I am currently supporting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) as the "foster parent" of three young elephant orphans. Poaching and other human interaction is often the cause for many of these babies to lose their mothers long before they are capable of surviving alone. The DSWT works for the physical and emotional well being of the orphans, with the goal of integrating them back into the wild.
In addition to feeding and socialization, the keepers also work to provide lots of physical activity for the elephants, to including kicking footballs around. I will be taking soccer balls to them for the playtime of the orphans.
Perhaps the most important visit scheduled during my time in Nairobi is with the Nyumbani Children's Home, where some 100 abandoned and orphaned children who are HIV+ or have AIDS live. Clothing and recreational resources are much needed for these kids, and I'm happy to be able to take them over 50 jerseys and shorts, along with some tee shirts and soccer balls. (Photo is from the Nyumbani Children's Home website.)
The Ajax Football Team is based in a very poor suburb of Nairobi. Boys ages 14 to 18 play with the team in spite of their living conditions and lack of resources. My lodging host in Nairobi has made arrangements for me to meet the coach and team. I have a full set of new jerseys to give to them.
I would be remiss if I didn't recognize and thank those who made these donations possible: Wisconsin Rapids Kickers (white/red jerseys); Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club (soccer balls); Muskego Kickers SC (jerseys & shorts) and Wisconsin Youth Soccer & Kohl's Department Stores - Sponsor of USYS (tee shirts). Eastbay Team Sales has also supported these efforts through their donation of a large duffle bag that will be used to transport all of these items to Kenya.
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