Sponsor Profile: A.P. Hurley Construction Ltd.

We couldn't do Gems & Java without the help of our wonderful sponsors. If you were impressed by the fact that we raised more than $80,000 at our 2017 event, know that our sponsors played a key role.

A.P. Hurley Construction Ltd. has been a major sponsor of Gems & Java for several years now, and 2017 was no exception. 

Owner and president Tony Hurley said his company likes to support Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia's signature fundraiser because it raises money for such important work.

"I think it's a really good cause," Tony said. 

Though he's never been to Gems & Java, Tony has sponsored the event for four years. He got involved thanks to founder Shelley Green, who told him all about the work of Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia

"It does a lot of good for people, it helps them and their kids," he said.

Thanks to Tony and our other sponsors, Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia is able to direct its funds to projects that impact women, children, and education in Ethiopia. Thank you so much for your contributions, A.P. Hurley!

Surgical Success Stories - #93... all the way to #97!

Dr. Mark and his obstetrics team at Soddo Christian Hospital have been busy! They have just sent us the photos and stories of six more women who have had their lives changed through surgeries sponsored by Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia. 

Majute Badacha is a 45-year-old woman who has had four pregnancies and four children. She has had prolapse for six years and has been a widow for four years. Thank you so much for making a big difference in her life.

Dinkenesh Folla has been pregnant five times and has been a widow for 10 years. She was suffering from third-degree UVP for eight years. Thank you for helping her.

Guneshe Olecha has been pregnant nine times. She delivered six children, had three miscarriages and has three living children. She has suffered with a very large cystocele for six years. She has been a widow for nine years. She is so grateful that she underwent surgery.

Marta Mota Gravida is an extremely poor woman. Her husband left her eight years ago to raise her children by herself. She had severe abnormal bleeding and cystocele. Thank you for making such a difference in her life. She received two units of blood before surgery and one unit at the end of her surgery. She is now doing very well!

Dupase Ducho has delivered 10 childrenand sadly, only two are living. She has been a widow for 16 years and has suffered with severe prolapse for six years. She is very grateful for her surgery.

Surgical Success Stories - #88... all the way to #92!

We are so pleased to introduce you to three women whose surgeries were sponsored by Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia. Thank you too all of our donors who have helped to change these lives.

This is Mune Desalegn. She is 80-years-old and has delivered 14 children. Seven of these children are still living. She has been a widow for 20 years and has suffered with prolapse for several years.

Mane Eligo has been a widow for eight years. She has delivered seven children and has four of them remaining. She has suffered greatly with severe prolapse for four years. 

Burkinesh Birahanu has suffered from 4th degree uterine vaginal prolapse for over six years. She is married and has been pregnant seven times. Burkinesh underwent surgery earlier this week.

Galene Esrael is a 60-year-old mother who has had 4th degree prolapse for six years. She is married and is very grateful that she is having surgery done. This is going to make such a tremendous change in her life.

Kongit Kolicha had 3rd degree uterine prolapse and underwent surgery earlier this week. Her family only had funds to pay for 20% of her care. The rest of it as being under written by MWAHFE. She is very happy for this great contribution that will help change her life. She had suffered from prolapse for greater than six years. She is married and has six children. Thank you thank you so very much for your help!

International Women's Day Profile: Meseret Daniel

We have the pleasure of working with so many fabulous women. In honour of International Women’s Day, this month we will feature three incredible Ethiopian women with whom we work. Today we introduce Meseret Daniel.

Talk about a role model.

Meseret Daniel is a successful, ambitious, and determined woman we met during our time in Soddo, Ethiopia. Like most of us, she wears other hats, too: mother, teacher, social worker.

We were first introduced to Meseret at Wolaita Village when we went to visit the WRAPS (washable, reusable, affordable pads) project. Meseret is business manager of the Wolaita Village, and she plays an absolutely invaluable role. We saw her amazing relationship with the women who work at the WRAPS project, and we were in awe of her skills during outreach trips to distribute the pads and teach girls and women about the female reproductive system.

