2007 Newsletter (PDF

BRUCE, BREDE AND MOYA
SUPPORT FROM DOWN UNDER!
Three old friends and stalwarts made their way to Romania this summer
and were a great help to us out there. Bruce, husband of Brede, was with
me on that very first visit to Romania, before the Anneka Rice Challenge.
Breda and her sister Moya,
together with Bruce, have been
busy fundraisers over the past
seventeen years. It was wonderful
for them to experience the joy
and pride we all have for our
young people out there.
They travelled over with a caravan
and left it on site for me to use
when I have no where to live!
Hooked up to the electric down on the farm we spent some rather
civilised evenings sharing a bottle or two of wine, ate cheese and biscuits
and watched the sunset in the evenings. The oldies bring a bit of culture
with them!! After they left I spent two weeks living in my new home
which they had dubbed “Casa Monica” (Monica’s Home). It was very
comfortable. They can borrow it again next year when they come out!
It was great to see
Fran Kaberry back
with us in Siret.
Fran travels from
Australia
every
year and spends
between two and
three
months
working with our
Fran doing some cooking with the girls
disabled
young
adults. Adrianna
and Ionela adore her and love it when she arrives in Siret.
She is a rock of support, not only for our young people but
for volunteers as well, they see her as “Auntie Fran” and
she becomes their agony aunt whilst she is there. Can’t
wait to see you again next year Fran!!
THANKS TO BENEFACTORS
MUSICAL
TALENT
Without the support of so many people our work in Siret
would be impossible. I would therefore, like to thank all of
you who have contributed financially, in kind or physically
gave up your time to go over to Siret. Your help has been
really appreciated.
Our Challenge for the coming year is to complete our
new building and prepare Kincasslagh for a new intake
from the state run institution. Once again my sincere
thanks for everything you are doing to help us.
How You Can Help Us
• SPONSOR A HOUSE
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Some of
the locals
we help
on our
community
project
Contact Us
The Romanian Challenge Appeal
320A Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull B90 3DN
UK Registered Charity 1011397
Tel: 0121 744 2828 • Fax: 0121 744 9496
Email: info@romanian-challenge.org
Website: www.romanian-challenge.org
• LEAVE A LEGACY IN YOUR WILL
• ORGANISE A FUND RAISING EVENT
• SEND A DONATION OF £10 PER MONTH (GIFT AIDED)
DATA PROTECTION
Legislation on Data Protection requires us to advise you that
we may retain details on our database or as paper records. We
maintain information for administration, marketing and fund
raising. We will also occasionally let you know about the work
of the Charity, as well as different ways in which you could help.
If you would prefer us not to contact you, please write to us
with specific details. You have a right to ask for a copy of your
information.
ADDRESS & EMAIL CHECK
If we have sent this newsletter without the correct postal
information, please inform the office so that they can update their
records.
ROMANIAN CHALLENGE APPEAL
SIRET NEWS CHRISTMAS 2007
Dear Friends,
Here we are, almost at the end of another busy year’s work in Romania
and what a year it has been!
For a while the weather played havoc with us.We had rain, thunder storms
and cold spells and then to cap it all, Romania was put on red alert – the
heat was unbearable! This lasted for a number of weeks during the
summer and I was thankful that we had decided to begin our construction
work in September of this year when the weather was more clement.
However, the warm weather enabled us to have the first good harvest since
we began the farm project. Many of our young people were engaged in
bagging up the grain. Once the local landowners were organised to present
their documents as proof of ownership of the land we rent from them and
everything was verified by the administration staff, they made their way to
the barn to collect the bags of grain as payment With the grain loaded
onto their carts they went away happy. There was a tremendous feeling of
satisfaction in the job this year!
It was also a great pleasure to have Daniel O'Donnell, his wife Majella and
Sean Reilly, Daniel’s manager join us during August. They spent three days
with us and our young people were so happy to see them, and particularly
to meet Majella for the first time. They too, enjoyed their visit and were
proud of the achievements of our young people, however, they were
saddened by what they saw in the Casa de Copii where another 140 or so
young adults still remain. Daniel expressed his feelings and the feelings of
so many others, who visit this institution,
“I felt I was in the presence of forgotten people”.
Thankfully, we have not forgotten them and we are doing our best to
bring them some happiness with the limited resources we have but any
millionaires out there among you could help change the lives of those who
remain in this state institution!!
