Port Stephens Crafters to raise funds for African Family Medowie, Ferodale, Campvale by News Of The Area - Modern Media - August 3, 2016August 3, 2016 Last year’s fundraising crafters are hopeful for another successful weekend. Photo by Rachael Vaughan AN event for all craft loving people is coming up, and it’s sure to be one you won’t want to miss. Lauren Chircop, an avid crafter, was inspired after a life-changing trip to Africa with her daughter, to do something wonderful for the ‘Mwakabana’ family she met on her travels. On their return to Australia, she committed to helping this family, and making a difference in their community. Lauren told News Of The Area, “I began by turning my craft business of twelve years over to completely raising money to fund Andrew Mwakabana through University to study social work.” “Our craft group raised enough money to move Andrew out of slum and onto campus to enjoy a life he could never have imagined before,” she said. “The group over the last three years has completely supported his tuition, food and board on campus and next year Andrew will graduate and I hope to open an orphanage in Arusha Tanzania, which Andrew and his father will manage,” Ms Chircop said. The group has also crafted together to fund two operations for other family members, schooling for several orphans that the family have taken in, a bed, clothes and two small businesses for them to produce an income from. Want your business advertised online with the News Of The Area? With 11,383 page-views over the last one month, you’ll reach your online audience & customers. Email us today for a quote: ads@mcnota.com.au This September, the group will again host their annual Craft Connection Fundraising Retreat. The retreat runs for four days from 22 September through to 25 September, and will be held at Motto Farm in Raymond Terrace. The total cost for the full retreat is $210, which includes morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, gift bag and lucky door prizes. There are options also for three, two and single daily rates. Dinner is optional and starts at $25 for the restaurant buffet and accommodation at the motel is also optional so people have the option to stay or travel home each evening. Crafters of any kind are welcome to come and enjoy a special weekend, meet new friends, and help raise valuable funds for this very special African family. For more information, please contact Lauren on 0410609285 or email lauren.chircop@hotmail.com By Rachael VAUGHAN
