5th Annual Fundraiser for Grassroots Organization Heshima

On September 24th, Heshima will host its 5th annual fundraiser Voices for Heshima at Ormstown’s Chateauguay Valley Regional high school. The non-profit will present two shows—a matinee at 2:00 P.M. and an evening show beginning at 7:00 P.M.

Each of the two shows will offer something different to the audience, with 100% of the proceeds from the show going to Heshima. The charity’s dance troupe Dance not Drugs, as well as students from both Howard S. Billings high school and CVR will be performing. While there are some changes to the show this year, there are a few things that have remained the same. “One thing that has remained consistent through the years, at Hemmingford Elementary five years ago and at CVR every year since then, is people's support. People’s belief in what we do,” says Heshima’s co-founder Lexis Beattie. The organization will be collecting spare change, soccer equipment, and empty cans and bottles, so guests are encouraged to bring their donations. For those doing some early Christmas shopping, be sure to check out Heshima’s merchandise, all of which is imported directly Kenya.

This year, supporters will encounter another of Heshima’s co-founders, Frederick Marika, who will be on site for the first time. He will share his experience with the audience, having managed the non-profit from Kenya since its inception. “Our show's concept is based on one simple principle: you matter. It is the primary value we instil in our Heshima children, from whichever point we find them at in their lives. We teach our youth how to use their voices to break the silence, that no matter what the world labels you as, you have the final say. We teach peace and watch it multiply,” explains Beattie of the organization’s mission.

Established after Beattie’s second trip to Kenya (an independent trip she opted to take after losing touch with a child she had connected with during her first voyage), the organization aims to educate children both inside and outside of the classroom. It is worth noting that the non-profit’s soccer program alone has around 150 players. Heshima, which translates to “respect, dignity and honour” in Swahili, is consciously striving to improve the lives of many of the children in Kenya. One particular example of how Heshima has helped is clear in the case of Brevin, a youth who was born with cerebral palsy. Before joining Heshima, he sat in the dirt of his home for eight years—without ever having attended school. Heshima got involved after another one of their youths brought Brevin’s situation to light. A year later, Brevin is in school, and has since spoken his first words and taken his first steps.

With an intensive therapy plan, specialists expect Brevin to make a full recovery. This story is one of many—the efforts of Heshima are doing much to make a difference to many of the children living in Kenya.

We are the Voices for Heshima.

Visit www.facebook.com/iamheshimaorg for more information. For tickets contact Lexis Beattie at 438-823-2582 or email her at lexisbeattie@hotmail.com.