Charity worker visits church group

African charity worker Ms Stella Mesikano will be visiting the Peninsula next month to thank the Mission Support Group of the Uniting Church in Ettalong for its continued support in Africa.

Ms Mesikano will be guest speaker at a special luncheon organised by the group on Thursday, March 20, starting at 12 noon.

Mission Support Group president Ms Gwen Shave said the group has been supporting charities in Africa for over 10 years.

"Helping others in need helps us to appreciate how lucky we are," Ms Shave said.

"We have a unique opportunity to help other people who may not have access to the simple luxuries in life such as food and shelter."

The Ettalong-based charity group began knitting small squares for rugs that were to be donated to Australian and overseas charities, including Africa.

"We were all good knitters and enjoyed doing it," Ms Shave said.

"So we put our talents to good use and began knitting ... and we have not stopped since.

"For many years, generous people have been knitting squares for rugs which have been distributed far and wide.

"The luncheon is a unique opportunity to hear Stella, who works with communities who receive many of our rugs."

Ms Mesikano first came into contact with the Mission Support Group after former Peninsula resident Mr Glen Price put them in touch with each other.

At the time Mr Price was a Qantas cabin crew member and responsible for the distribution of donated goods to local charities in Africa.

"Glen knew our group was willing to help anybody in need," Ms Shave said.

"And he knew of a woman (Ms Mesikano) that was in need of our help.

"It all worked out rather well."

Ms Mesikano is the founder of the Chiedza Child Care Centre in Zimbabwe.

She has developed the centre into a holistic community child care centre with a pre-school, soup kitchen, laundry block, playground and vegetable garden.

The centre's aim is to provide a caring home for orphans and children in difficult circumstances, including those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Ms Mesikano has over 30 years experience in child care and her dream is to expand the success of Chiedza to other areas in Zimbabwe.

"There is no doubt that Stella is looking forward to meeting us all and saying thank you for our ongoing support," Ms Shave said.

"Her visit is important in bringing awareness to the ongoing support that is needed in her region and many others in Africa."

The luncheon will be open to the public and donations will be accepted on the day.

For more information, contact Gwen Shave on 4344 6188.

Press release, 22 Feb 2008 Gwen Shave, Uniting Church Ettalong