Surgical Success Stories - Sirate, Azalech & Kebebush (#326 to #328)

Sirate is 50 years old. She gave birth to nine children and they are all still alive. She has had her prolapse for one year and today is prolapse free and recovering!

Azalech, who is 40 year old, had suffered from her prolapse for the last three years. She has seven children and all of them are still living. She did extremely well in surgery and is now resting and recovering.

This is Kebebush and she thinks that she is 40 years old. She had six children and five are still alive. She’s married but she has been estranged from her husband for a long time. She had very severe prolapse that she’s had for a year and she is now prolapse free by the grace of God and your generous support and help.

The remarkable life of Tesfa Alebachew

When we opened the metal gate and walked into the shelter in Harar, Ethiopia, we were in awe.

Vibrant pink, blue and green-painted walls, rows of cute planted pots, and meticulous grounds. It’s home to dozens of children who have nowhere else to go or no one able to take care of them.

And all of it stems from one man, a guy who lived a hard life, and had a vision to make sure kids like him could travel a better path.

“I lived on the street from age seven to 17. That’s why I established this organization,” Tesfa told us. And he was more than willing to share.

“If my story could help others, that would make me so happy. I am not ashamed of the life I have lived.”

Tesfa works just one week of every month, selling items in Djibouti, a big trading hub in East Africa. The rest of the time, he’s at the shelter in Harar, keeping it running, caring for the children, and ensuring their needs are met.

He isn’t paid for any of that work. He’s dedicated his life to it anyway.

There are 90 children in his care.

“I am with them until the end of their success,” Tesfa told us. “Some who don’t have family think of me as their father. I am with them to the end - they may even need a grandfather,” he said with a smile.

He’s turned personal heartbreak and tragedy into something beautiful.

When Tesfa was a young boy, his mother died. His father had left years before, and he had no other family to look after him. He ended up living on the street, selling khat (pronounced chat) to businessmen and asking if they had any work for him.

Khat is a plant that’s chewed or brewed into tea so people can experience its high, which is similar to amphetamines. It’s been used spiritually and socially for many, many years and is sold at busy, bustling markets, largely in east Africa.

“Street life is very difficult,” Tesfa said. He honed his communciation skills by talking to people and looking for odd jobs.

And his inner determination was never dimmed. Even while homeless, Tesfa was volunteering and raising money to help fellow street children. His goal was often to buy schoolbooks.

At one point, he ended up in jail, after a raid to clear out all the children and folks living on the street. He told us how he pleaded with the guards for a break to write his Grade 8 exam, a three-day affair that can help determine a child’s future.

“I was granted a reprieve to take the exam, and then went back to prison. That’s how life is on the street,” he told us.

Later in life, when he was a teenager, Tesfa’s father found him. He was a wealthy man who had other children. Living with his dad didn’t go well, Tesfa said. They couldn’t relate to one another after so many years apart.

“I was hurting psychologically. They didn’t really accept me as their own.”

He was hesitant to go back to the streets, especially because others there knew of his newfound family money. Instead, he moved out on his own to chart his own path. He built his own kind of family.

The shelter is more than just a place to stay. It’s beautiful, it’s safe, it’s homey. And Tesfa has built an incredible network, convincing local merchants, business owners and townspeople to contribute to his project.

Most can’t offer money, but they give services - a barber cuts the boys’ hair, a hotel offers up leftover food. That in-kind donation is almost unheard of in Ethiopia. We were absolutely amazed by Tesfa’s system.

The global pandemic rocked the shelter, though, as it did many non-profits and social projects. Tesfa’s community support simply dried up. Everyone was scared of contracting the virus, and many local people lost their source of income.

He reached out to Hearts for Ethiopia, currently the shelter’s only international supporter, for help.

You responded.

Tesfa sent videos of thanks when the donations started flowing, showing off the food and cleaning supplies donors helped to purchase.

The kids were overjoyed.

These are children who have been through unimaginable trauma, just like Tesfa. They’ve slept in doorways, been beaten by shopowners, robbed of what little they have, and lived in fear of government officials and police and people on the street who are bigger and stronger and also fighting for survival.

Tesfa, even when he was a homeless 10-year-old, was a leader. He helped his friends on the street to stay engaged and seek an education. Some graduated university thanks to his help.

Now, he’s ensuring that hundreds of vulnerable children don’t have to go through the same struggles he did.

And more than just providing clothing or food or a roof overhead, he’s built a home.

“If the 90 children are going to succeed, we have to be a family. If one is sck or in trouble, the 90 will contribute their skills to help,” he said.