If only you could see her in action. She's funny, engaging, informative, and above all, respectful. It's amazing to see Meseret translate and help share information about WRAPS. It's all about connection, and Meseret seems to be able to connect with women from all different walks of life.

Meseret played an invaluable role in helping us interview women, many of whom had very difficult lives.  She translated for us with sensitivity, compassion and responded to the women with such feeling and love.  Without Meseret and our other wonderful translators, we would not have been able to bring home the stories we heard while in Ethiopia.

One of the biggest changes she's seen in her country over the past number of years is a focus on education, particularly for children, Meseret said.

"The girls are going to school. That is a really big change. Even in the rural area - any girl, she should go to school," she said. It seems to be a view that's becoming more common among parents and community members, even those who may not be formally educated.

Meseret also had stellar advice for young ladies in Ethiopia - or anywhere, really.

"Women, especially, they think themselves down. That is the problem. I say 'don't (put) yourself down," she said. "Negative thinking is inside a lot of ladies. Even sometimes when they are educated, they are scared," she said.

If only we all had Meseret in our lives to spread kindness and encouragement.

"Always, they are thinking 'I can't. I'm not able. I'm not good enough,' she said.

"Don't think you are nothing. You are strong!"

Gems Level Sponsors: Gems & Java 2017

We are so grateful to our sponsors who help to make Gems & Java a success!
It is our pleasure to introduce you to this year's Gems Level sponsors...

Roberts & Co. is such a huge supporter of Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia. In addition to their sponsorship of this year's Gems & Java, the store is also continuing to sell our hand-knit Bears for Busajo! You might also remember seeing them during the Closet Clean Out last fall.

"We chose to sponsor because we believe in the cause of empowering women here and around the world," said owner Vicki Parkhill.

And the hard work of the team behind Gems & Java is inspirational, too, she said.

"The dedication of the volunteers and supporters shows us that when we help others we help ourselves. We join people who share our views, we make new friends and we make a difference," Vicki said.

We are so grateful for the Roberts team. Here Cathy Bateman (left) and Karen Costello (right) show off a couple of those cute bears.

Thank you for your loyal support in so many of our fundraising efforts, Roberts and Co.!

http://www.robertsandco.ca/

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A big thank you to Blanche Blancher and the entire team at Nethercott Press. This Gems Level sponsor is a longtime supporter of Gems & Java, and we are so grateful for the continued support. Thank you so much Blanche and team - your sponsorship helps to make our work possible!

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A big thank you to Jeff Jarrell, owner of Lawn Lions Property Maintenance, for his continued sponsorship of Gems & Java. Lawn Lions is a Gems Level Sponsor for this year's event.

We appreciate your support, Jeff!

http://lawnlions.com/

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Ashlee Hall is the co-chair of the Gems & Java committee and has been an incredible asset to the event.  Her event planning experience, her enthusiasm, and commitment to our work have been incredibly beneficial.  Ashlee's workplace, Cowan Park, is a Gems Level sponsor of our event. 

It's not hard to see why we love having Cowan Park as a sponsor - and as the location for Gems & Java.

"We feel very strongly about giving back. As a community-based, not-for-profit organization, we understand and appreciate the tremendous amount of effort, volunteers and time it takes to raise funds to help improve the quality of lives for people," Ashlee said.

"We wanted to be part of something unique and life altering. The programming to support women, children and education in Ethiopia...makes a lasting impact on individual and family lives."

Holding our biggest fundraiser at Cowan Park is a perfect fit. There's room for more women and more beautiful bags, scarves, and jewellery.

"The highlight of the event for us is seeing a large group of women coming together, enjoying time together, shopping and knowing that each item they purchase or donation they make, will greatly impact the lives of other women and especially children in a struggling country. We so often take for granted the fortunate lives we live here in Canada," Ashlee said on behalf of the Cowan Park team.

"Each dollar raised and donated towards this event, cause and organization, is a step closer to the positive change we wish to see in the world."

