DONATIONS

Dated: April 12th, 2007

99 Acadia Bay,
Winnipeg, MB R3T 3J1
Ph. 204-269-3280
Email: lvreilly@shaw.ca

DEAR SUPPORTERS OF “PROJECT DOMINICAN SCHOOL FRIENDS”:

The concept of helping children to go to school with a uniform has had its best year. This year you donated $11,894.00 Can., which totals $52,361.00 over the last eight years---who would have thought it possible?

One of the incredible happenings this year was that our 3 children, their spouses and 4 grandchildren came for a week. They took part in handing out supplies and uniforms in the Haitian village, ghettos, school and Orphanage. This will be a “forever” experience in their lives! The cheers and words “gracious”, the hugs that we received as a family were also meant for you as I told the children of the love coming from my friends in Canada and U.S.. You have made a phenomenal difference!

Here is what YOU did for 13 schools this year– 683 complete uniforms, 749 schoolbags, 37 pairs of shoes.

The inventory of supplies brought down this year totaled 21 suitcases. Items included— 3 wheelchairs 1900 pens 1300 pencils 820 pkgs crayons 360 folders scribblers erasers rulers 10 boxes of chalk 60 calculators 1789 toothbrushes 815 rosaries 1700 candies 72 ties clothes toiletries toys

Some interesting totals for the last few years—2487 uniforms 2413 schoolbags 14 wheelchairs 5354 toothbrushes 11,900 pens 3020 boxes of crayons 146 suitcases of supplies

Three families received wheelchairs--there is no doubt that the recipient benefits, but I tell you that the jubilation in the parents eyes says it all when their child can sit and move comfortably for the first time. The Martina Orphanage for girls in Puerto Plata received 4 large suitcases of supplies, including uniforms and schoolbags. We left them $1,000.00 for food and $360.00 to purchase each child a pair of shoes. The love and safety offered here is beyond words. A donation of $270.00 was given to pay the rent/books for a school of 25 children that was going to close unless the rent was paid –where would these little ones go?

How does one say “thank you” to people who took down supplies and wheelchairs? The supplies came from wonderful Companies and friends. You know who you are—“Thank you”!

The project could not be accomplished without the support from the Windsurf Hotel and Staff as well as Skyservice Airlines. I do not choose the children myself, so without the help of the Sosua School Board, in particular Mario Bonilla and Evely Peniche, as well as my co-workers Socorro Acevedo, Rafael Pena, Jelo Peniche, and Pam Roberts none of this would be possible. My heartfelt thanks to my husband Vince who is always at my side to help out and to my children and grandchildren who came and made this such a special year. I am so proud of you! Without my personal friends and family it would also be very difficult to continue, you have all played such a huge part in this journey. I salute you!

Dated: November 1st, 2006

99 Acadia Bay,
Winnipeg, MB R3T 3J1
Ph. 204-269-3280
Email: lvreilly@shaw.ca

Dear Friends of “Project Dominican School Friends”:

This year will celebrate the 10th trip within 8 years to the Dominican with school supplies! Six of those years have included supplying school uniforms and school bags. Last year I was unsure as to whether I would be able to do this again because of family matters—but it seems that “it’s another liftoff” and my family is encouraging me to continue--so we will go again for a month and take it one year at a time.

The inventory of supplies over the last few years is astonishing—some totals include-- 1804 uniforms, 1664 schoolbags, 11 wheelchairs, 3565 toothbrushes, 10,000 pens, 2200 boxes of crayons and 125 suitcases full of many things such as toiletries, ties, socks and supplies for teachers. The monies donated to date are $40,467.00—who would have believed this was possible!?

The children cannot attend school if they do not have a uniform. A uniform, bag and possibly a pair of shoes costs about $40.00--$50.00 depending on the exchange. I will work with the Sosua School Superintendent again to determine those most in need, distribute uniforms at a Haitian village, and return to the Orphanage in Puerto Plata (which looks after young girls and helps restore many lives from prostitution). Wheelchairs are always a godsend to families and their need cannot be measured.

