Luanna Larusson is extremely grateful for the
support received for her efforts in helping the
people of South Africa.

We would like to take a moment to recognize our generous and kind contributors in our fundraising efforts.

Without you, Luanna's dream would not be put into reality so soon! Thank you!

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A special thank you to the organizations and businesses that so generously donated funds or services.

Frontrunners | Cadboro Bay United Church | South Park School | Women In Need Organization
Runners of Compassion | WeDoHosting.com | Visual Illusion Web Design

To Louise Dickson and the Times-Colonist Newspaper, thank you for telling the story. Because of the repeated coverage, so many wonderful people have stepped forward to all be a part of the dream.
Now the dream is being fulfilled...

To Judy Slattery, who put in numerous hours of time to organize and contribute all proceeds
of a garage sale and silent auction she held at her home, we thank you!

To Craigflower School, who managed to raise almost $200, we thank you!
With the money you donated, Luanna has purchased a new printer for St. Michael's.

To WeDoHosting.com for supporting the hosting of this web site.

To Lois Cameron of Whitehorse for her incredibly generous donation of $2,000, a roof over my head and a job when I'm back in Canada.
I will be eternally grateful for her caring and encouragement.

Below are excerpts from just a few of the hundreds of letters received after
the Times-Colonist newspaper published articles telling Luanna's story...

Each and every letter touched our hearts -- and more than a few tears were shed reading them.

To everyone, we thank you!

Here is a donation to your ongoing journey. May you continue in excellent health. The love that you are sharing with the children on a personal level is absolutely wonderful.

Gandhi found freedom & joy in service to millions in India & South Africa. Mother Theresa walked some rough streets in Calcutta in service of human kind. God bless you.

Joyce & George

Good luck in your quest - we need more people like you. The following is a little poem written by Harriet Du Autermont which I have always found to be inspirational - hope you like it too.

"No vision and you perish;
No ideal, and you're lost;
Your heart must ever cherish
Some faith at any cost.
Some hope, some dream to cling to,
Some rainbow in the sky,
Some melody to sing to,
Some service that is high."

Best Wishes, Joyce

I hope these diapers will make a small contribution towards your efforts in Africa. I was very moved by your story in the newspaper and have also enclosed some monetary funds. I wish you every blessing and success in your efforts to get back to Africa where you are so needed. The world is a much better place for your tireless and selfless dedication to these children.

Sincerely, Claudia

( donated 500 cloth diapers! )

I envy someone like you who has such compassion for unfortunate children in far-away Africa, and is prepared to sacrifice the comfort and security of her life. It is rare and wonderful.

Edwena

You are truly an inspiration of what can be accomplished with a servant's heart. May God bless you and the work you are doing ~ and may He watch over the children in your care.

In His Love, A Friend

I read your story in todays Times-Colonist and I think what you are doing is absolutely wonderful. May God bless you & all the children you are taking care of. You will be in my thoughts & prayers.

Best wishes, Arlene

Congratulations on your excellent efforts on behalf of the children in South Africa. Best of luck in meeting your goal. I hope the people of Victoria support you generously. Bless you for following such a sacred journey & being a wonderful role model for us all.

Sincerely, Lynne

Enclosing a small cheque for you & your work with children in Africa. We really don't appreciate what we are lucky enough to have here - there's so much need out there in other countries. That's why I now sponsor 4 children through World Vision. I can't help physically but I can with a little money. Good Luck!

Sincerely, Darleen

Your work in South Africa, as described today in the Times Colonist, is to be commended. I hope this small contribution will help towards meeting your goal. The satisfaction and feeling of being so useful, in a practical way, to so many must be wonderful. Good luck to you.

Yours sincerely, Paula

I was very moved to read your story in today's paper. What an example you show us all! I am now 71 and retired, so at least I can help in a little way. I hope many more will do the same. Very best wishes - may God care & protect you.

In admiration, Dessie

Your kindness is greatly appreciated by many people that cannot go themselves. In 1995 I went to Guatamala for 4 months, volunteered in a hospital, great experience. I am 72 and may not get another chance. Will you have an account here where I can donate money in the future? Peace and love will go with you.

Tessa

I read about you giving help to so many in South Africa in the T/C. What a blessing you are, and thank you for giving the real reason back to Mother's Day. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and give thanks people like you give so much to so many. The Lord be with you and the children.

Very Sincerely, Jane

Enclosed is a small donation to help you on your way to Africa. I belong to a group that knits toques, scarves, teddies, blankets and makes bandages for third world countries. It goes to the Compassionate Warehouse where it is all shipped out in containers. We could not do without volunteers in this country. Wishing you great succes.

Joyce

Enclosed, please find our cheque to help you fund your trip to South Africa. We very much admire what you are do and wish we could be there alongside you as well. Our younger daughter is presently teaching in Kenya for the year, so we understand your need for funding. She too had to raise money to cover the cost of travel and living expenses for the year. We wish you all the best in the future.

Kind regards, Elisabeth

I was sitting in the kitchen table reading about you in Africa & looked around & saw all the "things" we have and work for. Your work in Africa struck a cord within me and I am in awe of your courage and strength. Please accept this small offering to help you along the way, and thank you for your dedication.

Yours sincerely, Lynn

Further to our telephone conversation, my husband and I enclose this cheque to be used for expenses in Khayelitsha. I will be phoning you soon in order to bring the little African dolls I've made.

Sincerely, Elizabeth

I was touched by your story in the paper & am enclosing my cheque. I wish it could be more but I am on a fixed income. I pray you will get the amount of money you need to carry out your work.

Sincerely yours, Mary

Give a kid a hug from me! I came here 50 yeas ago from Zimbabwe & taught in Victoria schools. I'm retired 19 years now...and still, sometimes, can "smell" Africa on a hot day! Keep up the good work.

Peter

Your story touched me deeply and you are an inspiration to us all. Good luck in all your endeavours - the world does indeed need more people like you.

Sheila

It is an honour to support you in your efforts in Khayelitsha. My heart also is in Africa, in Kenya. They say "you may leave Africa, but Africa never leaves you". I salute you and will keep you in my thoughts.

God bless, Barbara

This will help a little in the enormous job you are undertaking for all of those of us who are too old to be there ourselves. Bless you and give those little ones a hug from me.

Brenda

Enclosed is a cheque to help you return to Africa and give your love to all the children in need. Our prayers go with you.

Sincerely, Doreen & Harry

Wish this could be more, but maybe 998 will follow. Good Luck! I admire what you are doing and wish I was much younger and had the inspiration you feel.

P.B.

Hope this helps a bit towards getting you on your way. We admire what you're doing! Keep up the great work!

Ivy & Maryann

I'm full of admiration for the compassion & caring you have. God Speed!

You're doing a good thing and we admire you for it. Bless you.

M & R

"God bless you and the children."

Georgianna

We wish you the very best in your undertaking. Good luck.

Regards, Richard

Hope this cheque will help a little. Wishing your dream comes true. With God's help and prayers will help you in the future.

Sincerely, Kathleen

I applaud your work in South Africa and I am enclosing some monetary support.

Yours sincerely, Marjorie

Congratulations! You are doing something I have dreamed of doing!

Sincerely, Mary

Please accept this small donation for your mission in Africa.

God bless, Margaret

You are doing what I wish I could do! Best of luck to you.

Barbara