We can't wait to see all of you at Cowan Park in just a few days for Gems & Java 2017!!

http://cowanpark.com/

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The Saturday Grind

Could there be a more perfect partnership? The Saturday Grind is a new sponsor for Gems & Java, but it’s a rather important piece of the puzzle.

There wouldn’t be much java without The Saturday Grind.

“There was a need for a coffee supply at this year’s event, and I was more than happy to help out,” said Blair Ness-Jack, owner of The Saturday Grind.

His business is stepping up to be a Gems level sponsor at Gems & Java 2017. Blair is also providing guests with a coupon for The Saturday Grind and donating several silent auction items.

“The coffee side of the event was a good fit,” Blair said.

In fact, it’s an important “first” for the Saturday morning coffee joint, which opened a little over a year ago at the Woodstock Farmers Market.

“This is my first sponsorship opportunity I’ve had since starting my business, so I’m quite excited to help out and to provide coffee and support to an event like this,” said Blair, who has a personal connection to Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia through his mom Wendy, an active volunteer.

Blair can’t make it to this year’s event, but he’s looking forward to fulfilling a crucial role as a sponsor.

“I’m excited to be a part of it.”

https://www.facebook.com/thesaturdaygrind/

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Morage Allan and Ryan Shelton

Wilson and Markle Jewellers

It's the first year Wilson and Markle Jewellers are sponsoring Gems & Java - and the jeweller is lending its support in more ways than one!

Morage Allan and Ryan Shelton at Wilson and Markle also helped to sort through the vast amounts of donated jewellery with an expert eye.

"You had some really interesting pieces. There was one particular pair of silver earrings, elephants, that were really fun.  There was a lot of nice silver things," said Morage.

"We do estate appraisals and things like that, so we’re quite used to sorting through."

Morage said the store was happy to learn about Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia and provide sponsorship for Gems & Java.

"I think it's a really great cause. I actually have an adopted little boy, as well," she said.

"We like to help where we can in the community."

http://www.wilsonandmarkle.ca/

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Lisa Miettinen

Lisa Miettinen

Lisa Miettinen is a long-time volunteer and supporter of Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia. She's deeply invested in the work of the organization, and the success of Gems & Java.

"I am amazed at the positive impacts on people's lives as a result of this organization's financial help to projects in Ethiopia, and the money raised at Gems & Java is absolutely critical," she said.

Lisa has travelled to Africa twice as a tourist. There she saw the impact that basic necessities and employment can have on a family.

"I saw the difference between having no hope of control over your situation versus having the basic means to support yourself.  The work of Mothers supports empowerment projects, a 'hand up,' not just a 'hand out,'" she said.

Lisa is hard at work during the two Gems & Java events, but working with the team of volunteers is always a joy, she said.

"Spending time with really wonderful women is the highlight for me.  That and the fun of the Silent Auction!  What will I manage to bring home this year, I wonder?"

Sponsor Profile: Shoppers Drug Mart

Gems & Java wouldn’t be possible without the support of loyal and generous sponsors like Shoppers Drug Mart.

Shoppers Drug Mart's LOVE.YOU. campaign is all about supporting women and women's health, so when Oxford County pharmacy owners heard about the opportunity to sponsor Gems & Java, they knew it was a great fit.

“I know what Shelley is doing in Ethiopia. She started off helping children and doing a lot related to that, and she has seen how it circles back, and has now started working with the moms and the caregivers and the women, who are now empowered to look after their health,” said Lisa Silverthorne, owner of Woodstock's east-end Shoppers.

Two Woodstock Shoppers locations, and stores in Tillsonburg, Ingersoll and Norwich are all part of the major sponsorship for Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia's signature event.

Lisa, a longtime guest at Gems & Java, said all of her fellow pharmacy owners were more than happy to support the event. The Oxford County stores elected Lisa to speak on behalf of their group.

“It totally works with our platform,” she said. “We like to keep it local - this one is a little bit far-reaching - but I also think it's good to do a little bit of international, or far-reaching, outreach.”

Lisa also noted how much local effort goes into Gems & Java.