We are so inspired by Tesfa’s work, and the amazing gifts he offers these children. Thank you, Tesfa, for sharing your life journey with us and reminding us of the good in the world.

Surgical Success Stories - Alemaz, Talgora & Mulunesh (#323 to #325)

This sweet woman is Alemaz and she is 50 years old. She is married with six living children after having given birth to eight.  She’s been suffering from her prolapse fo the last 10 years and today is prolapse free!

Talgora is 55 years old. She had very severe prolapse that had troubled her for three years. She is widowed and lives with one of her two children that survived after giving birth to six others. She seemed to be literally smiling the whole time that she was at the hospital. She was so grateful for the care that she received a few weeks ago and for her care during this stay.

This is Mulunesh who says she’s 46 but she looks much younger than that to us! She had four children and they are all alive. She had very, very severe prolapse that she’s suffered with for 2 years. She had difficulty sitting because of it and the surgery took quite a while but the doctors were able to successfully help her!

Appreciating Our Volunteers: Peg McKinnon

Peg McKinnon has considered herself to have had a very fortunate life. She has always had a roof over her head, food on the table, and a network of family and friends to love and support her. When her daughter-in-law invited her to volunteer at a fundraising event called Gems & Java, Peg thought she could use the many skills she had relied on in her working career to help out. After having retired from a busy, and often stressful position, Peg found that she still had the drive to continue exercising the skills and abilities developed throughout a life path including 36 years in the workforce. After participating in the work and dedication that went into the massive undertaking of Gems & Java, then hearing Shelley Green give a speech about her personal connection to the people the organization served, Peg never looked back.

Peg is a wife, mom, grandmother and great-grandmother, and also takes pride in her role on the Volunteer Engagement Committee, working alongside two other amazing women, Amanda Bragg and Sandy Smith. Her work is inspired by knowing that what she does with her team makes a difference. Someone far away in the world experiences support and relief, even if just for a brief moment, because of Peg’s caring heart. Knowing she is helping people is why Peg volunteers. In this organization, Peg really believes that the efforts of just one person make a significant impact on another person’s life. Every minute of volunteerism matters in Hearts for Ethiopia.

Peg loves being part of a network of like-minded, dedicated volunteers.  Her committee works collaboratively, developing communication to our volunteers, organizing their responses, all the while problem-solving the inevitable curves in the road. Seeing it all come together successfully at the Gems & Java event days makes it all worthwhile. Peg and her team keep the efforts and energies of the team focused and connected.

When asked what Peg would say to someone thinking of joining the team, she replied, “Just come out. Try it once. Iron a sheet, sort some jewelry, hang some pictures, bring a friend, be brave, come on your own! You will love it.”

Our team is so much stronger because Peg McKinnon and her team keep us on task, fully supported, and filled with praise for our efforts. Thank you Peg and team for ‘engaging’ us.

Surgical Success Stories - Biranesh, Ezera & Marte (#320 to #322)

Please meet Biranesh. Doesn't she have a lovely smile? She had severe prolapse for the past three years. She is married, was pregnant nine times and delivered six children. All of her children are living. She is so happy to no longer have her prolapse. This is such a valuable service that you are supporting!

Ezera is 35 years old and has had her prolapse for three years. She is married and has six children, all of whom are still alive. She had to have a blood transfusion prior to her surgery.   but her surgery went well.

Marte Mamo, who is 50 years old, has struggled with her prolapse for three years. Also like Ezera, she is married and was blessed with seven children, all of whom are still alive. Her surgery was performed and went extremely well. Thank you for your generosity that changes lives like Marte’s!

Appreciating Our Volunteers: Deb & Duane Griffith

To say that volunteerism is a family trait would perfectly describe Deb and Duane Griffith and their two adult children, Ashlee and Brent. The couple have dedicated much of their relationship in service to others in one capacity or another, and this desire to help is how Deb, and then Duane, got involved in Hearts for Ethiopia. Deb and Ashlee attended one the organization’s primary fundraisers, Gems & Java, way back when it was still held in an Innerkip church. Both mom and daughter were inspired by what they saw that day, and it wasn’t long before their passion and commitment to the organization gave Duane the nudge to join in, too.

The couple were born and raised in Woodstock, and have lived in the city their entire lives. Duane has retired from a 38-year career working for General Motors, lastly as a Lead Facility Manager, and Deb retired from Advertising/Sales consulting for The Oxford Shopping News where she worked for 25 years. Both bring a valuable skill set to their volunteer roles at Hearts. Deb is one of the members of the Gems & and Java Committee and the lead volunteer coordinator for the Bags N Bobbles Boutique. Duane works with Shelley on sponsorship and donations. He also provides muscle and brain power during setup and teardown for the big yearly event. They are involved with Hearts in some capacity year-round.

