An upcoming Christmas-and-craft sale in Chilliwack will bring in money to help widows and orphans in Kenya.
Local organization Voice of Hope, which is under the Hungry of Life umbrella, is hosting its Christmas Sale fundraiser on Nov. 15 and 16 at Chilliwack Free Reformed Church.
"We have received a sizable donation from an estate of various Christmas items, craft items and hobby items. Many of the items are brand new, still in their original packaging," said Voice of Hope member Lydia Langbroek.
"The sale will be a community event with its primary purpose to raise funds to support our widows and orphans. It will be more than a craft sale – it will be a fun event with a relaxing atmosphere where one can visit over a glass of apple cider and munch on popcorn."
A group of women from the organization left last week for Kenya.
While there, they'll visit with the widows they sponsor and encourage them from scripture, pray with them, and sing with them. They will also visit a school of high school students and supply them with hygiene kits that are made by volunteers in Chilliwack.
Every year, Voice of Hope aims to raise $100,000. Other fundraisers include a year-round bottle drive, making and selling jam, an annual fundraising dinner, and yearly garage sales.
The money is used to supply food hampers to the widows while they are learning to be self sufficient, tuition for the grandchildren they are raising, and other projects like new roofs for homes, latrines for widows, outside kitchens, and wells in central locations so several people can benefit from them.
"The widows often bless us more in these visits than we can bless them. They are so thankful for our visits and many hugs are shared," Langbroek said. "It's not just a one-time effort, we aim to build lasting relationships and stand by their side. Our goal is to help them become self-sufficient in the best way possible."
The Voice of Hope Christmas Sale is Friday, Nov. 15 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 16 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's at Chilliwack Free Reformed Church (45471 Yale Rd.). For more, go to voiceofhopekenya.com.