“There are so many women putting this event together that it's even empowering for them, I think, as a group to do this. It's helpful for our community that way,” she said.

“There’s very few people that I meet that haven’t been touched by Shelley and this purpose, somehow.”

— Lisa Silverthorne

“There's very few people that I meet that haven't been touched by Shelley and this purpose, somehow, and I think it's a very admirable community event that Shoppers should be involved in.”

Lisa's seen the dramatic growth of Gems & Java since it started six years ago.

“I love how it has tripled, quadrupled over time and become such a big, prominent event. I really like the fact that it's a very...professionally run event, for all women and everyone in the community. I think the men would even appreciate some of it, with the silent auction table. And (I like) that it is local,” she said.

It's also a great social time, Lisa said.

“All the women I know are there,” she said.

Another highlight is hearing the updates from Ethiopia.

“I love listening to the stories. It wouldn't be complete if Shelley wasn't up there telling me what's going on and what the new stories are,” she said.

We are so grateful to Lisa and all of the Oxford County Shoppers Drug Mart owners. That team is one of our Major Sponsors for Gems & Java 2017. We couldn't do it without you!

International Women's Day Profile - Mulu Kassaye, Group Home Mother

We have the pleasure of working with so many fabulous women. In honour of International Women’s Day, this month we will feature three incredible Ethiopian women with whom we work. Today we introduce Mulu Kassaye, Group Home mother.

Mulu is one of those kind and thoughtful souls that is always thinking of others. As the Group Home Mom, Mulu oversees four boys in our home in Addis Ababa, and she is such a wonderful role model.

The very first day our team arrived in Ethiopia, Mulu was at the airport to greet us. She had stayed up until the wee hours of the morning preparing a huge, traditional feast for us to eat, and she treated our team to a beautiful Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

Mulu is always making sure that everyone else has something to eat, somewhere to sit, and the tools they need to be successful. She offers to carry your bag and she would give you the shirt off her back.

Even though language can be a bit of a barrier, Mulu’s joy and kindness shine through. When our team visited the group home, we had such a wonderful time learning about Ethiopian cooking and Mulu’s specialties.

Mulu is also very funny! We cracked up when she led our team through the group home and said she would introduce us to “her office” – the kitchen! It’s truly unbelievable the fabulous cooking that comes out of that modest office.

Mulu makes a huge batch of injera several times a week. It keeps for a few days in a beautiful woven basket. It was so interesting to hear about a favourite Ethiopian spice, hot chili powder, which Mulu makes from scratch by drying hot Kariya peppers in the sun and grinding them into a fine, red powder. She told us that Yabi’s favourite lunch for school is a hamburger and fries!

Keep in mind, she’s doing all of this cooking without running water in the kitchen. Mulu has to go outside into the yard to do dishes or wash any ingredients.

But it’s not just cooking that Mulu does in the group home. She handles all of the finances and provides a strong, stable environment for the boys. 

“Mulu believes that her work as the group home mom is a gift from God and she feels privileged to be able to care for the boys in the home.  She doesn't want to miss anything with the boys and provides love, care, compassion, guidance, discipline, spiritual teaching and a family for them,” said founder Shelley Green.

“She is a shining light and example for God and lives her faith and belief in Jesus every day.”

Mulu is such a strong woman and we could not have a better Mama looking after the Group Home. Thank you so much, Mulu, for all of your hard work and the kindness you show to everyone around you.

International Women's Day Profile - Alimitu Tesfaye, Spice Grinder

We have the pleasure of working with so many fabulous women. In honour of International Women’s Day, this month we will feature three incredible Ethiopian women with whom we work. Today we introduce Alimitu Tesfaye, a member of the Spice Grinder project.

It was such a pleasure for our team in Ethiopia to be invited into Alimitu’s home for a snack and a chat. She was so welcoming, and inspiring, too!

Her home is a mud building made up of two main rooms – a sitting area and a bedroom – plus a small room for cooking over a fire. There is also an area that acts as a stable for her livestock to ensure they're not stolen at night. A radio dangled from one doorway; Alimitu said she likes to listen to South Radio, a station whose programming covers the southern part of Ethiopia.