Deb and Duane credit Ashlee’s passion for the organization as the inspiration for their commitment. Once they were exposed to Shelley and her team, and witnessed for themselves the benefits this work can bring to women and children living far more challenging lives than any of us could imagine, they saw some good use for their retirement years. The couple know that here in Canada we are blessed with so much social and financial means at our disposal, and they truly appreciate how directly the efforts of this organization impact lives positively in Ethiopia. It is so gratifying to know all the money raised by this 100% volunteer-based group goes directly to projects we sponsor in Ethiopia.

When asked what they would say to anyone thinking of volunteering for Hearts for Ethiopia, Duane responded:

“If we were in bad state for whatever reason, there are many groups/organizations we could turn to for assistance in Canada. Those groups we support in Ethiopia don’t have and never will have that luxury. It is very gratifying knowing we assisted young men/women and children in the six major projects Hearts for Ethiopia support. We truly make a difference in their lives.”

This work gives Deb and Duane something to work on together. They enjoy the friendships they have made and are lifted by knowing they are helping to really make a difference in lives of the less fortunate. They like to remind their friends that financial support is not the only way to support Hearts. There are so many roles that can be filled throughout the year and they promise, no matter which role you fill, you will be making a difference that matters

Appreciating Our Volunteers: Liz Wismer-Van Meer

Liz Wismer-Van Meer was born and raised in Woodstock. Her family have been in the community for over 70 years owning a number of local businesses, and they all share a deep love for this community. Liz married her high school sweetheart Mike; they have two children Addison & Quinten, their dog Trey (who they adopted two years ago) and their rabbit, Bun Buns, found in an abandoned parking lot. Liz loves being involved in the community; volunteering, working with and helping others, and giving back. Many of us came to know Liz in the time she worked with Heart FM on the morning show. She has since moved on to the not-for-profit world and is now the Resource Development Manager at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County.

Shelley Green shared her vision for this organization just shortly after she adopted her daughter Julia while Liz was working at Heart FM. Given Liz’s aptitude at speaking to large audiences, Shelley wondered if Liz would be interested in hosting our annual fundraiser, a task Liz gladly took on. Listening to Shelley tell her story, hearing about the experiences and dire conditions that so many women and children were living in, Liz felt called to help further. Soon after, Liz was signed up.  She currently holds the positions of Gems & Java Committee Member, and Gems & Java Silent Auction Committee Chair - two very busy and important roles for the team.

Liz is always moved by Shelley’s presentation at the annual Gems & Java fundraiser. Seeing the pictures, watching the videos, hearing the difference being made and seeing how far the funds being raised go motivates Liz to be involved. The first time she saw a video from the projects we are supporting was a complete eye-opener for her. There were women dancing, singing, and celebrating for things we would never consider a gift -- receiving W.R.A.P.S. (feminine hygiene products), a spice grinder so they can work, and surgery to repair a prolapsed uterus. Seeing young girls playing soccer, running, going to school and learning about healthy, active lifestyles…so many things we take for granted each and every day has truly changed how Liz views our lifestyles and the great opportunities we have simply because of the country we were born in. She realizes we are truly blessed.

She absolutely loves the amazing women and men she works with each and every year assisting in planning Gems & Java. There are many hours put into pulling this event together, but when you are in that room with a few hundred guests, seeing their emotions as they watch one of the videos for the first time and witness the difference their support is making in Ethiopia, it gives Liz goosebumps just thinking about it.  Many are moved to tears.  For Liz, just knowing that many lives are being changed because of the hard work and dedication of hundreds of volunteers here in Canada inspires her.

Liz believes future volunteers should check out the vision and mission of Hearts For Ethiopia by checking out the website or Facebook; watch the videos, read about the projects we are supporting and hear the success stories. She would encourage anyone to take the opportunity to attend Gems & Java, even just once to see what it is all about. The beauty of this organization and the main event is there are so many ways to get involved and so many uses for a variety of talents and skill sets. Liz guarantees you will find something that works for you, and the difference you will make for the women and children in Ethiopia is truly life changing! Plus, there is an amazing group of volunteers to get to know. Volunteers like Liz Wismer-Van Meer.

Liz quotes Ghandi: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Appreciating Our Volunteers: Tracy Dunham

You might not realize how often the volunteer work of Tracy Dunham, mother to three adopted children from Ethiopia, is regularly impacting your awareness of our work through Hearts for Ethiopia. 

