Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendars
What: Baja Fresh Fundraiser
When: August 18, 2007
Time: 10:30am-10:30pm
Where: Baja Fresh
17805 SW 65th Ave, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Details: When you go to the location listed above and take a Flyer, Baja Fresh will donate 15% of the proceeds to our cause!
What: Public Meeting
When: August 30, 2007
Time: 7:00-8:00pm
Where: Resource Center, Large Community Room
12500 SW Allen Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97008
Details: Join us for our next public meeting to find out how you can Get Involved!
_____________________________________________________________
Letter from the President
The May trip to Romania proved very successful for Orphan Rights. Our goal of opening a small family home for orphans is beginning to come to fruition. While there, we hired a local attorney to start working through the Romanian legalities and interviewed some candidates for in country operations. In addition we had the opportunity to touch some lives by handing out packages to children that were prepared by our volunteers. We still have a lot to accomplish but we are well on our way to opening our first small family home for orphans in Romania.
The success I felt with our organizations endeavors was quelled when faced with the immediate needs of the street children. During my visit I came upon many children begging for money. One particular child, (we'll name her Bambina), came up to me and asked for money. I gave her some chocolate which she was thrilled to receive and hungrily devoured. I asked if I could take her picture, she shrugged. After taking her picture I asked her name she shrugged again and ran off. I'm not sure if she did not know her name or had been instructed not to talk to strangers beyond asking for money. As I watched her run off my heart sank thinking of the life she must lead. Instead of being in kindergarten she is roaming the streets begging for a living.
In another city while waiting for a bus I came across 12 year old Alin. He asked for money, I gave him chocolate and like Bambina he was delighted and greedily took what was offered. I asked why he begs for money he said to buy food. He went on to tell me his parents send him out daily to beg for money. For 20 minutes I talked to Alin about what he would want for his life. As I did this his demeanor changed from one of sadness to a child who has the same hopes and dreams as our own children. When it was time to leave the sadness overtook him again. It was as if he knew his hopes and dreams were only as fleeting as our time together. As I left the stark reality of his life returned.
Tonight, as we sit down to a balanced meal in our cozy homes or as you are reading your child a story before tucking them into their warm beds, take a moment to remember Bambina and Alin. Think about the 5 year old orphan girl who has already lost her innocence, and the 10 year old orphan street child who thinks hunger pains are as normal as breathing or the institutionalized baby who lays in a crib all day, every day, without any one to hold or touch them. Every child has a right to a future, a chance to contribute to our world, a place to feel safe and cared for.
Think of them and help us change their reality. Stand up for their rights. Thank you for supporting Orphans Rights.
Ella Soare, President
_____________________________________________________________
Help us Create Awareness
If you are limited on time but would like to help you can do so by printing and posting one of the following flyers: Get Involved - Events. Flyers can be posted at your local grocery store, library, community center, church bulletin, etc.