I am coming to you again this year to offer you the opportunity to participate in this awesome chance to give hope and much needed help. Of course I cannot do this without your generosity. I believe that education is the single most driving force to helping others out of poverty. It is early November, but the hectic Christmas season rolls around and we soon get caught up in our holiday plans. If you care to donate, I would appreciate wrapping most of this up by mid December so that uniforms can be ordered.

If you can contribute, please make your cheque to “Dominican School Friends” and send to the above address. I would be pleased to hear from you, and of course, you will hear from me upon my return.

Your gift is “never to little”; we give as generously as we can.

Dated: March 20, 2006

DEAR SUPPORTERS OF “PROJECT DOMINICAN SCHOOL FRIENDS”:

Almost as quickly as it started, another year of donations has gone by—but it hasn’t passed by without amazing results! The concept of helping children to go to school with a uniform has had its best year. This year you donated $11,182.00 Can., which totals $40,467.00 over the last seven years---unbelievable.

I cannot begin to tell you how eyes shone with anticipation as they waited their turn and yes, the sadness in my heart if someone had to be left out; I simply had to look away. Can you feel the love these children are sending you---please do! The cheers and words “gracious”, the hugs that I received were also meant for you as I told them of the love coming from my friends in Canada. You have made a huge difference!

Here is what YOU did this year– 643 complete uniforms, 700 schoolbags, 45 pairs of shoes.

The inventory of supplies brought down this year totaled 16 suitcases. Items included— 3 wheelchairs, 2820 pens, 400 pencils, 740 pkgs crayons, 500 folders, 8000 sheets paper, 756 toothbrushes, 37 calculators, 880 rosaries, 2000 candies, clothes, toiletries, toys

Some interesting totals for the last few years—1804 uniforms, 1664 schoolbags, 11 wheelchairs, 3565 toothbrushes, 10,000 pens, 2200 boxes of crayons, 125 suitcases of supplies

Families received 3 wheelchairs donated by the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities with great joy.
The Martina Orphanage in Pueto Plata was visited, 3 large suitcases of supplies, including uniforms and schoolbags left. The orphanage is the only place I leave cash; I am so happy that we were able to give them $500.00 for much needed food. The love, cleanliness and safety offered here is beyond words.

How does one say “thank you” to people who did not know me and yet took down supplies and wheelchairs. The supplies came from far and near, some of you I have never met and yet you support these children—amazing. You know who you are—“Thank you”!

The project could not be accomplished without the support from the Windsurf Hotel and Staff. They look after me and make sure I am not lost. I do not choose the children myself, so without the help of the Sosua School Board, in particular Mario Bonilla, Evely Peniche, and my co-workers Socorro Acevedo,
Rafael Pena, Carlos Castillo, Jelo Peniche, Pam Roberts none of this would be possible. My heartfelt thanks to my husband Vince who is always at my side to help out and to my children/grandchildren who encourage and help me. Without my personal friends and family it would also be very difficult to continue, you have all played such a huge part in this journey. I salute you!

To those of you who were able to give monetary donations--you are the backbone and torch carriers of this project. Some of you were able to join me in the distributions and I hope you can share this joy with others.

Love to you all, Louise Reilly 99 Acadia Bay Winnipeg, MB R3T 3J1 (204) 269-3280

“The greater the gifts, the greater the responsibilities – Thank you for your gift”

Dated: October 18, 2005

Dear Friends of "Project Dominican School Friends":

This will celebrate the 9th trip within 7 years to the Dominican with school supplies and the 5th trip that has included school uniforms and school bags. The inventory over the last years still astonishes me-- Total monies raised: $29,285.00, 1161 uniforms, 964 schoolbags, 358 pairs socks, 2700 toothbrushes, 109 suitcases of school supplies, 7 wheelchairs. Amazing! None of this could have been possible without your support.

