A Vernon family continues to offer hope to youth in an impoverished African nation.
The second annual Najenga Congo fundraising concert and silent auction will be held Sunday at Vernon Christian Fellowship at 6 p.m. The event will support the ongoing activities of Ray and Mary Anne Bale.
“Proceeds will be targeted towards the building of a community centre which will be used for education, training, medical, hygiene and nutrition clinics and for providing clean water for the site as well as the neighbouring villages,” said Ray.
The Bales have worked in Central Africa for 12 years, first in Burundi, and more recently in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Along with active support from residents of Burundi and Congo, they have developed schools, children’s homes, sewing centres, flour mills and agriculture projects.
“Our latest project is called Najenga Congo which means ‘we are building’ Congo,” said Ray.
“With three new parcels of land, we are beginning to build with the view to providing hope, peace, reconciliation and a future for the many who have been impacted as a result of the decades of war in DRC, particularly in the eastern part of this country.”
Sunday’s concert will feature a number of local entertainers, including the Ord Band, The Creeks and Band of Exiles.
“We have some excellent musicians,” said Bob Oldfield, one of the organizers.
Also participating will be Ezra Kwizera, a Vancouver performer originally from Rwanda.
“He has an amazing story about his family being killed by the genocide there and his music is great. He’s very Bob Marly-ish,” said Oldfield.
The event will also feature Kelowna potter Marijanel Knight, who will be selling 100 bowls for $15 each.
“They will include some ice cream,” said Oldfield.
Ray and Mary Anne Bale, as well as their son Boss, will be in Vernon for the fundraiser.
“Last year’s concert was a tremendous success and this year’s event is sure to be another success,” said Ray.
For further information, contact Vernon Christian Fellowship at 250-545-2927 or e-mail vcf@telus.net. Information can also be found at http://najenga.wordpress.com.