The walls were painted bright blue and yellow. A bible verse had been painted around the room: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Her home was built six years ago. Before that, Alimitu and her husband lived in a thatched roof hut and life was very difficult.

“Even the rain could easily get into the house. So it was difficult,” she said. “But now we are here.”

Alimitu was so proud to invite us into her home and show us around. It was immaculately kept and even the dirt floors were clean. 

These days Alimitu takes care of her three children – 14, 11 and 8 years old – and her in-laws while her husband works selling cattle out of town. In addition to the daily work of running a household, she sells corn and other grains at the market, and she fetches water from a well in the town of Boditi, about an hour walk from her home.

“Every three days we will fill four or five cans. We take a donkey to help carry the water,” Alimitu, 35, told us.

She’s a part of Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia’s Spice Grinder project, and it’s clear that Alimitu is a very dedicated and committed member of the group.

She told us that all the money made at the spice grinder flows directly into an account for the group. All the women agreed that they wouldn’t make individual withdrawals until they’ve been able to expand the project and grow their profits.

“We save all the money as a contingency and also for maintenance, but there is no personal benefit,” she said. “Once we get more income, we can start to have personal profit.”

Alimitu went to school up until Grade 7. Now, all of her children are in school. It’s her dream that they will complete their education.

“My wish is for my children to graduate and to support themselves,” she said.

Alimitu – we salute you for your hard work, your positive attitude, and your kind and generous spirit. Thank you for inviting us in to your home and sharing a piece of your life with us.

International Women's Day 2017 - Congratulations to our founder, Shelley!

We have the pleasure to work with so many fabulous women - partners, volunteers, donors, and the women and girls that benefit from our programs. In honour of International Women's Day, each Wednesday this month we will feature one of the incredible women behind our projects here on social media. Today, we start with someone very special - our founder, Shelley Green.

Wow, what can you even say about our founder? 

Shelley Green is an amazing leader and force for good in Canada and Ethiopia, and we are so proud to announce that earlier this afternoon she was presented with the AppreSHEation Award by Oxford County's International Women's Day committee. Shelley was awarded for her work with the Alzheimer Society of Oxford, where she is the executive director, as well as her volunteer side gig (that's us!). 

Now, we promised Shelley there would only be a teeny, tiny post about this award - but it's too perfect an opportunity to pass up on International Women's Day. We're so thankful to be led by such a dedicated, compassionate, and ambitious lady, and we want to say a huge thank you.

Meskelu, from our group home, said Mulu and all the boys in the home are beyond excited to hear that Shelley's been recognized.

"It's a wonderful way to wake up this morning, when I read your mail in front of the boys and Mulu they made a lot of happiness noises. Bereket's jumping and Yabi says "lelelelele" (a favourite Ethiopian way to express joy and excitement). Kaleab was clapping and Mulu was bowing down to glorify God," Meskelu said. "It's a special sound we hear. Today we didn't have enough words to say thanks be to God - we are so amazed and proud of you!"

The Canadian team is so proud of her, too. 

Shelley, thank you for the hundreds of thousands of hours you pour into your work, and the passion and enthusiasm and heart you bring to every task, large and small. 

We are so grateful to have you at the helm.

Surgical Success Stories - #85, #86, #87

We're so pleased to introduce you to the latest three surgery candidates.
For more information about sponsoring a life-changing surgery, click here.

This is Aster Kebede. She has never been pregnant but has cared for her sick husband for many years. It is very unusual for a woman who has never conceived to have third-degree UVP.

Her work is very hard and she has carried heavy loads that has contributed to this condition. She will be undergoing surgery today.

This is Asnakech Manduro. She has been pregnant nine times and has eight living children. She has a very large sister cystocoele/rectocoele and will be undergoing surgery tomorrow.

This is Alemetu Toga. She has delivered six children and has suffered with a third degree prolapse for three years. She is also scheduled for surgery tomorrow.

It has been our great joy to be a part of changing these women's lives!