of anything,” she said. Barb’s elated to know the girls in this program will have a strong education in their tool belt.

And the best part is that the scholarships are an investment, not a handout.

“They’ve got to be the ones who do the work, but if we can just help with providing the money so they get the education, they’ll go on to hopefully improve the lives of more Ethiopians,” Barb said.

Kayla sees that ripple effect.

The girls avoid early marriage and tend to have their children later in life. Their parents often report a physical transformation as the girls get stronger, mentally and physically, and have access to lots of fresh air and healthy food.

And the Girls Gotta Run participants pay it forward.

“Women and girls have been shown to invest largely back into their own families and community. It’s the best investment you can make.”

— Kayla Nolan, Executive Director of GGRF

“Women and girls have been shown to invest largely back into their own families and community. It’s the best investment you can make,” Kayla said. “And it’s exciting to be able to provide an opportunity for people to invest in a way that’s going to have a really long-lasting impact, not just a one-time donation.”

For Barb, it’s about sharing the value of childhood education – no matter where you live.

“By providing them with an education, we’re providing them a future.”

Photos courtesy of Girls Gotta Run Foundation, Inc.

Sponsor Profile: Green Private Wealth Counsel, Hollis Wealth

Paul Green

Gems & Java wouldn’t be possible without the support of loyal and generous sponsors like Green Private Wealth Counsel, Hollis Wealth. 

The Woodstock business is a longtime sponsor. In fact, they’ve supported the event since its humble beginnings six years ago.

Founder Paul Green said that supporting Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia works for him on multiple levels.

“I have a connection with my sister (Shelley Green) being involved and my niece being from Ethiopia, so it’s a natural fit,” he said. 

But even beyond the family connection, Paul said he wants to support the work that Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia is doing with women, children and education projects.

“It fits my overall philanthropic philosophy,” Paul said, noting he tries to support organizations that work with marginalized and disadvantaged kids.

“I think it’s brilliant.”

— Paul Green

“Kids need the love. They need people in their lives,” he said.

The volunteer power behind Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia is another source of inspiration for Paul.

“I tend to make donations as my way of contributing,” he said. “I look at my sister and I look at all the volunteers in that organization, and it’s pretty hard not to want to help out.”

When Gems & Java was first getting off the ground, Paul admits he didn’t fully understand the vision. But after seeing the success of the first few events, he was quickly converted.

“Women are very social, they like to get together, and they love the opportunity to get stuff if it’s going to benefit them and charity,” he said.

“I think it’s brilliant.”

Surgical Success Story - #80

We are celebrating with Beselech today because after suffering with a third degree prolapse and a very large cystocoele for eight years, she is undergoing surgery today! This 60-year-old mother of five is so grateful to the Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia supporters who made this possible.

We've Got This in the Bag!

Gems & Java is coming up in just a few weeks and there is still time to help. Get involved in our "We've Got This in the Bag" campaign!

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How does it work?

1. Pick up a blue bag with this label on it (like this ←). Or, feel free to use your own bag. Pick up locations are listed below.

2. Fill the bag with gently used jewellery, purses and scarves.

3. Drop it off to one of our volunteers or at Cowan Park by March 4th.

4. Done! You've just cleaned out your closet and supported Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia!

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Pick Up Locations:

Cowan Park
Monday - Friday
February 2 - 10
9:00am - 4:00pm
MAP

Huron Park Secondary School
Monday - Friday
February 2 - 10
7:30am - 3:30pm
MAP

MWAHFE Volunteer
Email us to arrange a pick-up or drop off at your convenience.

Surgical Success Story - #79

This is Aykele Koroto who has delivered ten children and has suffered from a fourth degree uterine vaginal prolapse for two years. She is having surgery today! Thank you for making it possible to truly change this woman's life. 

Surgical Success Stories - #77 & #78

Dr. Mark just let us know that his team has successfully performed surgeries number 77 and 78 that were sponsored by Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia. We’d like you to meet one of those surgery candidates, Almaz Mena. She had been suffering with a prolapsed uterus and a large cystocoele for two years but is now recovering. Thank you to our wonderful supporters for helping to change her life! ❤️ 

Introducing... Bears for Busajo

by Megan Stacey

Betty Lou Chambers (left) and Fran Milburn (right)

When she’s in the zone and her knitting needles are flying, it only takes Fran Milburn about a day to crank out a cute little toy bear.

In just a few months, she’s knit more than 300 teddy bears.

Some have suspenders and some have scarves.

Others have cute little skirts.

Fran is one of Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia’s most prolific and dedicated knitters. She’s been re-writing the manual on knitting those cute little bears.

“We started out with just the boys, and then Fran came up with this brilliant pattern,” said Betty Lou Chambers, a longtime MWAHFE volunteer who first began knitting these bears back in 2014.

At that point it was a unisex bear with a little scarf around the neck.

“They need twirl skirts!” Fran added with a smile.

She took to the project quickly. One day at church Betty Lou learned that someone had left a bag for her – it turned out to be stuffed full of little bears knit by Fran.

“She’d only had the pattern for a week,” Betty Lou said. 

It began as a way to bring a little bit of joy to children in Ethiopia. Volunteers heading to Ethiopia with MWAHFE would pack bears to hand out to children in Soddo Christian Hospital, the Busajo program – which helps kids move off the streets and into a safe home where education is a priority – and other places that serve vulnerable youngsters.

“When you see the kids and see what they don’t have, oh my goodness,” said Betty Lou, who travelled to Ethiopia with MWAHFE in 2013.

“You have to remember, you can’t take the Western world to them, nor should you. That’s their culture. But the one thing we thought about these (bears) is that they’re soft, and it’s something they could take to bed with them, for comfort.”

Soon, there were so many bears that Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia knew it would be impossible to take them all on the next trip to Ethiopia.

Founder Shelley Green suggested selling the additional bears as a fundraiser.

Bears for Busajo was born.

Each little bear comes with a tag letting the donor know about the child they are supporting in the Busajo program. Bears for Busajo debuted at a recent Mini Gems & Java, and both the teddies and the personal tag were extremely well received.

In the meantime, knitter extraordinaire Fran has been tweaking the pattern to make the bears even better.

She designed little skirts for the girl bears, and added details to hide seams on the boy bears. All the knitters began using a brown yarn instead of white so that the bears would be more appropriate for Ethiopian children.

“I’ve had a couple people that have done one, but they found them a little complicated to do,” Betty Lou said of the project.

“We have a blind lady at church that made one. She was very determined,” Fran added. “She gave it to her granddaughter.”

Fran’s daughter took some of her mother’s knitting down to Haiti on a service trip. The bears were a big hit.

“One little girl had six of them laying on the bench, and she was being mom to all of them. As soon as someone would lay one down she would grab it. She was collecting her family,” Fran said with a chuckle.

It’s a sweet memory, but it illustrates a larger point – one that Fran learned herself on trips to Haiti and Mozambique.

“A gleam in the eye, and a smile on their face, and they have nothing,” Fran said of the children she met on her trips.

“You go there to be a blessing to the people, and you’re the one who gets blessed.”

To buy a bear and support Busajo, head to:
     Woodstock - Roberts & Co. Ladies Wear at 491 Dundas St.
     Ingersoll - Roberts & Co. Ladies Wear at 122 Thames St. S.
     Kitchener - Freedom in Christ Church at 1643 Bleams Rd.

Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more locations!