I am coming to you again this year to ask for much needed help. I anticipate that this will be my last trip connected to this charity - retirement is happening in our household and we do hope to take some of our travels elsewhere. This makes me sad in many ways, but I know that if "life changes", I can always change my mind in the future.

My intention is to work with the School Superintendent of Sosua once again-it worked out well last year, they took me to the mountains were I found a desperate need, as well as the areas of Cabarete, Sosua, and Sabaneta. I will go back to the Orphanage in Puerto Plata run by the Sisters of Perpetual Help. The orphanage has become important to me because they have restored the lives of young girls in prostitution, and given shelter and love to young girls whose parents have died or abandoned them.

The children in the Dominican cannot attend school if they do not have a uniform. A uniform and school bag costs about $40.00-$45.00 depending on the exchange at the time I am there.

Of course I cannot do this without your generosity. I believe that education is the single most driving force to helping others out of poverty. It is only October, but the hectic Christmas season rolls around and we soon get caught up in our holiday plans. If you care to donate, I would appreciate wrapping most of this up by mid December so that uniforms can be ordered.

If you can contribute, please make your cheque to "Dominican School Friends" and send to the above address. I would be pleased to hear from you, and of course, you will hear from me upon my return.

Yours Truly, Louise Reilly 99 Acadia Bay Winnipeg, MB R3T 3J1 (204) 269-3280

"We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere"

Dated: March 09, 2004

It is said that "Money is your message to places where you cannot be"-it is with immense pride and pleasure that I write this letter. I am overwhelmed with your generosity of $6500.00, as well as 15 suitcases full of school supplies/teacher aids/toothbrushes/ toothpaste and so much more, all donated by suppliers and acquaintances. There are so many people to thank- those who gave of their time to help, sort, take luggage, help distribute and be supportive. You know who you are- "Thank-you"!!

Such exciting news! Donations and exchange rates were much higher making this an exceptional year! Last year we gave out 220 complete uniforms and were ecstatic. Here is what we accomplished this year:

The uniforms and supplies were distributed to 18 very poor schools or communities. Wheelchair recipients were Gilbert-15yrs and Julanie-13 yrs. Wheelchairs have become a very important part of my trip because I see the tremendous help it offers not only the children, but the parents and family who can no longer lift or carry their loved ones. The orphanage takes in very young prostitutes and homeless girls-an inspiration!!

The project could not be accomplished without the support from Sunset Resorts. Windsurf Hotel front desk staff and 5 active volunteers in Cabarete were my "my field workers", gathering names of children and taking me to the needy. The project has grown beyond any of my dreams. Without the constant support and encouraging love from my family and these outstanding co-workers I would be unable to continue.

It is always a joy that some of you were in Cabarete to help distribute and see for yourselves the great need. The appreciation and love from children, parents and teachers is always a gift to remember. It is stated that 1 out of every 5 poor children entering the 1st grade will complete 5th grade. Of poor heads of households, 85% have never completed primary education. Let us hope and pray that maybe we can help change this!

Every year is another decision as to whether I can do this again- the decision is made in September, because life and circumstances change. The one thing that I do know is that my soul is in the D.R. and that my life has been forever changed because of these last few years. When I decide, you will all be the first to know!

I would enjoy hearing from you and any of your comments. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Dated: February 28, 2005

Dear Supporters & Friends of "Project Dominican School Friends":

Your generosity amazes me-and it should not, because I know of the goodness that you have within you. This year the total raised was $7211.55 Canadian--it simply gets better every year! With the peso down, buying power was not as strong, as many of you will know if you traveled to the D.R. this year. Cost of everything was almost doubled, affecting the cost of uniforms. I am still thrilled with the outcome: 285 complete uniforms, 300 schoolbags, 100 pairs of socks, and $250.00 for food to the Orphanage.

