Update from the DWG
The DWG was pleased to be given the opportunity to speak from the pulpit on the weekend of 18th/19th May. Just in case you missed it here’s what was shared:
‘The Developing World Group (DWG) was set up in the early 1980’s by Ian McGregor and Terry Lane, parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes with the support of Canon Maurice O’Leary the Parish priest at that time. So, for over 40 years, we here in Harpenden have continued their mission: to provide financial support for the poorest regions in the developing world.
Our projects are based on initiatives, identified, and managed by local people to avoid creating a culture of dependency. We aim to support primary education, nurture enterprise, and develop self-sufficiency. These smaller projects, under £7,500 go beneath the radar of the major charities. A small sub-group spends a great deal of time researching sustainable projects and applying due diligence, after which we can give documented evidence to you, our kind donors, on the impact your contributions make to our poorer brothers and sisters. Every penny you give goes to the adopted programme.
In the last few years projects have ranged from: providing an incubator for premature babies in South Sudan, a borehole in Northern Uganda, a goat livelihood scheme and a village loan and savings scheme, also in Uganda.
This year, so far, we have committed £4,256 to support education in the small village of Irovo, Kenya. This helped to bring electricity to the school and provide latrines for the pupils. Currently we are supporting Workaid based in Chesham, in their latest appeal on Radio 4 on June 23rd. Not only have you supported their tool collections in the past but have helped provide refurbished tools eg: sewing machines, including training in their use and maintenance.
Our fundraising events in the last few years, especially the brilliantly successful Jigsaw Festival and Lolly in the Loft, as well as Quiz Nights, tool collections and Open Garden have raised vital funds. However, they have also provided great social occasions for the whole Parish.
Our next event is, Tea In The Garden on 1st June from 10am to 3pm hosted by Julia and Nigel Roche. Do bring along any excess bedding plants you may have, to add to our stock for sale. There will also be cakes for sale along with refreshments, a raffle, and the enjoyment of good company.
The DWG warmly invite you to join us: we meet quarterly in the Undercroft. We need your energy, your ideas and your physical support. In short, we need a willingness to help the poorest of our neighbours in the poorest places, to help themselves.
A heartfelt thank you for your continuing support and for listening.’
