Running Comrades for The Fountain of Love

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Dear friends of The Fountain of Love

After 7 months of training, Jason will be participating in his second Comrades ultra-marathon in two weeks, on Sunday 1 June 2014. The Comrades marathon is the world’s oldest and largest ultra-marathon run over a distance of approximately 90 km (or 56.1 miles) between the capital of the Kwazulu-Natal Province of South Africa, Pietermaritzburg, and the coastal city of Durban. It is a truly South African experience, which celebrates Ubuntu, togetherness, and camaraderie.

Traditionally, many runners dedicate their run to a charity of their choice, to raise awareness and funds. Jason would like to follow this beautiful tradition, and dedicate his race to The Fountain of Love Orphanage.

2014 is a special year for Jason, as he turns 40 at the end of the year. 2014 is also a special year for The Fountain of Love, as they celebrate their 10 year anniversary. In addition, the first child from the orphanage will graduate from university this year. Last, Rosy who very capably heads up the orphanage, turns 55 on the 18th of July.

Jason and Katelijn started supporting Rosy in 2008. Since then, we have been privileged to witness many successes and improvements, many supported by your generous help. These include:

• addition of a sanitation block with toilets, showers and a bath;
• addition of an extra living room and bed room to the house;
• purchase of a mini-bus to bring the kids to school safely;
• addition of a second house, in which Rosy runs a day care centre, and where the older girls live;
• creation of a library of books (fiction, non-fiction and school material);
• a new roof for the second house, and paving around the second house;
• support with school uniforms and school fees;
• purchase of a washing machine; and
• many donations in kind, including clothes, furniture and toys.

Katelijn visited Rosy last Monday with her mom, sister and brother-in-law, visiting from the Netherlands. As always, the kids and the orphanage looked in great shape. However, they are in desperate need of beds for the 15 younger kids ranging between 5 and 12. Their bunk beds have fallen apart, and can no longer be repaired by a welder. This means that the kids are currently sleeping on thin mattresses on the concrete floor. It would be great if we could raise funds in the order of between R10-15,000 towards the purchase of two or three bunk beds, so that the kids can be warm and comfortable.

If you are interested to support, financially or otherwise, please feel free to leave your details below or send a message directly to Jason or Katelijn. South African friends, you can also contribute any second hand goods if you would like. Rosy has a bakkie with which she can collect second hand clothes, furniture etc.