Thank you for your support and interest in the Hope of St. Joseph Shelter Inc., a registered Canadian non-denominational charity. We help victimized, destitute and vulnerable children and young adults in the city of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa.
The Eastern part of D.R. Congo is rich in earth minerals. The illegal trade of these minerals has created an economic war.
Villages and families are experiencing violence and disruption. Many young people and children are left homeless and are fleeing to Bukavu seeking refuge.
Our founder, Father Donato Lwiyando, a missionary Xaverian priest, was born in Bukavu. He served as a priest at St. John the Baptist Parish in Amherstburg from 2015-2017.
Father Donato returned to Bukavu and oversees and manages the shelters.
We now maintain three shelters. The children and young adults living at the shelters receive the basics: food, shelter, counseling and an education.
Shelter #1 - St. Joseph accommodates up to 46 young women and children seeking safety and help.
Shelter #2 - St. Mary’s houses up to 28 boys. In 2023, we were able to start rebuilding the new St. Mary’s. Eventually classrooms will be on one of the three levels.
Shelter #3 - Holy Family gives pregnant girls from the streets a chance to deliver their babies safely, learn about baby care and be protected. Holy Family can accommodate up to 10 girls with babies.
In 2023 we started supporting Father’s efforts to bring food to those children living on the streets. Three times a week they receive a portion of beans and rice. Donations for street children welcome.
Would your family be interested? We continue to seek sponsors for children living at the shelters. For a minimum of $25 monthly ($300 a year), your family can sponsor a child giving her/him an opportunity for a better life. You will receive a photo, information regarding your sponsored child and a yearly update. We issue tax receipts.
In 2024, presentations to service clubs and researching grants pertaining to the charity will continue. If anyone is able to help in these areas, please contact us.
In 2023, our successful giant two weekend yard sale helped raise a fraction of the funds required to manage the shelters. This yard sale will be held again in 2024 on County Road 10 at the Beneteau residence.
We are collecting clean, gently used, sellable items starting in February. Please call Mary Beneteau 519-996-4800 to schedule a delivery. Volunteers for this big event are needed.
Please come and support our charity fundraiser Sunday, January 28 at Columbus Community Hall, 190 Richmond St., Amherstburg.
A 5:30 p.m. self-serve meal of pasta/salad (sauce with or without meat) is on the menu. Desserts available.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Bar open. $15 adults; kids 12 and under $8. Take-out available with ticket.
There will be a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and book sale.
Tickets can be purchased from Jean and Larry Allen 519-817-3030; Bev Bondy 519-736-4837; Sue Deslippe 226-280-5144; Kim Bornais 519-816-8154.
For more information contact charity president Larry Allen 519-736-6731 or 519-817-3030.
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