September saw the arrival of 42 West Midland Firemen, 4 Royal Mail
drivers and our Severn Trent support group. We are all dependent on each
other and with good co-operation we can now see a job well done - the
construction of the new apartment block which we hope will be ready
for use after Christmas. We were also blessed to have so many young,
enthusiastic physiotherapists & occupational therapists volunteer to spend
time with us this year. Their skills and talents were much appreciated by
all those with whom they worked. I also extend my sincerest thanks to all
those other volunteers who helped us out in so many ways. All help and
assistance is a great support to us as we strive towards independence.
We know how important it is for the Romanian Authorities to take
responsibility for the care of its own young people but the scale of the
problem in this area is enormous and any help they can give us is always
appreciated. However, I think we are beginning to move closer to autonomy,
two of our homes are in the process of being financially managed by the
local authorities and we are in negotiations with them to take on the
financial costs of running four of the smaller homes, maybe this might come
at the end of 2008! We can only hope and pray it does. We will still need
to retain ownership of all of our homes because properly trained staff is
a necessity for the care of disabled young people. Let’s hope we see some
progress in this area next year.
My thanks as ever goes out to all of you for your continued support. No
matter who you are or what you do your support is greatly valued and I
hope you feel that your contributions have been wisely used. On behalf
of the young people in Siret and everyone in the RCA, may I wish you all
the Seasons Blessings and may 2008 bring you Good Health and Peace
in your lives.
God Bless,
Monica McDaid
Executive Director
LULU'S NIGHTCLUB
Bryan Reid and Helen Robertson did a fund
raising evening for the Charity at Lulu’s Nightclub
in Edinburgh. The reason for this event was
because Bryan had travelled over to Siret earlier
in the year and on his return he promised to
raise funds for the foundations of our new
apartment block. What a wonderful evening it
was and I even got a chance to show off my skills
Romanian Appeal Reception
on the dance floor (I had never been to a night
club before!) The management of this club and all
their staff were absolutely wonderful and attentive.They could not do enough to help us and we managed to raise enough funds to help build the
foundations of the apartment accommodation. His eminence Cardinal O’Brien hosted an evening of thanks for the supporters of the fundraising
event. My sincere thanks to everyone for their support.
BRUCE, BREDE AND MOYA
SUPPORT FROM DOWN UNDER!
Three old friends and stalwarts made their way to Romania this summer
and were a great help to us out there. Bruce, husband of Brede, was with
me on that very first visit to Romania, before the Anneka Rice Challenge.
Breda and her sister Moya,
together with Bruce, have been
busy fundraisers over the past
seventeen years. It was wonderful
for them to experience the joy
and pride we all have for our
young people out there.
They travelled over with a caravan
and left it on site for me to use
when I have no where to live!
Hooked up to the electric down on the farm we spent some rather
civilised evenings sharing a bottle or two of wine, ate cheese and biscuits
and watched the sunset in the evenings. The oldies bring a bit of culture
with them!! After they left I spent two weeks living in my new home
which they had dubbed “Casa Monica” (Monica’s Home). It was very
comfortable. They can borrow it again next year when they come out!
It was great to see
Fran Kaberry back
with us in Siret.
Fran travels from
Australia
every
year and spends
between two and
three
months
working with our
Fran doing some cooking with the girls
disabled
young
adults. Adrianna
and Ionela adore her and love it when she arrives in Siret.
She is a rock of support, not only for our young people but
for volunteers as well, they see her as “Auntie Fran” and
she becomes their agony aunt whilst she is there. Can’t
wait to see you again next year Fran!!
THANKS TO BENEFACTORS
MUSICAL
TALENT
Without the support of so many people our work in Siret
would be impossible. I would therefore, like to thank all of
you who have contributed financially, in kind or physically
gave up your time to go over to Siret. Your help has been
really appreciated.
Our Challenge for the coming year is to complete our
new building and prepare Kincasslagh for a new intake
from the state run institution. Once again my sincere
thanks for everything you are doing to help us.
How You Can Help Us
• SPONSOR A HOUSE
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Some of
the locals
we help
on our
community
project
Contact Us
The Romanian Challenge Appeal
320A Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull B90 3DN
UK Registered Charity 1011397
Tel: 0121 744 2828 • Fax: 0121 744 9496
Email: info@romanian-challenge.org
Website: www.romanian-challenge.org
• LEAVE A LEGACY IN YOUR WILL
• ORGANISE A FUND RAISING EVENT
• SEND A DONATION OF £10 PER MONTH (GIFT AIDED)
DATA PROTECTION
Legislation on Data Protection requires us to advise you that
we may retain details on our database or as paper records. We
maintain information for administration, marketing and fund
raising. We will also occasionally let you know about the work
of the Charity, as well as different ways in which you could help.
