Crocs For Orphan Tots: The Crocs are Off to Congo!

Monday, March 31, 2008

The Crocs are Off to Congo!

Well, it is April 1 and we are on our way to Congo. Keep watching the Blog for photos of the children with their new Crocs. Thanks to everyone who has made this project a success!

About The Project

Purpose: To provide durable footwear/shoes in the form of used (or new) Crocs or Croc-like shoes for 200 orphans and school children in need in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa. Orphans range in age from 3-18y/o, so we can use all sizes of Crocs.

2007: We took over 10 pairs of crocs last year and they are still holding up. The director of the orphanage contacted us and told us that they are the best shoes they have ever had and the orphans are so happy to have them.

Next Trip: Dec 2008 is the next planned trip to the orphanage. The plan is to spend New Years with the children of the orphanage.

The last trip in April 2008 was a great success despite the luggage and crocs not arriving until the team was already on their way home. 135 crocs were transported over to the children with this particular trip. Many projects were worked on and there was a lot of work done on assessing need and developing new project plans to meet those needs. See PROLASA's web site for details.

There was supposed to be a trip in Oct 2007, but war and unrest in the area was to blame for the cancellation of that trip.

How many pairs have been collected for the next shipment? 665 pairs and counting.

Total pairs collected to date? 756 pairs and counting.

Who are we working with? Two non profit organizations PROLASA Canada and International Childrens Care in the USA. Both organizations are working together to help provide medical care, housing, food, education and clothing to these orphans.