The inventory of supplies brought down totaled 11 suitcases this year.
Items included:

• 1300 pens
• 1000 pencils
• 300 boxes of crayons
• 1700 toothbrushes/dental floss
• 1200 candies
• 200 misc. pieces
• 300 folders/paper
• 836 rosaries

The uniforms and supplies were distributed to 5 schools in the Sosua district. They were chosen with the help of the School Board Superintendent, who identified the extremely poor in the backcountry and mountains. Four other groups from the Cabarete/Sabanete area were chosen with the help of Socorro, Rafael and Evely.

Two wheelchairs were brought down again; the joy and help this brings to families of the recipients cannot be measured! One chair was given to Zuleiki, an 11yr old girl with cerebral palsy, the other to Carmen, a 50 yr old lady whose leg was amputated because of diabetes. These families could never, afford this luxury and comfort.

Interesting totals for the project for the last 6 years: 1161 uniforms, 964 schoolbags, 358 pairs of socks, 109 suitcases of school supplies, 7 wheelchairs, 2700 toothbrushes. Amazing!

It has been my policy not to give cash, but an exception was made with the Orphanage. This is a marvelous place run by the Sisters of Perpetual Help. Girls are taken in from the ages of about 2-20. Many young girls have been taken off the streets of prostitution and have restored their lives. The love, cleanliness and safety offered here is beyond words. There is not enough money to feed the 30 children, so for this reason I chose to give cash for food supplies as well as uniforms and various supplies to help out.

The project could not be accomplished without the support from Sunset Resorts and Windsurf Hotel staff. I have people who drive me to where I need to be and Ocean Taste Restaurant fed a group of 40 poor children at no cost -how does one say "thank you" appropriately? The quality of the donations is incredible and greatly appreciated by the teachers, children and parents. Several people were my luggage deliverers, and without you it would have been impossible to transport the supplies. You know who you are - "Many Thanks".

To those of you who were able to give monetary donations--"thank you"--you are the backbone and torch carriers of this project. I have had the privilege of having a few of you work with me and enjoyed having you!

To those of you who were able to give monetary donations--"thank you"--you are the backbone and torch carriers of this project. I have had the privilege of having a few of you work with me and enjoyed having you!

Dated: March 09, 2004

It is said that "Money is your message to places where you cannot be"-it is with immense pride and pleasure that I write this letter. I am overwhelmed with your generosity of $6500.00, as well as 15 suitcases full of school supplies/teacher aids/toothbrushes/ toothpaste and so much more, all donated by suppliers and acquaintances. There are so many people to thank- those who gave of their time to help, sort, take luggage, help distribute and be supportive. You know who you are- "Thank-you"!!

Such exciting news! Donations and exchange rates were much higher making this an exceptional year! Last year we gave out 220 complete uniforms and were ecstatic. Here is what we accomplished this year:

The uniforms and supplies were distributed to 18 very poor schools or communities. Wheelchair recipients were Gilbert-15yrs and Julanie-13 yrs. Wheelchairs have become a very important part of my trip because I see the tremendous help it offers not only the children, but the parents and family who can no longer lift or carry their loved ones. The orphanage takes in very young prostitutes and homeless girls-an inspiration!!

The project could not be accomplished without the support from Sunset Resorts. Windsurf Hotel front desk staff and 5 active volunteers in Cabarete were my "my field workers", gathering names of children and taking me to the needy. The project has grown beyond any of my dreams. Without the constant support and encouraging love from my family and these outstanding co-workers I would be unable to continue.

It is always a joy that some of you were in Cabarete to help distribute and see for yourselves the great need. The appreciation and love from children, parents and teachers is always a gift to remember. It is stated that 1 out of every 5 poor children entering the 1st grade will complete 5th grade. Of poor heads of households, 85% have never completed primary education. Let us hope and pray that maybe we can help change this!

Every year is another decision as to whether I can do this again- the decision is made in September, because life and circumstances change. The one thing that I do know is that my soul is in the D.R. and that my life has been forever changed because of these last few years. When I decide, you will all be the first to know!

