KatieBears Trip to Jamaica

Since September of 2012, KatieBears has sponsored the Dalmally BasicSchool in Dias, Westmorland.

KatieBears has contributed a minimum of $500 CDN per year to Dalmally as well as helped to provide toilets for the boys/girls as well as teachers. Access to power, a new propane stove (6 burner and oven), 650 gallon water tank, teddy bears every 3 years minimum, first aid kits (replenished yearly), supplies (books, puzzles, stickers and sweets) yearly. We have also provided sports equipment, food kits to feed each child's family, and clothing from infant to adult sizes.

In 2016 we plan to level the school yard, build a fence and plant trees to provide shade for the children. Attendance in Dalmally has improved dramatically from 60 pupils in 2012 to 81 currently. We carry a continued relationship with the school each year throughout the year to best suit their current needs.

We have sponsored the UpperTop Lincoln ECI in GrangeHill since Sept of 2013. KatieBears has contributed a minimum of $500 CDN per year to UpperTop Lincoln as well as helped to provide a new propane stove, 650 gallon water tank, teddy bears every 3 years minimum, first aid kits (replenished yearly), supplies (books, puzzles, stickers and sweets) yearly. We have also provided sports equipment, food kits to feed each child's family, and clothing from infant to adult sizes. We carry a continued relationship with UpperTop Lincoln throughout the year to best suit their current needs, too.

In 2015 and 2016 some volunteers for KatieBears were able to accompany Lynda and Ian Fraser to the schools. Below are a few testimonials from some of our volunteers:

Laura 2015-“Going to Jamaica with KatieBears was one of the most enriching experiences of my life! Seeing the difference that has been made in the schools we sponsor has made me see how blessed we really are in Canada.”

Janet & Paul 2016-“In February 2016 we had the distinct pleasure to spend time at two of the basic schools that is generously supported by KatieBears. On arrival we were welcomed by the most enthusiastic group of children we have had the pleasure to meet. Their classrooms, although very modest, were displayed with pictures, vocabulary and alphabet letters. The teachers and volunteers show their total devotion to all of the children in their care. We both commented on the fact that this was indeed the most rewarding part of our vacation. Keep up the good work, these little minds are absorbing the knowledge like a sponge.”

Our volunteers who have been able to see these schools first hand have commented on wanting to help even more after seeing the difference that KatieBears has been able to make these past years.