Thanks to the support of the local community and supporters around the globe, Christmas will come again for families served by the Morgan Jayne Project.
    inSide Drumheller reported in its November 4 issue, of the annual Christmas Miracle project. This was the second year they were able to use the online retailer Amazon to allow supporters to purchase gifts for children and families that would not get a Christmas, living in one of the most poverty stricken communities in the world.
    It only took a few days, and all 90 entries on the annual list were filled.
    Founder of the Morgan Jayne Project, Fred Makowecki, is elated with the response and how the project has grown.
“Donations have come from Australia, South Africa, Asia,” he said of the effort, which 10 years ago had humble local roots. “It blows my mind.”
    He recalls when he first began raising funds for the Morgan Jayne Project, he realized right away he wanted it to grow and last.
    “I didn’t want it to be a flash in the pan, I wanted it to be something that perpetuates. It has gone from a memorial to my daughter and what it does in her name, but it does so much more.”
    He feels even more blessed with the response given the economic climate.
    While the Morgan Jayne Project’s initial goal was to provide formula for children to stop the transmission of HIV and Aids from mother to child, it has given the gift of life. The Charmont Bilingual Academy was established to allow these children to receive a proper education, and Makowecki says this year they are looking at establishing the next level of education.
    “These kids will be going to their version of post secondary, and studying to Grade 12. They will be getting the skills they need to dig themselves out of a chain of poverty,” he said.
    While the new model of completing the wish list using Amazon has literally saved thousands of dollars used for shipping, there is still a need to raise some funds to pay for customs.