If you would prefer us not to contact you, please write to us
with specific details. You have a right to ask for a copy of your
information.
ADDRESS & EMAIL CHECK
If we have sent this newsletter without the correct postal
information, please inform the office so that they can update their
records.
ROMANIAN CHALLENGE APPEAL
SIRET NEWS CHRISTMAS 2007
Dear Friends,
Here we are, almost at the end of another busy year’s work in Romania
and what a year it has been!
For a while the weather played havoc with us.We had rain, thunder storms
and cold spells and then to cap it all, Romania was put on red alert – the
heat was unbearable! This lasted for a number of weeks during the
summer and I was thankful that we had decided to begin our construction
work in September of this year when the weather was more clement.
However, the warm weather enabled us to have the first good harvest since
we began the farm project. Many of our young people were engaged in
bagging up the grain. Once the local landowners were organised to present
their documents as proof of ownership of the land we rent from them and
everything was verified by the administration staff, they made their way to
the barn to collect the bags of grain as payment With the grain loaded
onto their carts they went away happy. There was a tremendous feeling of
satisfaction in the job this year!
It was also a great pleasure to have Daniel O'Donnell, his wife Majella and
Sean Reilly, Daniel’s manager join us during August. They spent three days
with us and our young people were so happy to see them, and particularly
to meet Majella for the first time. They too, enjoyed their visit and were
proud of the achievements of our young people, however, they were
saddened by what they saw in the Casa de Copii where another 140 or so
young adults still remain. Daniel expressed his feelings and the feelings of
so many others, who visit this institution,
“I felt I was in the presence of forgotten people”.
Thankfully, we have not forgotten them and we are doing our best to
bring them some happiness with the limited resources we have but any
millionaires out there among you could help change the lives of those who
remain in this state institution!!
September saw the arrival of 42 West Midland Firemen, 4 Royal Mail
drivers and our Severn Trent support group. We are all dependent on each
other and with good co-operation we can now see a job well done - the
construction of the new apartment block which we hope will be ready
for use after Christmas. We were also blessed to have so many young,
enthusiastic physiotherapists & occupational therapists volunteer to spend
time with us this year. Their skills and talents were much appreciated by
all those with whom they worked. I also extend my sincerest thanks to all
those other volunteers who helped us out in so many ways. All help and
assistance is a great support to us as we strive towards independence.
We know how important it is for the Romanian Authorities to take
responsibility for the care of its own young people but the scale of the
problem in this area is enormous and any help they can give us is always
appreciated. However, I think we are beginning to move closer to autonomy,
two of our homes are in the process of being financially managed by the
local authorities and we are in negotiations with them to take on the
financial costs of running four of the smaller homes, maybe this might come
at the end of 2008! We can only hope and pray it does. We will still need
to retain ownership of all of our homes because properly trained staff is
a necessity for the care of disabled young people. Let’s hope we see some
progress in this area next year.
My thanks as ever goes out to all of you for your continued support. No
matter who you are or what you do your support is greatly valued and I
hope you feel that your contributions have been wisely used. On behalf
of the young people in Siret and everyone in the RCA, may I wish you all
the Seasons Blessings and may 2008 bring you Good Health and Peace
in your lives.
God Bless,
Monica McDaid
Executive Director
LULU'S NIGHTCLUB
Bryan Reid and Helen Robertson did a fund
raising evening for the Charity at Lulu’s Nightclub
in Edinburgh. The reason for this event was
because Bryan had travelled over to Siret earlier
in the year and on his return he promised to
raise funds for the foundations of our new
apartment block. What a wonderful evening it
was and I even got a chance to show off my skills
Romanian Appeal Reception
on the dance floor (I had never been to a night
club before!) The management of this club and all
their staff were absolutely wonderful and attentive.They could not do enough to help us and we managed to raise enough funds to help build the
foundations of the apartment accommodation. His eminence Cardinal O’Brien hosted an evening of thanks for the supporters of the fundraising
event. My sincere thanks to everyone for their support.
THE PAINTERS
ROMANIAN CHALLENGE APPEAL
THE NEW
BUILDING
Early in the year we were glad to have the
support of a group of young adults from
Tudor Grange Sixth Form in Solihull, W.
