This undated handout photo was taken when members of Canadians Reaching Out to the World's Children visited Teega Wende, an orphanage in Burkina Faso, West Africa.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
reporter@medicinehatnews.com
Local charity Canadians Reaching Out to the World’s Children is hosting a benefit concert Saturday in support of its partner Teega Wende, an orphanage in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Young performers from Medicine Hat and region are providing the entertainment, which will include music and dance.
CARO aims to raise $20,000 by the end of the year, and has raised about 25 per cent so far. This is the first time CARO is holding this type of event, which is being held to honour World Children’s Day, Nov. 20. The charity wants to celebrate the United Nations’ commitment to the well-being of children around the world and thought a concert would also help to reconnect with community, a difficult accomplishment during the pandemic.
“Our local children are such committed performers, whatever talent they’re sharing,” said CARO president Nancy Cocks. “On Saturday, we’ll support them with our encouragement and applause. I hope our children will see how much their performance supports other children who have much more difficult lives. Children win on both continents.”
CARO’s partnership with Teega Wende began in 2004, and continues to support the orphanage’s efforts in protecting vulnerable children and women, while also helping to expand its capacity to care for them. Teega Wende currently aids 240 children, including infants cared for by staff nannies, as well as children hosted by local families while they attend school.
Saturday’s benefit concert runs 2-4 p.m. at Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church. Admission is a free-will offering and CARO will provide a charitable receipt for tax purposes for any contribution of $20 or more. For more information about CARO, find it on Facebook, or through the Canada Helps website.
