A non-profit society that supports an orphanage in Kenya is looking forward to its first – and likely its last – fundraiser at the Clova Cinema.
The New Hope Therapeutic Society is the proud sponsor of St. Elizabeth Children’s Home/Centre in Kisumu, Kenya, where 104 children are cared for.
On Saturday, April 5, the family-friendly movie Mr. Peabody and Sherman will be screened at 10:30 a.m. Proceeds from ticket sales will be used to buy mattresses and blankets.
When the society learned that nine children with pneumonia were recently hospitalized and two are in critical condition, it sprang into action, contacting the Clova Cinema to arrange a fundraising event, said organizer Relaine Murray.
There aren’t enough beds to keep all of the children off the cold cement in their sleeping quarters.
“Our immediate need is to raise approximately $2,000 for mattresses, blankets, medicine and hospital fees,” she said.
The centre needs $3,000 each month to cover food, clothing and pay salaries and other bills. New Hope sends about $750 to $1,000 per month, but is also establishing a child sponsorship program.
The orphanage was founded by director Julius Otieno. In 1990, he took five children off the street to raise with his late wife, Elizabeth, on five acres of land provided by the government. With the help of supporters, he was able to build the orphanage.
New Hope Therapeutic Society – through the efforts of founders Dr. Ken Murray and Sylvia Murray – has been its sole supporter since 2007, when the orphanage’s primary financial benefactor passed away.
“We are extremely saddened and disheartened to learn that this will be our first and last fundraiser at the Clova,” Murray said. “With it closing down at the end of the summer, I can’t imagine what we, or other small local charities will do to raise money. The Clova is the only place I know of that allows fundraisers like the one we are having on April 5.”
For more information on New Hope Therapeutic Society or to purchase tickets ($5), email Murray at newhopets@gmail.com or call 604-572-7241.
According to The Clova Cinema, Mr. Peabody and Sherman is rated G. The description is as follows:
Mr. Peabody, the most accomplished dog in the world, and his mischievous boy Sherman, use their time machine—the Wabac—to go on the most outrageous adventures known to man or dog. But when Sherman takes the Wabac out for a joyride to impress his friend Penny, they accidentally rip a hole in the universe, wreaking havoc on the most important events in world history. Before they forever alter the past, present and future, Mr. Peabody must come to their rescue, ultimately facing the most daunting challenge of any era: figuring out how to be a parent. Together, the time-traveling trio will make their mark on history.Follow the Cloverdale Reporter on 
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