Helping dreams come true

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

Members of St. Rita’s church in Rockyford are hoping to make dreams come true for 12 families in Thurakapalem, India. The church is hoping to raise enough money to build 12 homes, each at a cost of $12,500.
The original plan was to provide the money in three stages. Carol Munchrath, one of the fundraising coordinator, said they weren’t sure how people would respond to the project and they thought it might take three collection dates to obtain their first goal, which was enough funds for the first house.
“We have managed to do before the end of April which is pretty amazing for us as a small community and its not just the group within the St. Rita’s Church, it’s the whole community that’s been contributing and so it’s very, very special to have everyone involved in the project in that way, and interested in the project,” said Munchrath.
The new homes being built will replace the mud huts that the villagers currently live in. These huts often have snakes, rats and other rodents come into them, and during monsoon season many are destroyed.
The new homes will be on a cement pad, with cement brick walls, roofs, windows and doors, that will provide a safe, secure, sturdy and healthy environment for the families. Electricity, clean running water and sewage disposal will also be provided.
The most important stage is the first one, tearing down the old home, and setting up the new foundation, the cement pads, getting all that final stuff in place before the rainy season begins.
“Its such an interesting project, the pilot home that was built, the people are just so happy, and its just unbelievable,” said Munchrath.
“We’re quite excited about it.”
The sponsoring organization for the project is the Calgary Diocesan Mission Council in Calgary, who will hold the monies donated and forward them to St. Joseph’s Church in Thurakapalem, Andra Pradish State, India.
There are a number of fundraising events in the works, including a silent auction and dinner featuring western and Canadian cuisine and Indian cultural entertainment. This is still in the works, but Munchrath said they hope to host it on June 20.
Those still wishing to donate can do so by contacting Carol Munchrath, at Box 339, Rockyford, T0J 2R0. The funds will be turned into the diocesan council each month. Brochures and more information about the project can also be found at the Strathmore Times office, and at the St. Rita’s Rockyford partner group. Contact Diane Cammaert at 403-533-2337, or Carol Munchrath at 403-533-2266.