2011 has been a record year for Friends in Africa in every way! We treated a record number of patients, held two feeding programs and raised more money than ever at the 3rd annual Run For Africa!
This year we treated a record of 4,486 patients. That number is up from 4,024 patients in 2010, 2,586 patients in 2009, and up from the 2,400 patient average from previous years.
We completed four two-day medical clinics. In April, we held a clinic in the town of Dahra, treating 766 patients. In Dahra we also held a feeding program. In June, we held our annual Dakar clinic, treating 1,120 patients. In October, we held a clinic in cooperation with the Assemblies of God Brazilian Mission in Kandam. That clinic was a wonderful success: we treated 1,440 people, a record for a rural clinic. At our final clinic of the year in December, 1,160 patients were treated in the village of Keur Massar. We also hosted a second feeding program during the Keur Massar clinic.
The third annual Run for Africa, was a stunning success! We raised more than $57,000 supplying us with much needed funds. Dedicated fundraisers, increased community participation and corporate matching gifts helped us soar past our (hugely) ambitious goal of $50,000 and helped us smash last years’ record of $37,000. Even Buddy Barrel joined the race this year!
The Run For Africa was featured on the front page of “Greenwich Time Newspaper” with the headline “Running for a Cause,” and in The Daily Darien (“Runners Can Find Races in Greenwich, Fairfield”).
Please remember that we have partnered withGiveBackAmerica.org, an organization created to allow individuals to raise money for their favorite charities when they shop online at no additional cost.
FIA supporters, please visitGiveBackAmerica.org and follow the very simple instructions to download the GBA toolbar. The toolbar automatically tracks when you visit any of the literally thousands of participating retailers including Amazon, Ebay, and Expedia. Once you have the toolbar downloaded, simply go about your normal online shopping. The toolbar will display the percentage of your purchase that will be donated to your charity. This toolbar is TRUSTe certified, non-invasive, contains no adware or spyware, and collects no personal information. This is such an EASY way to help Friends in Africa--we sincerely hope you’ll use it!
Our most pressing need is for more people to sign up at www.FriendsInAfricaSenegal.com to make regular, ongoing donations. It’s a very simple process. We know that it can be difficult to find the funds to support charities like Friends in Africa but giving to such a worthy cause will also be a wonderful blessing for you! When you make an effort to give regularly--even if it’s a small amount--you are transforming yourself into a more generous and compassionate person!
We continue to promote FIA through social media and through our Blog. A great deal of information is available atFriendsInAfricaSenegal.com and we encourage you to read about our 2011 activities there in more detail. You can also subscribe to our Blog and to our “Friends of Friends” newsletter online for ongoing FIA information.
Political unrest is affecting our ability to get permits for our March clinic. However, we will assess the situation after the February 26th elections we will make every effort to go ahead with our plans. We are looking forward to 2012 and plan to hold our 4 quarterly clinics and more feeding programs. We have already started the permit process for our 4th annual Run For Africaso mark November 17th on your calendars and start training!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your ongoing support! because of you we are able to heal the sick, feed the hungry and share God’s love with the nation of Senegal!