Midlands. Trying to keep all our homes in
good shape can sometimes be a difficult job
and we are always grateful for any support
we can get. So with Sean, Terry and Dave
(our skilled painter and decorators) at the
helm, they began work on painting the
exterior of three of our homes.
The hard work in painting, I am told, is always the preparation. This was certainly true when they
began work on Killybegs House – our wire brushes were all worn out in the preparation!! In the end, I have to say, the houses looked fantastic.
Many thanks to you all. You were also a credit to your school and your families in the way you conducted yourselves.
working with
‘O Noua Viata’
What a year it has been for
getting work done! Once
we had the money for the
foundations we set out in
earnest to get the land, the
plans, the permissions and
the teams to help us on
our way. We did have some
hiccups in obtaining the land from the Council but we managed to build on some
land we already owned.
giving a new life to young disabled people
The plans were drawn up by our friends in Scotland from the Stewart Milne
Group in Aberdeen. The foundations were done by our own young men under
the direction of skilled Romanian workmen. Once these were completed we
called upon friends from Tyrone, Brian Lunney, his son Stephen and friend Peter to
help us block the building in readiness for the arrival of the W. Midland Firemen.
Before they arrived 40 ton of materials had to be delivered from England and this
was done by four good men from the Royal Mail, Chris, Andy, John and Brendan.
Then the firemen arrived and my goodness did they work hard (and played hard!)
It was incredible to see how well they worked together and what they achieved
in two weeks. The young people are truly indebted to you all and cannot thank
you enough.
VOLUNTEERS
Anna Wilson, who is responsible for co-ordinating the work of our Physiotherapists
and Occupational Therapists and has been working with us now for about eight years,
provided us with another year of tremendous support from these dedicated people.
Many of them return to Siret year after year and carry out invaluable work with our
disabled young people living in Emmanuel House, Amadeus House, Neptune and
Kincasslagh Houses. Their work this year was exceptional and on behalf of the young
people with whom they worked I would like to say a huge thank you!
DANIEL AND MAJELLA IN SIRET
During the month of August our young people were anxiously awaiting a visit from Daniel,
Majella and Sean Reilly. They kept saying, “Daniel and Majella are coming”. It was almost
as if they couldn’t believe it! Needless to say, before any special visitor arrives in your
home there is always a lot of sprucing up to do! Well, some of the young people living in
Kincasslagh House thought it would be a good idea to give their bedroom corridor a lick
of paint. All was going well, until one of them, in his enthusiasm opened a door too quickly
and low and behold, what was once a well worn carpet became a sea of magnolia paint!!
Good excuse for a new carpet and the day before our visitors were due to arrive! I have
to say though, the new carpet brought life to the newly painted corridor.
Daniel, Majella and Sean visited all our homes and the farm where many of the young
people work. Daniel could not get over how well they all looked and how tall many
of them had grown. However, what amazed me the most was the musical talent!
Three of them had learned to play the guitar – Catalin, playing a twelve string guitar,
Anna-Marie and Mugurel on six string guitars with the latter two also self-taught
on the keyboard. So this little group decided to lead everyone, in welcoming our
visitors, with a rendition of “Give A Little Love”, the song that Daniel released in aid
of the Charity’s work in Siret. The highlight of the day was the afternoon barbecue
and disco and it felt as though the whole of Siret had descended on Kincasslagh
House to join in the celebrations! The day was just fantastic and our young people
were delighted that Daniel and Majella had visited them.
LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS
Our young men have certainly picked up some new skills! Here they are helping to lay the foundations of the new building
WORKING ON
THE FARM
~ RAFFLE PRIZE WINNERS ~
1st prize winner is ticket no. 280101, Mr Derrick Clarke. Trip to Branson USA
2nd prize winner is ticket no. 171560, Mrs M.Toner. Trip to Cyprus
3rd prize winner is ticket no. 156755, Ms B. Davis. Daniel’s Gold Disc & Record Voucher
4th prize winner is ticket no. 160100, Mrs Michin. Flat screen TV
Many thanks for the volunteer support
from Jon Hynard and Terry Reilly.
They were life savers during our
harvest and our Romanian guys are
wondering when you will be back with
them again!!
The draw took place at Our Lady of the Wayside Church in Solihull
by Fr. Murray on the 9th August 2007 at 3.30pm
'Majella looking a little wary'
Many thanks to all who supported this.
Pickling the cabbage
Bagging the grain
THE PAINTERS
ROMANIAN CHALLENGE APPEAL
THE NEW
BUILDING
Early in the year we were glad to have the
support of a group of young adults from
Tudor Grange Sixth Form in Solihull, W.
