In Angola we continue to support our micro-finance project, working with the NGO Development Workshop. In 2004, we contributed $25,000, with an additional $20,000 granted from Alberta’s Wild Rose Foundation and $25,000 from the Calgary Foundation/W. Brett Wilson Legacy Fund. The impact of the project is remarkable. When we started in Huambo two years ago, the city was one of war-torn buildings with no signs of life. When we returned last April, there were people everywhere, dressed with care and walking with purpose. Buildings had been restored and stores were open - many new and encouraging signs of life and purpose.

Our micro-finance project contributes to the bustling commerce. There are approximately 700 members, 81 per cent of whom are women we help finance in small business ventures. A number of women have told us that the additional income they earn enables them to feed their families two meals a day. We have received repeated thank you's from the recipients to all the donors.