I would enjoy hearing from you and any of your comments. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Dated: October 2003,

Once again, my journey to help the children in the ghettos of Cabarete, Sosua and Sabanete areas of the Dominican continues. Each year is another decision and commitment to these families in destitute situations.

Last year I had the privilege of distributing, for you, 220 complete uniforms, 220 schoolbags and hundreds of miscellaneous school supplies. Clutched close to my heart was an envelope containing $4850.00 in traveler's cheques. This amount represented your generosity, without you this project cannot exist!

It is my intention to once again take two wheelchairs. This has undoubtedly been an experience of joy to witness. I hope to visit past recipients, Lanna and Darlene and find them well and much more active. They are my heroes!

I have decided that I will leave on Jan 25/04 and spend a full two weeks delivering uniforms, schoolbags and miscellaneous school supplies to children and teachers. Education may be one of the most important factors that may help these families out of their impoverished conditions and is a "doable" project in a short period of time. Thank you to Sunset Resort and Windsurf Hotel staff; you are my angels and field workers.

Of course, I cannot do this without your generosity. It is only October, but the hectic Christmas season rolls around and we soon get caught up in our holiday plans. These children cannot attend school if they do not have a uniform. If you care to donate, a uniform costs about $30.00 and a schoolbag $10.00. I have made an effort to buy good quality products as they get handed down and shared by several. I would appreciate wrapping most of this up by the end of December so that uniforms can be ordered.

Please make your cheques out to "Dominican School Friends" and send to the above address. I would be so pleased to hear from you and of course you will be hearing from me when I return.

Dated: March 2003

In the winter of 2002, I continued on with my journey of wanting to see children educated in the Dominican Republic. For the fifth time, I brought suitcases full of pens, pencils, notebooks and last year school uniforms were purchased. The excitement and joy that shone in these childrens' eyes, the gratitude that I felt in the hugs and words of "gracias con amor"("thank you, with love") from parents and grandparents will forever make these suitcases of memories rewarding to carry.

What have you done? I am ecstatic to tell you that I was able to purchase 220 complete uniforms, 220 schoolbags and distribute your gifts of school supplies and toys to hundreds of children. I visited children in the poorest areas of Cabarete, Sosua, Sabaneta, Loma Bejita and Cangajo. The excitement in these children's eyes, their smiles and hugs all said "thank-you". The lowered eyes with tears, handshakes and sometimes a hug from parents said to me, " I couldn't afford this, I am doing the best I can, thank-you". My reply to them was always-"just say a prayer for us, we need them always."

Because of my experience last year, I took two wheelchairs. One was given to Lanna, a 7 yr old boy. I am not sure I have witnessed such joy ever!! This child had been bed or floor ridden unless carried since birth. He knew I was coming, and although he is also mentally challenged, understood completely what he was going to receive and was ecstatic--I could not cry because I was cheering right along with him. I will visit Lanna again some day, he is my hero. The seconsd chair donation was a pathetic situation in a desperately poor Haitian village. Nauri is a 10 yr old boy challenged both mentally and physically since birth. I am sure he had not been taken out of the house for a very long time. It is my belief that his mom will benefit as she will be able to move this child with more ease now. I remember these experiences with mixed emotions--joy and sadness.

The project could never have been accomplished without the encouragement of Sunset Resorts and the Windsurf Hotel front desk people. They are truly " my eyes, my field workers" gathering and directing me to the needy in the ghettos and those children who cannot help themselves. They have become friends, as well as family to me.

I had the pleasure of sharing these experiences with some of you who were also vacationing in Cabarete. It gives me such joy to share this experience. I am sure you enjoyed it as well. Thank you for being there as it always encourages me to take that next step.

Will I do this again? Who knows! My soul is always in the D.R., but there is another world somewhere out there. However, should I decide-you will all be the first to know!

I'd enjoy hearing from you and any of your comments. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

"We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere".

Thank you for being part of my life journey!