Midlands. Trying to keep all our homes in
good shape can sometimes be a difficult job
and we are always grateful for any support
we can get. So with Sean, Terry and Dave
(our skilled painter and decorators) at the
helm, they began work on painting the
exterior of three of our homes.
The hard work in painting, I am told, is always the preparation. This was certainly true when they
began work on Killybegs House – our wire brushes were all worn out in the preparation!! In the end, I have to say, the houses looked fantastic.
Many thanks to you all. You were also a credit to your school and your families in the way you conducted yourselves.
working with
‘O Noua Viata’
What a year it has been for
getting work done! Once
we had the money for the
foundations we set out in
earnest to get the land, the
plans, the permissions and
the teams to help us on
our way. We did have some
hiccups in obtaining the land from the Council but we managed to build on some
land we already owned.
giving a new life to young disabled people
The plans were drawn up by our friends in Scotland from the Stewart Milne
Group in Aberdeen. The foundations were done by our own young men under
the direction of skilled Romanian workmen. Once these were completed we
called upon friends from Tyrone, Brian Lunney, his son Stephen and friend Peter to
help us block the building in readiness for the arrival of the W. Midland Firemen.
Before they arrived 40 ton of materials had to be delivered from England and this
was done by four good men from the Royal Mail, Chris, Andy, John and Brendan.
Then the firemen arrived and my goodness did they work hard (and played hard!)
It was incredible to see how well they worked together and what they achieved
in two weeks. The young people are truly indebted to you all and cannot thank
you enough.
VOLUNTEERS
Anna Wilson, who is responsible for co-ordinating the work of our Physiotherapists
and Occupational Therapists and has been working with us now for about eight years,
provided us with another year of tremendous support from these dedicated people.
Many of them return to Siret year after year and carry out invaluable work with our
disabled young people living in Emmanuel House, Amadeus House, Neptune and
Kincasslagh Houses. Their work this year was exceptional and on behalf of the young
people with whom they worked I would like to say a huge thank you!
DANIEL AND MAJELLA IN SIRET
During the month of August our young people were anxiously awaiting a visit from Daniel,
Majella and Sean Reilly. They kept saying, “Daniel and Majella are coming”. It was almost
as if they couldn’t believe it! Needless to say, before any special visitor arrives in your
home there is always a lot of sprucing up to do! Well, some of the young people living in
Kincasslagh House thought it would be a good idea to give their bedroom corridor a lick
of paint. All was going well, until one of them, in his enthusiasm opened a door too quickly
and low and behold, what was once a well worn carpet became a sea of magnolia paint!!
Good excuse for a new carpet and the day before our visitors were due to arrive! I have
to say though, the new carpet brought life to the newly painted corridor.
Daniel, Majella and Sean visited all our homes and the farm where many of the young
people work. Daniel could not get over how well they all looked and how tall many
of them had grown. However, what amazed me the most was the musical talent!
Three of them had learned to play the guitar – Catalin, playing a twelve string guitar,
Anna-Marie and Mugurel on six string guitars with the latter two also self-taught
on the keyboard. So this little group decided to lead everyone, in welcoming our
visitors, with a rendition of “Give A Little Love”, the song that Daniel released in aid
of the Charity’s work in Siret. The highlight of the day was the afternoon barbecue
and disco and it felt as though the whole of Siret had descended on Kincasslagh
House to join in the celebrations! The day was just fantastic and our young people
were delighted that Daniel and Majella had visited them.
LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS
Our young men have certainly picked up some new skills! Here they are helping to lay the foundations of the new building
WORKING ON
THE FARM
~ RAFFLE PRIZE WINNERS ~
1st prize winner is ticket no. 280101, Mr Derrick Clarke. Trip to Branson USA
2nd prize winner is ticket no. 171560, Mrs M.Toner. Trip to Cyprus
3rd prize winner is ticket no. 156755, Ms B. Davis. Daniel’s Gold Disc & Record Voucher
4th prize winner is ticket no. 160100, Mrs Michin. Flat screen TV
Many thanks for the volunteer support
from Jon Hynard and Terry Reilly.
They were life savers during our
harvest and our Romanian guys are
wondering when you will be back with
them again!!
The draw took place at Our Lady of the Wayside Church in Solihull
by Fr. Murray on the 9th August 2007 at 3.30pm
'Majella looking a little wary'
Many thanks to all who supported this.
Pickling the cabbage
Bagging the grain