Newsletter #18: What A Year!
Dec 27th, 2022
Can you believe that 2022 is almost coming to a close?
There are only 4 days left to donate before the year-end so if you'd like to support our students and families in Guatemala, now is the time!
Help us reach our 2022 goal, and provide the funds needed to start our 2023 school year strong in January! The beginning of the year is when resources are most needed, as we provide the school supplies and classroom equipment necessary for a new rotation of students. We are thrilled to announce that we will be fulfilling our long-time goal of adding Kindergarten and Middle School (Grades 7-9) education to our program in the coming year, which will also come with an increased demand for resources.
CLICK the button below and scroll down to the section in green to see all the ways you can give:
We are so grateful for your consideration and support!
Tax receipts are available for all donations $20+.
This year has been incredible, and the last two months were filled with reasons to be thankful.
On Giving Tuesday (Nov 29th), so many of you joined the global movement to give back and helped us raise $4,796, which was matched by our sponsor to bring the total up to an astounding $9,592! Thank you to everyone who took the opportunity to double their impact in the lives of real families like Sandra's, and of course a huge thank you to our generous sponsor.
On Dec 4th, the 5th Annual EDUPAVI Craft Fair made its highly-anticipated return, where over 400 people showed up to raise $8,038 through their holiday shopping. We were so encouraged by the kindness, energy and talent of our 26 vendors and team of volunteers that made the event possible. Click HERE to read more and see event photos!
UPDATES FROM GUATEMALA:
And finally, we are pleased to report that our annual year-end celebration camp and Live Nativity Parade made their successful return in Guatemala after a 3-year hiatus. Our team of 50 volunteers (including some from EDUPAVI Canada) arrived to prepare and execute a four-day festival that included a day camp for 125 students (think a full day of singing, dancing, games, lessons, art, and fun activities!) and a free medical/dental clinic for all the families in the community.
On the fifth day, our students presented their "Live Nativity" parade which marched through the streets of Zaragoza and ended in a public performance in the town square. To bring the Nativity to life, we had live animals, Mary & Joseph & (real baby) Jesus, angels (grades 1-2), shepherds (grades 3-4), soldiers (grades 5-6) and wise men who all wore handmade costumes.
We are especially proud of our group of student actors (aged 7-10) who experienced their first drama rehearsals and performed in front of 400+ people without missing a beat!
We can't wait to send our full annual report in January, but for now we'd just like to thank you for walking alongside us during this past year. It has been an incredible one, and it is not lost on us that none of this would be possible without your willingness to take part in this story.
We hope the rest of your holiday season is filled with blessing, and we look forward to seeing you next year.
Until next time,
Team EDUPAVI Canada