Jeff Rolheiser, Matt Palmer and Dave Horrocks assisted in creating and documenting a music program between the Litein
Children’s Orphanage with the Keeping the Circle Strong group.
KCS (Keeping the Circle Strong) started with the students, staff and parents of Fred Seymour Elementary School in Calgary, Alberta.
In February 2006, the recording of the Love Will CD began at the school and in Litein, Kenya. The sales of the CD are going to helping
the Litein Children’s Orphanage. Through the enthusiasm and generosity of these students the circle got stronger by them wanting to
learn and do more for these children on the other side of the world. Pen pals were formed and goals were set to raise money for mosquito
nets, mattresses and basic needs through silent auctions, bottle drives and other fundraisers.
A smaller group of children made presentations to Calgary businesses for donations; they called themselves AFRI-CAN.
Matt Palmer a
local filmmaker saw the spark and spirit of these young kids and decided to make a documentary of this grassroots global citizenship project. By the
end of the school year the children of Fred Seymour raised over $50,000! Their goals were met.
In August 2006 a team of students, staff and parents went to Litein with the money and had new roofs installed, swings repaired, clothes purchased
and special bonds were made.
On November 3rd, 2006 the first Imagine Gala fundraiser benefiting the children of Litein was held at
Webster Galleries and, to no
surprise, was a huge success with a turn out of 250 people and another $50,000 was raised. That evening was also the launch of the new trailer to
the documentary Letters From Litein by
Matt Palmer. Very Powerful!
A steering committee has been formed for KCS and continues to meet once a month. There is current discussion of branching out with this project to
include other schools in Calgary. Plans for a return to Litein this August are also in the works.
For more information go to
www.keepingthecirclestrong.com or email the Tidlund Foundation at
info@tidlundfoundation.com