Tracy works on the Communications Team. The posts you see on social media, including the Prolapse Surgery updates, are managed by our communications team. Tracy gets such fulfilment when reading the stories of the work we are funding and feels intimately connected with those we serve. She gets to see and hear so much of what is going on, and she gets to know the names and faces of the people who are being impacted. In the four years she has been volunteering, she said “that is still my favourite part and keeps me motivated to stay involved.” Tracy is also a behind-the-scenes member of the Logistics Team for our flagship event, Gems & Java.

Volunteer Tracy Dunham is a pastor and an incredible musician and singer. (Also an amazing organizational and technological whiz!!)

Tracy is a pastor to a church in Kitchener, Ontario, and along with her husband, is raising three teenaged kids.  She is passionate about organizing (anything), gourmet donuts, coffee, her husband’s culinary skills (she gets clean-up duty), and her faith.  She donates her valuable time to Hearts because of the simplicity and power of the organization. She tells us that “when we volunteer and money is raised for these projects, lives are changed one person at a time in ways that are obvious.” She also loves that we have incredible partners right in Ethiopia who are making a difference through their dedication to the children and women they serve.

When Tracy was asked what she would say to someone considering joining our volunteer team, she responded: 

“We all want our lives to count for something and sometimes wonder how to make that happen. Volunteering with Hearts means that you will not only be arm in arm with others who are making a difference, not only be working with an organization that strives for excellence in all things, but you’ll be in touch with the tangible results of your work as life after life is changed by the funds we raise. Win-win-win.”

If you volunteer alongside Tracy, you will come to know she works with passion and joy, and a great sense of fun. We are so glad that Tracy Dunham chose Hearts for Ethiopia to dedicate her time, heart and passion for caring for others.

Surgical Success Stories - Berhanesh, Aruse & Abaynesh (#317 to #319)

Berhanesh is 55 years old and widowed. She had seven children and only two have survived. She’s been dealing with her prolapse for the past three years but is now free from her prolapse!

Aruse is a widow from a village who has experienced prolapse for three years. She delivered 12 children, nine of whom are still living. She is very happy to no longer have her prolapse.

Abaynesh had severe prolapse. She has delivered six children, five of her children are still living. She is separated from her husband and has had prolapse for four years . She is very grateful to no longer suffer from this condition. Thank you very much for making a difference in her life.

Appreciating Our Volunteers: Pamela Pilon

Pamela Pilon can be described as a mother, teacher, friend, wife, and citizen of the global family.

Very quickly when talking with Pamela you will come to realize that she is passionate about thinking globally and acting locally.  She firmly believes we each play a role in global health, wealth and welfare, and she is aligned to act and make a difference. 

Volunteer Pamela Pilon handcrafting a cheese board.

Pamela connects with the natural world in her woodworking shop fashioning her own design of cheese boards.  She can observe a piece of wood and see its natural personality and identity, and she finds the experience of creation very powerful.  This might be why she taught 14 of her students how to make their own boards.  The kids fashioned their boards, then sold the product to fund a field trip.  Pamela understands how empowering it is for the kids to go from raw product to experiential outcome from the product they created. 

This gifted artist also has a talent of making jewelry, and it was through her talents with crafting jewelry that Pamela was introduced to our organization, Hearts for Ethiopia.  One of her students, Sarah Leuverink, had a parent involved with the organization from its birth, mother Kim, a long-time friend of founder, Shelley Green.  When a shipment of handmade necklaces arrived from Ethiopia with a design flaw rendering them unusable, Pamela was called upon to come up with a solution.  Problem solving is another one of her passions. 

So, a fix was developed, and Pamela was hooked.

Pamela volunteers on the Logistics Team, helping coordinate the setup and tear down activities of Gems & Java.  She absolutely loves how, in a busy life, her valuable volunteer time is utilized efficiently and effectively toward achieving the organization’s goals.  She decided to give Hearts for Ethiopia her volunteer hours, because she sees everyone as global citizens, and she believes we are blessed to live where we live. She strongly believes we are duty-bound by our good fortune to share our riches and treasures, minds, materials and hearts with those less fortunate.  Pamela is inspired by the grass roots nature of this organization, and she values Shelley Green as a leader and visionary.  For Pamela, Shelley has a brilliant mind, is aware of the skills in others, and understands that there is power in numbers.  Group work makes magic happen.  This leader gets right in the muck, working along side the people she directs.  That’s inspiring to Pamela.

Pamela’s greatest joy comes on the days of our big fundraiser, Gems & Java.  When a first-time guest walks through the doors, and a look of amazement spreads across their face, Pamela’s soul sings.  She intimately knows that behind the glitz and glamour are countless hours of effort, coordination, sweat and grit to present a flawless event. 

Pamela does it all for that look of awe.  It hooks her time and again.