Swazi Walk

If you know me, you know how I feel about Swaziland. God has changed me, changed our family, and changed my life through this country and through the Swazi people. We have one of our big fundraising events for Swaziland coming up soon. Here are the details:

On Saturday, August 29, Beyond Survival is hosting the 3rd Annual Swazi Walk Fundraising Event. This event provides an opportunity for the people of Vanguard to tangibly help the people of Swaziland, Africa. Last year, we were able through the generosity and commitment of Vanguard Church to raise enough money to purchase a truck for Pastor Walter. This vehicle has made the work of his ministry so much more efficient and effective. Participants will walk from Vanguard church to Children‘s HopeChest (approx. 8.5 miles). This year funds raised will go to help create new jobs and income through a Rose Geranium Farm in Swaziland, Africa. This is a new and exciting opportunity to help those with no family income. An indigenous crop to Swaziland, Rose Geranium provides a simple sustainable business for the people of Swaziland. Simpler than growing a garden, children from this agrarian culture, are able to participate in the growing of Geranium as their project for income. Every six weeks the leaves are cut and distilled for 20 minutes producing oil that will bring them life. The oil is sold in foreign exchange providing a handsome return for families as well as sustaining Care Points. Rose Geranium oil is used to produce much of the world‘s perfumes and colognes and grows best in the climate of Southern Africa. The first farm will create 4 full-time and 16 part-time jobs.
There are 3 ways to be involved. First, come by the table in the lobby of Theater 7 to get a sponsor sheet. Then commit to get sponsors and walk with us!! If you can‘t walk on that day, you can walk on another day yourself or if the walk is too far, you can walk a portion of it from one carepoint to the next. Second, we need help with this event. We could use help with publicity, setting up and manning the carepoints, and donations of water and snacks to serve at the carepoints along the route. Third, you can donate to this cause. You may believe in what we are doing and want to be a part, but cannot participate in the actual walk. Any donations received that are designated for the Swazi Walk will go towards the Rose Geranium project.

For more details on the Rose Geranium project, check out beyondsurvivalonline.org